Cruising in Company

[martinwoolwich]

I am a new boat owner with a Broom 38. I'm really interested in taking the boat "abroad" over the summer for a holiday. I am completely new to boating although I have taken Dayskipper Practical -Coastal, Dayskipper Theory, Inland Helmsmans course, VHF DSC, CEVENI and RYA Diesel Course which all led to the inevitable ICC. So I've done the theory but am lacking completely in any real practical experience. (apart from five days intensive dayskipper).

I've heard all about crusing in company and even tried to get on the MBM cruises - but dithered too long because at that time I hadn't taken any courses at all. By the time I got a little more confident it was all too late.

I've seen posts for other crusies in company but I don't think they're aimed at 38 footers - smaller from what I can see.

Is there anywhere to contact that might let me achieve my dream this year? I'm really not experienced enough to do this on my own although I'd dearly love too.

Suggestions?

ps. My crew include wife and three kids - 10, 10, 12.

 

[byron]

Martin, where is your boat based? If it's Thames or Medway
based I can put you in touch with Clubs who regularly cruise in company.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Martin, the RYA also run cruises in company and, possibly, the dealer from whom you bought your boat may also organise something

As an alternative, you could also consider hiring an instructor to accompany you for all or part of your cruise; this would give you the comfort of having somebody experienced on board and you would learn a lot at the same time. We did this a few years ago and it was really useful. I can reccomend somebody if you're interested

 

[Guest]

Martin Im in the Pathfinder powerboat club which is aimed mainly at the trailboater but there are a few of us with larger vessels.

We are planning a trip across to Cherbourg for a weekend and a week long trip cross to the channel islands Im sure you would be a welcome addition.

you can e mail me on nationalmotorcompany@barclays.net

Ian

 

[hlb]

Trouble with going in company is everybody has different
ideas, different boats with different speeds. I find it just confuses the issues.
I would'nt worry so much. If your happy and confident to cruise around the coast just go for it.
The bit in the middle is easy cos theres nothing there to hit
cept a ship now and then but you can see them from miles away. Oh and lobster pots are the biggest problem so watch
out for them.
But other than that dont worry about the middle bit. Its the edges that you've got to get right.
I started by navigating round areas that I new just to see if everything went right, then one day when the weather was good just carried on to Ireland about 65 miles.
Feels a bit funny when all the land disapears and your there on your own but on most trips that only lasts for an hour or two before land appears again in front of you (Hopefully).
Get a good pilot book for where ever and some charts.
If youve got satnav, espesialy chart plotter and auto pilot the boat will just take you there no problem.
Just keep a record of your position every half hour or so.
Then if everything go'se pear shaped which it should'nt
you can do the remaining distance by pencil and paper.
You sound like you've done all the courses so you should have no problem with the navigating. Put your course close
to any bouys (safe ones) so you can check your position enroute (it feels better) and a fairway buoy at the end if possible.
Dont be put off by all the info in pilot books and almanacs though. I've just come back from Exmouth which I'd left alone
for two years cos of the difficulties reported on getting there.
I stopped in the chanel twice cos the written instructions were so complicated, I could not belive my route of just following the buoys down a straight chanel was so simple.
Find an easy to enter harbour a the other end for a start and one thats safe in all weathers and tides just in case you dont arrive at the time you planed.

 

[Guest]

Re: yes, get someone on board

I agree with Byron. You need someone on board who could (if you really wanted) get you home, but otherwise will let you do it, tell you that "this is called rough weather so we stay here" or "we'll be fine" or "this harbour is tricky, watch for this" and so on, and there are lots of bods who will do this. My contact has retired now, but says that Kirsty, mgr at Port Solent, Portsmouth knows of people who'll help, (Premier Marinas), but it costs a bit of money (should be under 100 per day).

I think this is much better to start off than cruising in company which doesn't actually help skills of the crew or you except by follow-my-leader going somewhere - essentially shortcircuiting the navigation - altho is good for apres-boat socialising.

 

[Guest]

I agree with "hlb". You have done all the right things so far why doubt your own ability now?

Start local - do an "up the coast and anchor for lunch" a couple of times then "anchor and row ashore for a pint" then "overnight in another marina" (check the locations out from the shore if it makes you more comfortable).

Get confident that you can read the charts, interpret what they say and know where you are.

Train your "crew" in boating safety and what to do if you fall overboard or get incapacitated. Test them with exercises and drills.

Keep an eye on the weather every day of every week until you go on holiday and compare what you expected to happen with what actually happened until you are confident that you know what "Force x" means relative to your boat.

Make a passage plan every time and have a few alternatives available "just in case".

When your "crew" are happy to trust you and you are confident that you can do the business - go for it.

Out of sight of land? Not another living soul in sight? In charge of all these lives? Only an idiot wouldn't be a bit concerned about their own ability to cope but don't let fear of failure stop you from starting.

Best regards )

Ian D

 

[Guest]

Martin.

We are at brundal, July 11th /12th I plan to go to Holland you are welcome to come along i am going alone as the others have alater holiday 23rd 24th etc. I have a 7year old dad and going on 70 son along with wifw and mum.
I plan to go to Nueiwporte first to fill up then on to visslingham
and a very slow cruise to middleburg. returninghome for friday27th for the air show off lowestoft. I have a princess 385 cruise 19/20knots

 

[martinwoolwich]

A most helpful, and inspirational piece of advice

Thank you - From me and my wife (genuinely)

Martin