Crossing to Kent

Colin K

Colin K

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Hello,
I have recently moved our Kingfisher 30 from Walton to Ipswich Yacht Haven which has improved our boating experience 1,000 fold and its a great place.
Once a year towards the end of July I sail from our waters to the Solent and meet up with our owners club at the Folly inn, generally single handed and call at Ramsgate, Eastbourne then finally one of the Eastern Solent harbours.
I have always gone out of Walton out to Black deep, pop down there to Foulgers and across that busy bit !! I wondered now being on the Orwell whether I would be better off doing the offshore route ? Does anyone have any opinions at all ?
All the best, Colin.
 
Hi,
Thank you for that really helpful. I was actually thinking of the offshore passage going East of Long sand but starting my passage planning tonight I dont think its worth the extra miles? Kingfishers are not the fastest !! And that far offshore I dont think anyone ashore will hear me weeping if it blows up :rolleyes:
All the best, Colin.
 
Hi,
Sorry also meant to ask opinions between Ramsgate where I have always made my 1st stop or Dover ? Dover is an extra 15 miles towards that maritime spaghetti junction called the Solent which would be nice but sailing past every year the entrance looks daunting although everyone says you are made welcome !!
Thanks, Colin.
 
Dover is simple enough - use the western entrance and the marinas are easily seen. Call them up when you are near for permission to enter and then call the marina once you are in. It can get bouncy outside as the waves bounce off the wall but once you are in it all quietens down.

If the tide is in your favour then going to Dover cuts down the next leg. Using the tide in the channel is very benefical and essential round the big headlands so being nearer can help your timing.
 
As we found to our dismay last summer, Ramsgate is now home to a lot of commercial traffic that doesn't feel it is necessary to slow down much as it comes into the harbour.
The visitors pontoon is subject to swells and the speeding vessels right next door to you just makes it worse.
For our stopover heading towards the south coast next week, we will be using Dover.
 
Colin K said:
Hello,
I have recently moved our Kingfisher 30 from Walton to Ipswich Yacht Haven which has improved our boating experience 1,000 fold and its a great place.
Once a year towards the end of July I sail from our waters to the Solent and meet up with our owners club at the Folly inn, generally single handed and call at Ramsgate, Eastbourne then finally one of the Eastern Solent harbours.
I have always gone out of Walton out to Black deep, pop down there to Foulgers and across that busy bit !! I wondered now being on the Orwell whether I would be better off doing the offshore route ? Does anyone have any opinions at all ?
All the best, Colin.
Click to expand...

I would think running down your old route across the bay to the Black Deep was the best - a route you know and love. What is the gain from mixing it with the gyratory to the north before heading south? It doesn't get you into faster tidal streams etiher.

Heading out from Ipswich with 3 hours of ebb ahead, will see you turn S into the Black Deep just as the tide turns with you. Nice one. Also gives you something of a chance to get off Ramsgate before the tide sets in hard against you.
You'll get the best of the S going tide this way - any delay in getting to Black Deep (where, as you know, it runs strongly) will cost you at the N Foreland.

You'd really have to rattle along to take the ongoing tide S to Dover with comfort, so better to make for Ramsgate.


PWG
 
Hi,
Thanks for that normal passage it is and in just 2 1/2 weeks im off weather permitting ! I am going to give myself plenty of time so leaving Ipswich haven at High which is at silly o clock in the morning.
Appreciate all replies.

Thanks Colin.
 
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