First 'big' trip: Medway to Chichester

[kilkerr1]

First \'big\' trip: Medway to Chichester

Bored of metatags today, and most unimpressed by lack of sailing opportunities last and coming weekend (tho' consoling self & moping husband by coveting many shiny pretty things we can't afford at SBS on Friday and many not-so-shiny tatty things we may be able to afford but really don't need at West Sussex boat jumble on Sunday) so have decided to while away the next couple of hours in planning bringing Santa Teresa down to the South Coast for permanent mooring at Chichester, probably Dell Quay or Emsworth Pool, if they'll have a couple of ragamuffins. Plan is for next Spring, not sure when so a few general questions:

• When would be a good time to do this (e.g. will March be scary with white horses)?
• How long should we plan to take off work if we do this in a reasonably sedate manner?
• What sort of things should we take/buy/borrow/steal? Boat has basic gear, she’s only little and an old lady, (VHF, er, that's it. Oh yes, log, depth, er clock, some very retro cushions...) so do we need things like radar reflector/handheld GPS/second anchor/fondue set?)
• Any suggestions for good places to stop on the way?
• Any warnings about where not to drop the hook for various reasons (sea monsters/crap beer/restless locals/etc.)?

All comments/ideas/etc. most gratefully received - thanks!


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[Peppermint]

Re: It\'s a nice trip at anytime

if you get your weather right. I wouldn't add much to your equipment other than a radar reflector, second anchor and warp, handheld GPS, coastal flare pack, charts and almanac/tide tables, a big torch. Make sure your compass is about right and that your VHF works.

Ramsgate and/or Dover make for good stopovers and you will need to contact harbour control at both harbours, I have found Dover much more helpful than Ramsgate but that might change from day to day. Brighton is another good staging post and then to Chichester. If Brighton Chichester is a bit long try Eastbourne as another stop.

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[Steve_R]

Re: It\'s a nice trip at anytime

I sail a lot at Ramsgate and happen to think the pubs and and food are better there for a stopover, but Dover is usually better for making the most of the 'gravy train' of west going tide.

IMHO Brighton Marina is a good day's sail from Dover, but it has a little else going for it and the entrance wouldn't be pleasant in southerly blow.

Cheers
Steve

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[kilkerr1]

Re: It\'s a nice trip at anytime

Hmm, being a Brighton lass I know the Marina, agree that it's not especially inspiring. We'll probably stop over there so we can go home briefly and read emails and such...no, what am I saying, I won't ever want to go back home...I wonder how long one can live on a 22' saily boat...



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