Crossing the channel

[wilky47]

Iam thinking of sailing across the channel leaving from Ramsgate to Calais in June this year providing weather is suitable in a 22' Snapdragon .
Know the dover straits are very busy with commercial traffic would be interested to hear from anybody that has done the crossing in a similar length boat for any advice .

 

[Egbod]

Hi Firefly
I crossed a few years back. Basically I left Ramsgate at low tide, headed outside the Goodwin sands then down to East Goodin buoy. Next sail on a HEADING at 90 degrees to the separation lanes (you will pass near to the Sandettie light). The tide will carry you strongly sideways towards Calais.

When you have crossed the separation lanes stay near them as the tide is still helping you. If you go inshore the tide swirls round against you. Later, head for Calais when you are directly off it. I had a quick passage in a 22 foot trailer sailer, mainly on a reach at 6+ knots so you may need to leave before low water and fight a bit of ebb at first.

I had no trouble finding gaps in the commercial traffic but that is very variable.
PM me with a phone No if you would like a chat. Egbod

 

[Black Sheep]

I did Ramsgate to Dunkerque last year in an 18 footer (full account here).

In a smallish boat weather is critical; don't be afraid to spend time in Ramsgate waiting for a window. It's a long crossing, so you need to be sure it'll be OK for 12 hours or so. You need good visibility, not too rough, and a favourable wind (well, I don't fancy motoring all the way with a 4hp outboard that needs refilling from cans every hour... but you may have better arrangements...)

Like Egbod, I had no trouble with the TSS; a couple of course alterations was all. Follow the rules, and it all works out, almost like ballet. But keep an eye out for commercial vessels crossing the lanes; you'll be a lot closer to the Dover-Calais ferries than I was.

As long as you're prepared, it's a good journey. Definitely worthwhile, and quite possibly enjoyable!

 

[WindFinder]

[ QUOTE ]
I did Ramsgate to Dunkerque last year in an 18 footer (full account here).

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, really enjoyed the account. Further proof that the smaller the boat the more pleasure you get out of it!

 

[Black Sheep]

Yes.. but I admit that I'm now upgrading to a 26 footer because of luxuries like toilet... but there is a real magic about turning up in a foreign port in a ridiculously small boat!

Anyway back on topic, I've just seen this on the liveaboard forum. Calais lock gates out of action; not clear if they'll be fixed by June.

Still if worst come to the worst, there's always Dunkerque, or Dover-Boulogne.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I prefer Boulogne anyway!

 

[FullCircle]

Boulogne smells of Hamster.

Detour to Gravelines instead, much nicer.

I did my first cross channel in a Corribee. from Ramsgate, before GPS. I had a lovely day for it, and crept along from Ramsgate past Deal to the Foreland, and then headed very clearly toward and left of the big lump known as Cap Gris Nez but staying East of the Ferry track, but probably less than a mile. Follow the Ferries, they seem to know the way.
Only slightly scary bit was when the shipping stopped and anchored of the Cap. Later experience tells me they do that at turn of tide, Doh!
I remember going inshore of the Calais ship track, past CA4(?) and then radio into Port Control for an entry.

You dont actually need to go fully into the locked gates. If you have a lift or bilge keeler, you can dry out in the inner basin, but they imported eau de Hamster from Boulogne just to keep the cheapskate Rosbifs out.

Instead though, so slightly up coast to Gravelines, its a marvellous little place.

 

[Athene V30]

Done it a few times in my last boat a Cox 21 (fin keel sloop not the motor sailer!) - last couple of times singlehanded.

As others have suggested pick your weather. I leave Ramsgate about 4 hours after HW Dover. On leaving Ramsgate do not underestimate the strength of the current and I now keep a back bearing on the chymneys at Sandwich to make sure I don't slip too far south until I am past the top of the Goodwins.

Then let the tide help you! Cross the TSS on a course of about 135 / 140 - difficult I know to be precise in a small boat. Take the shipping as it comes. On my first crossing I briefed my crew about the hazards and then we did not see a single ship in the lanes! The first one we saw was anchored off the French Coast and boy did that confuse me at first!

As Full Circle has suggested Gravelines is good too. Not a huge fan of Boulogne - always seems to have an aroma to me!

Before my first trip I had trouble gettng the insurance extended from UK coastal cruising. In end I had to persuade them that if I sailed from B'sea to Ramsgate at mid point I was further from a safe port than when in middle of Dover Straights!

Enjoy.

Soulmate 2002 in Calais