Question of Seamanship

[jonjo]

I like the Question of Seamanship series in YM but these usually focus on decision making offshore. Since many boating accidents occur between the yacht and shore I thought I would post this skipper’s dilemma that I faced recently.

You are moored to a swinging buoy in Bray Harbour, Alderney and the wind is East force 2. After a morning of thick fog visibility shoots up to 5 miles and a burning hot sun pops out. An hour later Swmbo says let’s have an afternoon on the beach.

The beach at Saye Bay looks ideal, it is ¾ a mile from the mooring probably a bit more after navigating around a headland. A trip by dinghy would be quick and a fun way to arrive at the beach. The beach is almost line of sight from the mooring but the trip would involve venturing beyond the breakwater and outside within 100 meters the infamous Channel Island tidal currents come into effect very quickly.

The 3 man avon dinghy can easily deal with 2 adults and the 2.5hp engine has never faltered. Do you go direct via dinghy and get those beach towels unrolled in 15 minutes or opt for a 50 minute hike around via shank’s pony?

Alderney Map

 

[bobgoode]

Lifejackets, H/H vhf, flare etc in waterproof polybottle. Check tides carefully and go for the dinghy option. Stay close inshore and be strict regading the return time.

 

[Norman_E]

Dinghy ashore to Braye beach, then decide if you want to walk to Saye or stay on Braye. Safer option in case the wind picks up, which could make the return journey hazardous, with the risk of being blown into the strong tidal stream.

 

[Guest]

Hike.

When locals go to that much effort to build a breakwater you have to suspect they did not do it for promenading.

You also said "recently". So was a front due in the afternoon since you seem to be describing the calm conditions before one arrives.

Anyway doing the Swinge in a rubber duck has got to be a qualifier for entry to the Darwin awards.

 

[Channel Ribs]

Walk. There is loads to see on the route between the two. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[pelicanpete]

Pack a couple of folding bikes into the dinghy (or make two trips from the boat to the Braye harbour dinghy dock with one at a time). Then cycle there. Take in the very pretty/rugged countryside and stay safe.

 

[Bajansailor]

Could you take the 'big' boat around to the beach, anchor off, and then go ashore in the dinghy?
Shouldnt be much hassle to start engine, get anchor ready (if stowed), slip the mooring and motor around.

 

[BenchHead]

When in doubt - don't.
Walk the walk.

 

[charles_reed]

The locals didn\'t build

the breakwater - it was done in 2 stages during the latter part of the 19th century by the British Admiralty.

It was never finished in fact, the foundations at the far end are still there so it's inadvisable to shave the end.

Having cut my sailing teeth round Alderney, I'd never venture outside in any rubber dinghy, so my vote would be to walk - mind you I'd not swim there either!!

 

[duncan]

for once it's a stone cold no brainer for more than one reason!

1. tender is not equiped to either make way against the fastest tide in the vicinity or anchor safely against it - if you have ever anchored such a tender in a 5 knot current you will know what I mean!
2. the beach isn't actually accessible at all states of the tide in an inflatable
3. there are numerous dangerous rocks all the way along that stretch in addition to the 'headland' charted - accept that your nautical charts will show them but they will push the planned route well out into the tide flow.
4. it's a nice walk!

 

[jonjo]

Thanks all, seems I did the right thing even though the crew marched in silent protest all the way round on foot.

A someone suggested, the beach inside the harbour is not so bad but Saye Bay was perfect that day.