Oban to Falmouth

[Wansworth]

TBH am falling on the side of just plugging away, and accepting that whatever routing or timing we will be punching the tide somewhere.

In the coasting trade a coaster,max speed Severn knots just set off when loaded to its next destination,unless a contrary gale was forecast,just plugged on ,sometimes lucky with tidal gates sometimes not

 

[capnsensible]

TBH am falling on the side of just plugging away, and accepting that whatever routing or timing we will be punching the tide somewhere.

That's exactly the way I was taught and then used on passages south down the Irish Sea three times. ?

With an experienced crew, I would slip at around ten o'clock. Spend an hour or so popping reefs in and out a couple of times. A man overboard practice so everyone knows what you want. Lunch then into watches, relax and enjoy!

 

[Tintin]

Thanks all, very helpful. Looks like we're going to be slipping lines right at the end of Sept, a few weeks later than I had hoped, but hey ho.

 

[john_morris_uk]

We did Falmouth to the Clyde recently. As others have said, it’s difficult/impossible to get all the tides right. We started off with favourable around the Lizard and after that pretty much ignored the tides. Turned right at Longships, next stop Troon. Left Monday evening arrived Troon Thursday morning. Take a good book and arrange to be off-watch when the tide is foul. Worked for me.

I seem to remember that it was muggins who was on watch when we were against the tide... watching the SOG get slower and slower...

Good trip though and always a pleasure to sail with you.

 

[john_morris_uk]

I think a forgotten art is that when you’re all tired and the tide is turning foul, picking a sheltered cove behind a headland to kedge to wait for the tide. You don’t need a port or harbour. You don’t even need a ‘recognised anchorage’. Make a seamanlike judgement based on weather and wind and bottom as reported in the chart.

I’ve done it a fair few times and a few hours rest for everyone and a decent meal does morale and energy levels no end of good. (Last time was anchored in a cove just N of The Raz.)

 

[Birdseye]

I've probably got to get a new (to me) 43ft yacht from Oban to Falmouth in September.

Never done that run to or from Scotland.

Plan is to do it in one go with 3 experienced friends crewing.

Any pointers on pilot books, the tidal gates etc... most welcome.

Done that run. Used the IoM as a stopping point but I dont know they would allow it now with the virus. Other than that, best plan is one long passage particularly as well crewed as you sound to be. Its just easier that way.