heading west

[andy59]

next week , (been reading Ballistixs posts ) /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Has anyone got any tips for crossing lyme bay , eg tidal effect / inshore-offshore route or any areas with loads off pots . Thanks in advance for any kind of tips .

 

[sarabande]

I crewed across Lyme Bay about 3 weeks ago.

Pots are everywhere in almost random distribution but tend to be grouped a bit, so if you see one you are probably running over another. Paranoia is a good thing. Portland Bill inshore is pretty thick with them. Have you got a system for cutting tangled rope (shaft blades, or a serrated knife firmly lashed to a strong (floating !) pole).

At planing speed and flattish water, there's little point in picking up any counter current close inshore unless it helps with smooth progress (e.g. wind against current).

Beware fog; keep a paper plot up to date, so you have a DR start if necessary.

Some large tankers anchor out in the bay; they usually keep a good watch and will be active on CH 16. Check with AIS sites before you go.

Portland Race can be a challenge and lumpy. Avoid main times and/or keep well offshore or inshore.

Quite a lot of small fast fishing boats which can creep up quickly from a misty horizon.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[andy59]

Thanks for that sarabande , planning to go round the bill close in early am at slack water .

 

[Elessar]

did it last week - from lym just stay offshore, wp 7 miles off the bill should do the trick whatever the tide. Was a flat calm for me did southampton to dartmouth in less than 4hr30. Did have to avoid pots even that far out, not hard to see though.

 

[hlb]

The only problem I've ever seen with Lyme bay, is complete bordom. If you dont like bits of bumps and bangs, go round the inner or outer passage round the bill. Other wise cart on. On a good day with off shore winds, it's good to go round it, stopping off for a pint at some lovely places. Not noticed that lobster pots are worse than other places, maybe I'm used to lobster pots.

Thing is, you aint going to be thinking of crossing Lyme bay, if the weather is bad. So dont.

Portland Bill. Dead easy. Just toddle round close to shore, you can see the lumpy bits, if there are any. So stear between lumpy and beach till it stops being lumpy.

It will get lumpy again, about three miles off, then gets better, nothing to worry about. Less you go round the inside, the only problem is 50 miles of nothing.

There are loads and loads of places to visit in the West Country. Take a tour.

 

[Tugw]

Lyme Bay-----the nightmare continues-id fill it up with concrete and use it as a car park