Passage from Ramsgate to Eastbourne, when to leave?

[mattp]

So how did you find the tides in the end. You only averaged about 4 kts with the wind up your chuff which is a bit surprising. Did you have VHF communications with Dover port control?

We definitely didn’t sail direct as we took a rather zig zag course to have the wind off a quarter rather than directly behind, made it more comfortable as the swell was pretty steep. We passed Dover at about 2 miles off and tried contacting them but got no answer? We managed to time one ferry well and passed behind her and the next adjusted course to pass behind us, so all went well. We had tide with us until we passed Dungeoness and then it turned but didn’t really notice a huge difference. The sea state certainly calmed down after rounding dungeoness.

 

[dolabriform]

We definitely didn’t sail direct as we took a rather zig zag course to have the wind off a quarter rather than directly behind, made it more comfortable as the swell was pretty steep. We passed Dover at about 2 miles off and tried contacting them but got no answer? We managed to time one ferry well and passed behind her and the next adjusted course to pass behind us, so all went well. We had tide with us until we passed Dungeoness and then it turned but didn’t really notice a huge difference. The sea state certainly calmed down after rounding dungeoness.

Thanks for all the info you're posting, really appreciated as we hope to do this in the summer

 

[mattp]

Thanks for all the info you're posting, really appreciated as we hope to do this in the summer

No problem glad it is of use. We did find leaving ramsgate harbour entrance rather a rough ride due to large swell coming in head on, but it eased further out in the safe water channel. Hope your trip goes well, although we had a very rolly passage we enjoyed it.

 

[Daydream believer]

We passed Dover at about 2 miles off and tried contacting them but got no answer?

That is most unusual. Whenever I have got near Dover they have contacted me if I have not contacted them first. VHF 74. As well as that one can hear them talking to the ferries on the same frequency.
If you were not able to make contact, I would suggest a radio check as I have contacted them using just a hand held whilst off Cap Griz Nez.

 

[mattp]

That is most unusual. Whenever I have got near Dover they have contacted me if I have not contacted them first. VHF 74. As well as that one can hear them talking to the ferries on the same frequency.
If you were not able to make contact, I would suggest a radio check as I have contacted them using just a hand held whilst off Cap Griz Nez.

We were managing fine to pick up other ports that day??

 

[Daydream believer]

We were managing fine to pick up other ports that day??

One assumes that you were on 74 & not still on 14 having left Ramsgate

 

[mattp]

One assumes that you were on 74 & not still on 14 having left Ramsgate

Tried them on 74 &16

 

[Daydream believer]

Seems odd are you sure that you are transmitting OK. I have sailed in company with a .. boat that had. been receiving well but transmitting only a short distance. They were OK entering Ramsgate when 100 m away but useless offshore