Dover - Dunkerque: Any tips?

[neil1967]

We are sailing our Oyster 406 from Portsmouth to the Netherlands at the end of July. It's just SWMBO and I so we'll be taking it easy and day sailing. Although we've both sailed the channel before as crew (and crossing to Cherbourg) it'll be our first time just the two of us. We're planning to coast hop to Dover and then cross to Dunkerque before heading up the Belgian coast to Vlissingen and our new berth on the Oosterschelde. Planning to leave Dover and make for SW Goodwin, then cross the TSS at 90 degrees to arrive at Ruytingen SW, then Dyke, and then parallel the coast to Dunkerque. We have a chart plotter, sea-me, and Class B AIS, but no radar. I would be grateful for any hints or tips for the crossing.

Neil

 

[Sybarite]

We are sailing our Oyster 406 from Portsmouth to the Netherlands at the end of July. It's just SWMBO and I so we'll be taking it easy and day sailing. Although we've both sailed the channel before as crew (and crossing to Cherbourg) it'll be our first time just the two of us. We're planning to coast hop to Dover and then cross to Dunkerque before heading up the Belgian coast to Vlissingen and our new berth on the Oosterschelde. Planning to leave Dover and make for SW Goodwin, then cross the TSS at 90 degrees to arrive at Ruytingen SW, then Dyke, and then parallel the coast to Dunkerque. We have a chart plotter, sea-me, and Class B AIS, but no radar. I would be grateful for any hints or tips for the crossing.

Neil

In good weather you won't be out of sight of land. The ferries head towards Calais and then sail E parallel to the coast.

 

[westhinder]

I normally cross to the east of the ferry track, to the vicinity of SW Ruyttingen and from there head to DW5 for the deep channel that runs parallel to the coast, past Dunkerque's western entrance to Dunkerque east. If you go via Dyck, you have to cross some very shallow banks or do an unnecessary zigzag between the banks. You will find almost everybody simply follows the deep channel. It is not terribly busy, far fewer ferries than Calais and only the odd freighter. As you approach Dunkerque eastern entrance, you sail along a big steel works. The heat of the facory causes a local acceleration of the wind. Be prepared for at least 1 Beaufort more.
When you head past Dunkerque you will have to pass the Zuydcoote pass, which leads across the least shallow part of the banks. The buoys may differ from the positions on the chart, as they are moved to take account of the movement of the banks. But do not worry, coasters also take the pass, there is enought depth, even at LW.

 

[neil1967]

Johan

Thank you - most useful. On the UK side is there any need to call up Dover CG for clearance to cross the TSS?

Neil

 

[Doineann]

+1 on johan's comments
On the Dover side, depending on your speed of course, it is usually best to leave via eastern, and the push the last of the south going up towards south Goodwin ( and away from the ferries ) before turning to cross the tss. You do not need to contact Dover C G to do this

 

[westhinder]

J

Johan

Thank you - most useful. On the UK side is there any need to call up Dover CG for clearance to cross the TSS?

Neil

No, if you do, they will point out that you are master of your vessel and have to make your own decisions. And you can be sure they will be keeping tabs on you by radar. I have heard that reply more than once.

 

[Tomahawk]

Watch out for small white hulled ships.... Reefers... they go very very fast..

Oh and the usual rule that there are no ships in sight when you are closing towards the TSS, but as soon as you start to cross it, the place is full of ironwork... whish all disapear as soon as you clear on the other side.

With a larger boat I would suggest the Port de Plaissance on the LHS. The YCMN can get very full.

 

[brianhumber]

I normally plan it to start crossing as ebb finishes and cross close by the Varne light float and watch it turn on the flood as I approach. You then have the flood and thus ferry glide eastwards as you get across, the flood will take you all the way to Dunkerque. Did this couple of years ago and saw 16 kts SOG easily managed Eastbourne to Dunkerque in one hop.
Port de Plaissance was very accommodating and better in my opinion than YCMN.

Brian

Brian

 

[neil1967]

Brian

16 Kts SOG? I don't think we'll get anything like that - probably 5-7 Kts through the water plus 1-2 kts tide. I'll bear it in mind, but will probably stick with going Dover-Dunkerque, planning to leave Dover at HW-3, stemming the last of the tide, which should turn as we approach SW Goodwin. Slight tide as we cross the TSS taking us NE, increasing as we turn NE to follow the coast up to Dunkerque.

Neil