Crossing Lyme Bay in a Princess 54

Scubaboy79

Scubaboy79

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Hello all,

We're planning to cross Lyme Bay from the Solent to Dartmouth (in one leg), before doing the second leg from Dartmouth to Falmouth (where we have a berth for the month of July). We have a Princess 54. Planning to head off this Friday, overnight in Dartmouth, and then head to Falmouth on Saturday. Forecast looks a steady Force 4 from the west. I think that's probably do-able (although less than ideal as we'll be heading into the wind the entire way), but as it's my first Lyme Bay crossing, what are other people's thoughts?
 
Scubaboy79 said:
Hello all,

We're planning to cross Lyme Bay from the Solent to Dartmouth (in one leg), before doing the second leg from Dartmouth to Falmouth (where we have a berth for the month of July). We have a Princess 54. Planning to head off this Friday, overnight in Dartmouth, and then head to Falmouth on Saturday. Forecast looks a steady Force 4 from the west. I think that's probably do-able (although less than ideal as we'll be heading into the wind the entire way), but as it's my first Lyme Bay crossing, what are other people's thoughts?
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Similar size craft, would not worry to much in anything around a 4 ,if you find uncomfortable you could stop off at Weymouth we always stop over , as one of our favourite places, your craft is more than capable , think I would personally be watching the weather a few days before we depart, we tend to run with the tide where possible , an early or late start , can sometimes be beneficial regarding wind strength, been across in all sorts ,but always much more enjoyable when conditions are at there best, that’s if you are able to change your departure time or even date .
 
hmm, wind against tide, coming up to springs over the next few days. Some weather ensembles give F5(+-1) from Weds onwards mainly SW to W, so a long fetch building up.

Factor in a stop if the crew feel it's too bumpy.
 
If we HAD to go friday probably leave the solent at 11 am pushing an east going tide to get slack at portland bill about 1 pm, tide won't build to much in Lyme bay for about an hour so could be ok. The boat will need a wash though ?.
 
You’d make an ok trip if you left EARLY Friday.. but I’d be hitting Portland at 7am, wind with tide on your bow, trim down and job done.
 
andy59 said:
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At 5 am it will be gnarly if it’s blowing a south westerly 4/5
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Yes my plan was the same as yours to hit Portland Bill at slack tide (albeit my course will take me five miles south to avoid any race), but I agree if we do go we’ll get very wet. I may see if, nearer the time, a Sat or Sun departure will make everything a little….smoother…..

At least returning the wind will be with us, although knowing our luck it will be blowing from the east!
 
dj43 said:
Similar size craft, would not worry to much in anything around a 4 ,if you find uncomfortable you could stop off at Weymouth we always stop over , as one of our favourite places, your craft is more than capable , think I would personally be watching the weather a few days before we depart, we tend to run with the tide where possible , an early or late start , can sometimes be beneficial regarding wind strength, been across in all sorts ,but always much more enjoyable when conditions are at there best, that’s if you are able to change your departure time or even date .
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Yes I’m tempted to see whether delaying y a couple of days may make it a bit more comfortable…..
 
Keerp well south of St Albans Head and Portland. These are best at slack water if you can as they can be fun. St Albans does not have the same reputation as Portland but it can be quite nasty.
Apart from that it is what you might expect.
 
Whenever we cross Lyme Bay I always pop into Weymouth the day before. Breaks up the journey, means we can deal with St Albans Head on it’s ow merit not having to compromise things and ensures we are just a few minutes from Portland Bill when setting off from Weymouth to ensure slack water. I favour passing very close to the headland at Portland Bill so the race is dealt with in the blink of an eye.

Then it’s a few hours at cruising speed to Dartmouth.

Enjoy the trip, You can refuel in Weymouth with Andy at Quayside Fuel If you do choose to stop off.

Henry :)
 
We went down to Falmouth for a week back in 2019, just coming off some strong winds and still had a SW 4 to 5 occasionally 6 forecasted. The leg from Lymington to Brixham was fine, left past the Needles and stayed well offshore. The next day I planned to go straight to Falmouth, however we got the crap beat out of us from Prawle Point to Bolt Tail and decided to turn in to Plymouth for the night. Things had calmed slightly on the third day but Rame Head was still a bit lumpy however tucked inshore after that and picked up some shelter for the remaining run to Falmouth. All was okay but I wouldn't choose to do it again on a forecast like that.
 
Richard.C said:
We went down to Falmouth for a week back in 2019, just coming off some strong winds and still had a SW 4 to 5 occasionally 6 forecasted. The leg from Lymington to Brixham was fine, left past the Needles and stayed well offshore. The next day I planned to go straight to Falmouth, however we got the crap beat out of us from Prawle Point to Bolt Tail and decided to turn in to Plymouth for the night. Things had calmed slightly on the third day but Rame Head was still a bit lumpy however tucked inshore after that and picked up some shelter for the remaining run to Falmouth. All was okay but I wouldn't choose to do it again on a forecast like that.
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That's a salutary tale! What type of boat were you in?
 
henryf said:
Whenever we cross Lyme Bay I always pop into Weymouth the day before. Breaks up the journey, means we can deal with St Albans Head on it’s ow merit not having to compromise things and ensures we are just a few minutes from Portland Bill when setting off from Weymouth to ensure slack water. I favour passing very close to the headland at Portland Bill so the race is dealt with in the blink of an eye.

Then it’s a few hours at cruising speed to Dartmouth.

Enjoy the trip, You can refuel in Weymouth with Andy at Quayside Fuel If you do choose to stop off.

Henry :)
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Thank you!
 
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