Portland Bill

[ianwright]

Re: what happens to yachts \"caught\" in the race ?

To quote Weymouth Coastguard a couple of years ago, "They test Destroyers in the Race... and they brake 'em."
Last time I took the inshore passage west to east with a westerly 3 to 4 it was fine, until I got careless and got swept into the very edge of the white water. Not comfy at all. keep VERY close in and pay attention.
IanW

Vertue 203, Patience

 

[jimkirby]

Re: Almost certainly inshore passage.

Last April I took my Frances 26 on our maiden voyage from Dartmouth to Poole. The boat was new to me and it had a lot more ropes than my old Snapdragon plus I didnt know its average speed etc.Having got out of the Dart to Brixham the nest trick was to get into weymouth. I had a crew new to sailing. Of course I planned the trip and all seemed well for an inside passage. Apart from fighting the helm the whole way as I hadnt got used to the the boats reactions to wind and weather we arrived with beginners luck just at the that magic moment when the race goes slack. I watched a larger boat head on for the Shambles buoy 9 as it turned out a chap also on his first trip in a boat new to him ,as I took a manful breath and sailed straight through the race watching the speedo go from threee to nearly six knots as we swept easily through the race and on into Weymouth!. It reeally is timing I suppose. After a day in weymouth pondering the whole thing we headed for Poole.

I am well aware of St albans and its ability to surprise but folhadily took the opportunity to road test my new aquisistion and headed through the race . it was really odd , waves coming from all directions, small patches of smooth water and then suddenly the sea grabbing the boat by the head and swinging it all around as well as up and down in an interesting manner. I felt i should be scared but in fact it was more interesting than spooky. However I wouldnt play around with the Portland race in the same way. If your are in doubt stay out. If the timing is good the isnchore works well.

have fun

JK

 

[oldharry]

Re: Almost certainly inshore passage.

Like old HB said, Jim - St Albans is more an annoyance than anything else, but it sure has a mind of its own. But I remember watching a 60 footer or thereabouts going through the worst of it and taking solid water in the cockpit.

A happy saturday afternoons entertainment can be had with a pair of binoclars on St Albans head watching the Gin Palaces from Poole hitting it and spilling their drinkies....

 

[Guest]

Somebody asked what happens to yachts "caught in the race". Maybe these days yotties are more prudent but I doubt it.

The trouble comes with a wind of force 7 or 8 blowing against a spring tide. This is most likely a SW wind blowing aganst a spring ebb. This produces conditions which easily swamp a small yacht. (under 40 ft) I have even seen 250 ft freighters in trouble in these conditions. The problem is that with a SW for example one can find oneself being carried sideways before you realise it as the tidal flows change direction quite suddenly near the Bill and the closer you are to it, the more dramatic the change.

The Admiralty had a very good detailed tidal atlas of the Bill area (which used to be designated for submarine exercises), but it was confidential and was not on sale to the public. Perhaps the RYA could ask for it to be released.

It would pay to consult the Weymouth lifeboat crew. Though, often the conditions were too bad for them and actual rescues were made by helicopter.

In bad weather, keep well out. In fine and stable weather, keep inshore.

William Cooper

 

[VMALLOWS]

Re: Kens good advice

I've always been very lucky at the Bill and have taken the Inshore every time (4 or 5 passages each way). As stated by numerous others timing is THE critical point along with keeping VERY close in. To that end, in suitable (ie E or NE moderate/slight winds) I'd suggest considering the beach anchorage right in the corner at Chesill. Its rarely mentioned in the current pilots but in suitable conditions allows for perefct timing at the Bill going East, or a rest and good timing ffor Lyme Bay going West.

The beach is very steep-to, large shingle (like the bank) and needs a good scope on the chain, but I've been quite happy there overnight. The water is crystal-clear
(because there's no sand) and indeed the biggest hazard arriving/departing is often the presence of numerous SCUBA's. It's easy to dingy ashore and walk up the steep hill to reasonable selection of shops etc. Also fish-chips and kebab takeaways.

Agree, on a direct passage to the Solent from the IP St.Aldhelms (Albans) is likely to be more interesting, but then if its easterly why not stop at Chapman's and again take it close inshore.