Escape to Portishead!

[Elza_Skip]

We were due to head back to Cardiff from Bristol today (Monday) but had to abort and divert to Portishead.

The lock keeper at Bristol did not even think it safe to transverse from the Avon to Portishead but a call to Bristol VTS confirmed a half meter swell.

When we got to the end of the Avon VTS recommended us not to try for Cardiff so we bottled out and just headed into Portishead. Actually the sea state was not too bad with the wind behind us and with the tide but it was chucking it down as well, visibility was poor and water was getting in the electrics so we were glad to get in.

Making our way into the lock in a NE F7 was fun though as it was straight up the lock. We normally put the fenders and lines on as we approach slowly, however today I have never seen SWMBO put them on so fast as we raced in! We were the only boat about so they kept the gates ready for us and shut them quickly behind.

Berthing was another event with a near gale on the nose as we tried to reverse to the pontoon in the monsoon- fortunately there was a RIB for us to bounce off!

Looks like the boat will be there until Thursday evening which is the first workable confluence of work and tides.

 

[seedog]

Was down at portishead at lunchtime to pick up the trailer. Rain was lashing down and wind seemed to push straigt into the lock and with the rebound of the waves the effet in the lock seemed double. Not sure Portishead is a good choice in a NE. Damo might like to tell us more about getting in there.

 

[graham]

Better safe than sorry.

I just put our boat back on her swinging mooring(the trip back in the dinghy was good fun /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif).

Chatting in the bar there are boats in Swansea and Portishead that decided to wait it out. Also some Irish people in the club that came across from Cork last week in a motorboat to watch the rugby. They have delayed their departure until tommorow.

 

[Alcyone]

Good weekend for the Munstermen then. 'Oh we were stuck in cardiff because of bad weather and had to celebrate for a few more days........'

 

[LizzyD]

It is with a slight smile that I recall the number of times I've had to ditch the boat because of bad weather, and all in months where the weather should be kind. Swansea, Watchet and Portishead have all cost me a few bob in visitors rates, and then there's the imposition on a mate who has to drive over the bridge to come and get you back home. A few quid for petrol, a few more for the bridge toll, and lastly, "I'm so gratefull to you for coming. Let me get you a pint or two."

One week later, the same mate goes through the same routine in reverse to get you back to your boat. Gratefully, you part with the cash for his petrol / bridge toll money, and begrudgingly, you part with the money on plastic of course, at the marina, then make your way home, cursing the skys for being so mean to you, and thinking what you would have spent that money on if you hadn't had to spend it on marina fees. Not the marina's fault I know, but the absence of someone to blame makes it so much more infuriating, that the marina will do for now.

Take care all,


Lizzy D

 

[Alcyone]

Agreed, but just bear in mind that in 'my other life' I spend my time crawling over the wrecks of boats/ships, sail, steam and deisel that were not fortunate enough to make it to a safe haven when a storm hit. One of the most sobering things about wreck diving is when you start to think about the tragedy that left the boat in that position in the first place.

I saw some apparently very inexperienced canoeists attempt to cross Ramsey sound on Saturday. We came back early because of teh bad weather and were sitting in my mate's house when the maroons went off, and his lifeboat pager. we heard the ambulance heading down towards whitesands. I know no more than that.

I remember thinking, I'm glad we are ashore and safe.

 

[Csail]

Might get shot down for putting this here (by Damo!!!) but if you need a safe haven surely it would be safer if the marinas offered a reduced rate during 'exceptional circumstances'
Our guys are working and paying i think £13 a day stuck in the marina! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[damo]

Make sure there is no-one else in the lock, come in fast and stop quickly! Easier said than done of course - no harm in asking the berthing master for a hand with the lines, and if the vessel wants to go to one side or the other don't fight it or you may end up jammed across.

If there is a swell following you in, then sail boats be aware of keeping the mast away from the walls as you come through the gates (I've seen spreaders scrape a couple of times, but that was because the crew all stood on one side as well!).

NB for csail - the marina isn't a "harbour of refuge", so normal rates apply! If you want emergency refuge then Avonmouth is the place to go /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Csail]

Avonmouth? Didn't know we could go in there....tell us more.

 

[Elza_Skip]

Like Damo says you have to motor in briskly. As soon as we were past the gates it was calm inside and the bething master closed the gates behind us quickly.

Even is we had found ourselves out of position with the wrong lines we would then have had time to sort ourselve out.

 

[damo]

Reads 2008, p548 for example: "Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks are prohibited to yachts except in emergency" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mind you I'd like to hear you on Ch12 to VTS "Can we come in please, it's a bit bumpy out here, and Damo is going to charge us for parking in Portishead" /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

On saying that, obviously Portishead would provide a refuge if at all possible, and maybe the company would do a deal depending on the circumstances. But if your car broke down, and you had to spend a few nights in a remote country hotel, do you reckon you would get much of a hardship discount?

 

[graham]

I would think the safest bet in a Strong NE would be to run into the Avon?

 

[Sneds]

Good point, but it does tend to run out of water /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I'm sure Portishead Quays don't ask for a credit card number before letting you in /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[quimby]

Bit different at Newlyn.We called in on Monday morning at 6.30 am in a 50ft steel yacht, phoned the harbour master on the mobile to his home, who was fortunately up,"Do you have a berth for a day? reply "We always have a berth for visitors when theres bad weather coming" his advice was" You don`t want to be at the entrance its real uncomfortable there, motor up to one of the large trawlers and tie up , theres some nasty weather on its way". most helpful and no charge for a nights stay.A real gent. Even a fisherman helped us tie up as the trawler decks were much higher than ours.

 

[seedog]

[ QUOTE ]
Good point, but it does tend to run out of water

[/ QUOTE ]
I think the chart says there is 11m /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

On a serious note what happens if you decide it is your only refuge, is that your decision or do you need permission to enter?

 

[damo]

Speak to VTS /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

You can also get shelter behind the mole outside the entrance to Portbury - the survey boats often moor alongside just there. Call VTS for permission first though....