Plymouth to France; first port of call?

[Normanby]

Great, thanks so much.
In amongst the banter and fire and brimstone, I reckon I have my answer: Take the Chenal because west of Ushant is too heavily trafficked, tides even stronger, reefs, and swell.
And of course, don't go near the whole area unless the, visibility, winds and tides are favourable.
I have the Shell Channel Pilot, the tide atlas, and the almanac, and six weather apps.
I'll let you know how I go.
Cheers,
Matt

 

[JVL]

Great, thanks so much.
In amongst the banter and fire and brimstone, I reckon I have my answer: Take the Chenal because west of Ushant is too heavily trafficked, tides even stronger, reefs, and swell.
And of course, don't go near the whole area unless the, visibility, winds and tides are favourable.
I have the Shell Channel Pilot, the tide atlas, and the almanac, and six weather apps.
I'll let you know how I go.
Cheers,
Matt

Nothing heard ! What shall we wonder what has happened to skippy (Matt) after nine days rock dodging in the Four fatigue must be gaining or perhaps he is involved in parlez vous (see previous post) or perhaps like many before him he was carp at passage plans and wished for the learned brethren to do it for him. Come on Mr Dundee its time to fess up!

 

[Normanby]

Strewth and stone the crows! You'll be making convict references next.
I'll go when I'm good and ready. Right now I'm in Spain lining up my post-summer job, back in the UK next week.
I took the ferry from Plymouth to Santander, mainly because I hate flying (has a more tedious form of public transport ever been invented?), but it was good to watch the sea and the wind.
I tracked the ferry's progress on my Garmin Blue Chart app, identifying the lighthouses and other markers as we went. I was surprised the ferry went inside Ushant, quite close too.
Now I've done it in a big boat at 23 knots, next is to do it solo at 3 to 5 knots.
I'll let you know how I go, but don't rush me...

 

[JVL]

Strewth and stone the crows! You'll be making convict references next.
I'll go when I'm good and ready. Right now I'm in Spain lining up my post-summer job, back in the UK next week.
I took the ferry from Plymouth to Santander, mainly because I hate flying (has a more tedious form of public transport ever been invented?), but it was good to watch the sea and the wind.
I tracked the ferry's progress on my Garmin Blue Chart app, identifying the lighthouses and other markers as we went. I was surprised the ferry went inside Ushant, quite close too.
Now I've done it in a big boat at 23 knots, next is to do it solo at 3 to 5 knots.
I'll let you know how I go, but don't rush me...

Don't be suprised if customs check you out for sheep when leaving Plymouth ha ha . Let us know how you get on from Cameret ! Good trip

 

[Normanby]

Sorry for going 'dark' on this thread. I was too ashamed and embarrassed to reply...
Trouble at home in Oz has meant I've had to abandon my adventures before they got started. I've been home in Melbourne since early June, working and dreaming.
Worse still, i have to sell the boat. I've put an advert in the "For Sale" section of the forum.
Thanks again for all the helpful advice, sorry it came to nought.
Cheers,
Matt

 

[Dockhead]

Roscoff. Big all-tide marina and adjacent ferry port (so should be able to deal with any immigration formalities).

Amen. Roscoff the most rational choice since it is almost the only port you can get into on that coast at any state of tide, and you won't be able to plan your arrival so well as to be sure to arrive according to the tide.

It's also a surprisingly charming town, even if it's a busy ferry port. A bit of a hike from the marina, however, and provisioning is difficult.

Otherwise -- if you're heading towards S Brittany, L'Aber Wrach offers excellent shelter in the estuary -- you can get in at all states of tide and drop the hook.