Fastnet Force 11

[BrightonBecki]

We've got F9 gusting 70 (!) predicted for Tue, Wed (and onwards?) for the Fastnet... does anyone think they might postpone it? Surely we'd be a bit mad to go for it considering Sydney-Hobart etc etc? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[NDG]

We are taking part in the race and have just seen the forecast on BBC and double checked on internet. Sphincters are tightening considerably, I have to say, although hopefully by the time it hits us on wed we will be on the way back with the wind up our behinds (soothing the sphincters!).


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[BrightonBecki]

Well good luck, I think we might be still going up on the Weds if we're unlucky, so fingers and everything else crossed (including sphincters)!

 

[Liz_I]

It's the captain's decision. If there's doubt don't go. However, if just 'sailing' as opposed to 'racing' then it may well be to your advantage. If the forecast is adverse - don't go. If you are caught out in a storm you make the necessary precautions. Just don't call on the rescue services and put others' lives at risk for something that doesn't have to be done"!!

 

[jonlaw]

Forecast might be wrong ? Has been known to happen !!!!

 

[savageseadog]

It does depend to some extent on boat sizeand seaworthiness but if the forecast is more than 8 it would pretty stupid to go out.
Apart from anything else, can you imagine the bad publicity if anything went wrong. Given that we've already had one Fastnet disaster you wouldn't blame the public at large for thinking yachtsmen to be idiots. If we want to invite in more regulation this would be the way to go and I would urge anyone thinking of pushing it to think of the possible cost to the rest of us.

There's a few days before we know exactly how the weather will pan out so here's hoping.................

 

[longjohnsilver]

Well all the forecasts for Tuesday and Wednesday look pretty similar, gales to severe gales in a deep low pressure. I wouldn't want to set off with that forecast looming, not unless i was certain of the boat and the crew.

Why take the risk, it's supposed to be fun!

 

[Carolwildbird]

There seems to be quite a discrepancy between forecasts on different sites-- www.xcweather.co.uk as of 7.00am showed winds up to 36 knots, but then revised down even further when I just rechecked it - only 24 knots max off the Scillies, and on weds/thurs -nothing much on tues.

Hmmm.. Metoffice synoptic charts still show serious depression....

24 hours for things to get clearer, I guess!

 

[Scillypete]

Lots of time between now and tues/weds for that to be revised, methinks the media might be just stoking it a bit as 'its all unusual weather don't you know'.

Last look on the gribs showed nothing more than sixes but that could also change between now and then, we shall see.

 

[webcraft]

GRIBs were giving 45+ knots in the Irish Sea for Weds when I looked last night, but it's calmed down a bit now.

It's all just thorougly horrible though, and what has become acceptable sailing weather these days would have kept everyone in port ten years ago.

Anyone who contemplates heading out into the Western Approaches for 'fun' with F8+ forecast deserves everything they get IMO, and should feel thoroughly guilty if they then put the lives of the rescue services at risk.

 

[bilbobaggins]

There are plenty of all-weather bolt-holes - The Fal, Newlyn, New Grimsby, Crookhaven - and plenty of sea-room. Surely the old lessons are well-learned by now - that the boat, her gear and her crew need to be strong enough in all respects for what the sea will throw at them?

Surely some of the problems in the past arose when some of that wasn't quite strong enough?

...And will do again?

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[Poignard]

Never mind the Fastnet Race - what about the varnishing I planned to do next week!

 

[Chris_Robb]

We were planning to cross Lime bay - Salcombe to Weymouth on Tuesday. Last night I had decided that we would have to go Monday, - now the winds look considerably less - max 25knt S - which would be perfect -provided we time the inshore passage right! North coast of France has more wind - bit less than yesterdays forecast. All forecast seem to agree at the moment which is unusual. so it depends onthe actual track - Where is Simon and his forecast!!!

Plan at the moment is to go Tuesday! good reach all the way!

 

[Spyro]

From the Met office site
They seem a little unsure still


This is an update to the early warning first issued on Friday 10th August. The Met Office is forecasting a period of very wet and windy weather to affect the UK this coming week, in association with one or possibly two deep depressions moving in from the Atlantic. Heavy rain is expected to set in across southwestern parts on Monday evening, and then move northeast, with strong winds in places thereafter, though beyond Monday night there is considerable uncertainty regarding the detailed evolution. The probability that some parts of the UK will be adversely affected is quite high, though pinpointing which these will be is not possible at present. Rainfall totals of around 25mm are likely to occur quite widely, with 75mm or more possible in the worst affected areas. Winds may reach severe gale force in places, and gust to 60-70 mph. Exposed locations in the west and south of the UK are most vulnerable to the strong winds. The predicted winds could lead to minor damage and, combined with heavy rain, could cause disruption to outdoor activities. This warning will be updated by midday on Sunday 12th August.

Issued at: 1203 Sat 11 Aug

 

[AlJones]

I race and teach, and as has been said there are loads of sites out there, I use these two,

http://www.wetterzentrale.de/pics/bracka.html

http://www.xcweather.co.uk/

All open for your own interpretation.

Those of you that are going, enjoy yourselves, and stay safe. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Al.

 

[wotayottie]

[ QUOTE ]
I Just don't call on the rescue services and put others' lives at risk for something that doesn't have to be done"!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Bit pious! Just what is it that "has to be done"? I cant think of any reason why anyone ever has to go to sea.

 

[bilbobaggins]

It might appear that Al Jones is being 'short-changed' by the Wetterdienste.de service giving him just one chart.

Try the Dutch service Meteonet, which gives a whole string of 'em for free - curiously, all of them from our own much-loved Met Office, now in Exeter but still calling itself 'Bracka'....

Just look carefully at the printed date/times of validity - it is not unknown for some of these sometimes to be utter 'pants'!



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[mbay]

Captain Trev: Do u no what i would really love. A boat that actually sails properly =)
Over and out.
Ahoy there matey!!
Ship Ahoy!!

 

[mbay]

ermmm sorry please disregaurd the above posting its my daughters idea of a joke

 

[Rustyknight]

[ QUOTE ]
ermmm sorry please disregaurd the above posting its my daughters idea of a joke

[/ QUOTE ]

At least no-one will pipe up and say it's been posted before........ /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif