Round Britain

[Waypoint]

I am thinking of taking a couple of months off to sail around Britain. Before going into any detail planning, the question arises as to whether it is more advisable to sail round in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

I guess I could work the answer out over time, but what does the Forum think?

Thanks, Waypoint

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[marklongstaff]

We are currently heading round britain in which I think is the "traditional" way clockwise.

Taking things a little slower than you looking to finish the circuit next season - leaving the boat in Secure marinas on the way round.

Visited around 30+ ports last year which was a refreshing change from a few seasons in the solent.. oh and the cost savings.. even with the travel

Mark L.
Yacht Instant Karma
Out....

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[Waypoint]

That is really my question. Why is clockwise the "traditional" way?

My boat is based in Holland, so my guess is that a clockwise trip means beating up the channel against prevailing winds, so would it not be better to go in an anticlockwise direction cutting across the north sea from Holland.

Waypoint

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[Sybarite]

People leaving on record attempts have taken to going anti clockwise so that they get easterly winds at the top of the depression when they are in the North.

It also gets the boring bit (E coast) out of the way first leaving the best bit, Ireland, for the end.

John

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[Mudplugger]

Wash your mouth out Sir! totally unfounded allegations of boredom on the East Coast are unacceptable in polite company. What you can't do is relax when you are on passage, you do need to know where you are! otherwise them ole banks 'll be a catching of you. Most go up the east coast and down the west 'cos of tides and prevailing winds.... and the beers cheaper this side (along with everything else) so you can save money for the return... Regards Tony W.

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[extravert]

Pentland Firth is easier going Eastwards (ie clockwise) than Westwards. Have a good look at the pilot books that describe this area before deciding. The chart warns that tides can reach 16 knots in the Firth.

I would have thought that you are more likely to get wind with West in it rather than East along the top of Scotland in summer, but I don't have wind roses to hand.



<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.

 

[Evadne]

On the other hand the English channel is definitely easier going eastwards (widdershins) for both tide and wind and you'll be in it a lot longer (hopefully) than in the Pentland Firth. That's not to derogate the Firth, it's just the sort of weather that would cause such a thing to happen...


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