London to Solent Advice

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moorsie

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Hi all,

First time poster but been an observer for a number of years.

We’re taking our Jeanneau Prestige 46 round to the Solent from London in a couple of weeks time and are very much looking forward to a summer of some serious use (I hope!!). Just seeing if anyone has advice or top tips for the journey?

We’ll probably break it up with a night in Ramsgate or Dover then onto the Solent, weather permitting of course. Inside route through the Goodwins to save fuel I assume? Also lobster pots once we’re round the corner, should we stay relatively offshore to avoid those?

Thanks in advance,

Ben
 
Did Hull to Poole a few weeks ago. Went into Dover enclosed dock. Ramsgate was a bit busy with windcats and pilot boats, but nice and handy for the town. Dover do a marina guide if you emailed them for a copy. We took a few photos of approach to Dover marina if you havnt been before.
 
strategic passage planning depends primarily on your crew number and experience, then on the condition of the boat and her ability to meet some lumpy conditions.

For example, if the boat has not been shaken and stirred for a while, are you happy that the fuel tanks are free of the bug, and that you have enough spare fuel filters and can change them au large ?

Do you have the means to tackle a wrapped prop ?

What are the crew skills and experience ? Night work ?

Not being inquisitive, but looking at ways you modify or extend your voyage if, for example, you get to Ramsgit and the weather and fuel load is fine and you decide to head on.
 
Watch the sea state coming round corner out of Thames to Ramsgate, see if you can hit it at slack tide, I have been in some big sea there. very busy off Dover, keep inshore to avoid traffic separation areas. Just keep good look out for lobster pots, quite often on the 5 , 10 or 20 m contours as the fishermen go after them as they come up into shallow water to feed. couple areas can be rough so check charts and plan to go round them or hit them at slack tide, any strong wind with south in it can make it uncomfortable so plan if you can wind and tide in same direction. Its doable in a long day but 2 days will give you a nice run. have fun.
 
We did it a few years ago. Teddington to Ramsgate, Ramsgate to Hamble. Great advice from Powerskipper (as always) regarding turning West - do hit it at slack tide. We went out of Estuary through the main channel, just outside to avoid the big ships. Make sure you have up to date charts, particularly electronic as things change every year in the Thames Estuary.
Watch out for lobster pots throughout!
Cirencester
We now have a Jeanneau Prestige 46 that I brought from Belgium at Easter. Great boats that will soak up punishment... Make sure all is working perfectly!
Have a clear passage plan and enjoy the adventure.
 
Thanks all, great advice there.

We’re in no rush and wont attempt it with any strong winds even though the P46 is a very capable boat from what I hear (we’ve not had it long). We’ll ease ourselves in and wait for calm seas so its a more enjoyable ride. My dads joining me and the wife too and we’re both Day Skippers so nav not a problem, it’s just good to know some of the variables of the region from you guys as its outside our usual cruising ground.

So we’ll aim for slack at the Forelands if poss (and anywhere else if we can), the latest card is in the E120 plus Navionics on the iPad and iPhone, AIS being installed this week, engines serviced last week plus I’ll be stocking up on spare filters, belts and impellers ... as well as youtube videos on how to change them :-). Will also be recruiting more crew to act as lobster pot lookouts, maybe I could train the dog?? We’ll do it over a couple of / few days, no need to spank the fuel when we don’t need to!!

Thanks again everyone, really appreciate it.

PS The Jonesey ... did you used to have an F43? If so I believe I sat next to you on a diesel engine course at Windsor Yacht club a few years back!
 
Moorsie, yes that will be me! Enjoy the trip it is great fun. If you want any local knowledge when you get to the Solent let me know although thee is lots here if you search for it. We are based at the top of the Hamble and the boat is called Rebel.
Cheers
Rob
 
Nice one Rob. Would be good to speak to another P46 owner, swop tips etc. Do you have Volvos or Cummins in yours?

We're doing to the MDL Freedom Berthing for the summer so hoping to get into one of the Hamble marinas ourselves so will give you a shout.

Cheers, Ben
 
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