It's only 25 miles.. (question about dodman point)

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chris-s

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... from Falmouth to Fowey, but it will be the farthest we have gone, so we are feeling a little anxious for tomorrow.

Departing Falmouth to round Dodman point at slack tide, aiming to clear it by about 1.5nm sound ok?

Taking our little 24 foot Pegasus 700 it will be our biggest trip yet, I know, it's mere hop compared to what a lot of you guys do. I've completed my passage plan, with optional return dates (monday/tuesday/wenesday) to allow for weather and slack tide at Dodman. It will be a good opportunity to put my "Yachtmaster Coastal Offshore" theory into practice, so I'm armed with paper charts and stuff. I think we are ready for it.

Chris
 
Hi, if you round Dodman at slack you can safely go really close in. In practice with wind and tide together it is also OK . But your 1.5miles will be belt and braces stuff .
 
I have never had problems at the Dodman. Looks like you could have headwinds or may even have to motor, which means you should probably leave earlier rather then later in case progress is slow.
I am sure you will be fine, have a good trip.
 
I believe that Deadman is the origin of Dodman. It’ll be fine. Pretty benign forecast tomorrow and yes, right on the nose so you’ll prob be motoring…. as will we ?
 
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There is very little tide between Falmouth and Plymouth.

It was dull and overcast, even a spot of rain when I started underway this morning, but it has turned out nice.
 
Sandy said:
There is very little tide between Falmouth and Plymouth.

It was dull and overcast, even a spot of rain when I started underway this morning, but it has turned out nice.
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Ooooh I dunno about that. I once had to do a u turn in to a foul tide at Dodman at the request of the CG who was handling a pan pan. It took me quite some time with 54hp to punch my way back through the foul tide off Dodman.

But I’ve no doubt the OP will be fine, at 1.5nm you won’t even see the turbulence on the water surface that is visible if one goes right through the over falls, which I have often done, when the weather is benign.
 
You'll be fine, just remember the start and end is the same (or similar), it's just the bit in the middle that gets longer. Next on the list an overnight passage? Enjoy it, you'll have a great sense of achievement with each milestone...:)
 
KevO said:
I believe that Deadman is the origin of Dodman. It’ll be fine. Pretty benign forecast tomorrow and yes, right on the nose so you’ll prob be motoring…. as will we ?
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With the wind on the nose he can make a nice big tack offshore, to provide that 1.5nm offing he plans:)
Of course, sailing to windward like this will mean that it's going to be 36+ mile passage rather than 25!
 
PTB said:
Hi, if you round Dodman at slack you can safely go really close in. In practice with wind and tide together it is also OK . But your 1.5miles will be belt and braces stuff .
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Agree; really no need to avoid going close in at slack water. It does seem to take forever in a 24 footer to get to Dodman, so you wont feel like lengthening the journey.
 
I hope the op is doing well if he’s already departed.

I’m slightly confused by the fact that St Anthony’s head at the entrance to Falmouth to the entrance of Fowey is only about 19 miles and he’s quoted 25.
I also agree that even in a Pandora 700 (I know the boat as our daughter has one!) and in the completely benign conditions forecast for today, giving 1.5 miles clearance off Dodman is way OTT. My guess is it will be flat calm and a few cables will be fine.

(I hope your outboard is quiet! Our daughters Tohatsu 6hp sail drive outboard is noisy)
 
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