Cross Channel this w/e

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WayneS

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This w/e is my first planned crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg but the current forecast is for SSW winds.

I was planning to leave from Yarmouth on Sunday early AM if the wind was SW or direct from Portsmouth if it was Westerly, Northerly or Easterly.

While I know only too well that this forecast could change, what would you guys do?

Why oh why do the gods always try to get me down.......


Wayne

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\"crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg \"

you have already made the most serious mistake!

never ever put down your planned destination as "TO" somewhere. it invites fate to intwervene as you have now discovered. destinations in ship's logs are always "for" or "towards", "to" being written in on arrival.

a sensible sailor will go where the wind dictates and enjoy it, so consider a trip to chichester or further east, perhaps further along the french coast. you can always change your mind at the last minute if the wind veers.

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I think I would still go from Yarmouth as with the little bit of west in it you've still got some angle that you might be able to sail.

Is the wind likely to swing round to west at all ? If it does you will be well placed but if its likely to go south then you will be either be tacking a lot or motoring.

Also think about what way the tides will take you. This could improve your angle to the wind and allow you to sail more rather than motor.

I would tend to go with the tide to west for a while then tack onto starboard (assuming SSW) and see what my COG is. Stay on this tack for a while and watch your COG .

With the west going tide on your lee bow you should get close to the 180 deg course you will require from the Needles. However you will need to plan where you want to be for when the tide changes to east going.

Carefully plan ahead your strategy as you don't wan't to punch the tide approaching Cherbourg.







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I was planning to sail towards Cherbourg or Braye on Monday, either from Portsmouth or Yarmouth. This will be my first crossing also. However, having looked at the forecast I will probably head towards Yarmouth or Poole and then cross the channel on Tuesday when it looks as if the wind may be more westerley.



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Yarmouth - alderney. is normally very good approx 60 miles. If you leave yarmouth an hour before HW. You will get 7 hours of helpful tide going towards your destination. Plot it on your chart using your the tidal diamonds. the only thing to be aware of is the fowl tide on the last hour or so approaching alderney, neapy so not too bad (make sure you are well west). otherwise you will be in Cherb. It's about 8-9 hour passage if the winds not on the nose.

Looks like a NW / W 3/4 at weekend. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.weatherweb.net/uksail.htm> weather </A>

have a great trip

<hr width=100% size=1>/forums/images/icons/wink.gif <font color=blue> Regards Andy </font color=blue>
 
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