Looe Channel (Selsey Bill)

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nicho

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I'm planning a passage to Brighton for Monday 10th. I have only used the Looe Channel off Selsey Bill once, and that was in settled weather around high water - even in those conditions I seem to remember it was a bit boisterous.

HW Dover is at 09.37, therefter the tides set Westward. We have a well founded 48' planing motor cruiser, but I don't want to unsettle friends who will be with us. Can any regular users of this Channel indicate whether it cuts up rough in a (say) F5 wind against tide situation please, or should we aim to arrive at slack water? I have no worries about the boat and "regular" crew handling it, but our friends are not experienced.

Many thanks
 
If it were me, I would keep well clear in a stiff wind over tide, if for no other reason than there are pots around which are hard to spot in a chop. A diversion via South Pullar / Owers keeps to deeper water.

Having said that, an S48 is going to plough through almost anything you will find there...
 
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It's a narrow gap to aim for and there isn't much room to run at an angle to the waves for 1/2 mile or so.

We went through three or four weeks ago, East to West, in a F4, wind against tide. It was lumpy but a drop to 16 knts made it comfortable and our boat is very similar to yours, Having said that I can imagine a nervous passenger being concerned.

Where were you 10 days ago or so? I came looking for help to lift the new outboard and your berth was vacant (I suspect you had prior warning!).
 
kcrane said:
It's a narrow gap to aim for and there isn't much room to run at an angle to the waves for 1/2 mile or so.

We went through three or four weeks ago, East to West, in a F4, wind against tide. It was lumpy but a drop to 16 knts made it comfortable and our boat is very similar to yours, Having said that I can imagine a nervous passenger being concerned.

Where were you 10 days ago or so? I came looking for help to lift the new outboard and your berth was vacant (I suspect you had prior warning!).
Click to expand...

Hi Kevin,

Sorry to have missed you, the beers are always cold on board! We were in Yarmouth for a few days - bright, sunny, but a bit chilly. Love that place though, and as a bonus, nobody hit us this time!!

See you soon, no doubt - long range forecast is for F6 by the way, so looks like Brighton will be knocked on the head if that stands - thanks for the info though.
 
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