Rounding Lizard

cagey

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Boat is stuck in Penzance due to engine probs and weather, so all books 40 miles away.
Penzance opens 2hrs and closes 1hr after local HW, what I'm asking is what is best time to leave PZ or Newlyn to get the best of the East going tide, trying to get to Lizard at Slack water. Heading for Falmouth boat Sigma 362 with an easy speed of 5 knots. Shall not be leaving before Sunday and would prefer day light as I will be single handing and the pots are every where.
Thanks
Keith

PS the journey on Sat was amazing, never seen waves like it.
 
Mind my pots! Leaving PZ when open you will always hit the Lizard at the wrong time, better go from Newlyn, or moor outside PZ for a bit. If you leave at HW+1hr and dawdle up the bay, there is early flood along the shore from Mullion to the Lizard, starts HW + 5hr, but off the end is ebb until HW+9hr, unless you sneak round really tight. Open up the Black Head to miss the end rock.

As you round the end heading E, Black head appears, then a dead straight 45 deg sloping headland E of Cadgwith (Enys), this is the mark to put you in the worst of the ebb tide, get out a bit further.
 
According to The Shell Channel Pilot:

East going tide at the Lizard starts at 4hrs after HW Dover and turns again at 2hrs before HW Dover

Penzance to Falmouth 32nm. So leave PZ perhaps 2hrs after HW Dover.
 
lizard

Mind my pots! Leaving PZ when open you will always hit the Lizard at the wrong time, better go from Newlyn, or moor outside PZ for a bit. If you leave at HW+1hr and dawdle up the bay, there is early flood along the shore from Mullion to the Lizard, starts HW + 5hr, but off the end is ebb until HW+9hr, unless you sneak round really tight. Open up the Black Head to miss the end rock.

As you round the end heading E, Black head appears, then a dead straight 45 deg sloping headland E of Cadgwith (Enys), this is the mark to put you in the worst of the ebb tide, get out a bit further.

thanks Fisherman, already decided Newlyn was best departure but your other advice is brilliant, only one question the High Tides you mention are they Newlyn, Penzance, Falmouth or Dover
Many Thanks

One further question many years ago I saw the rock formation that resembles a Lizard, never seen it again , any clues as to posn and how close in do I need to be.

Thanks

Keith
 
There is a NCI station at Bass Point, you can telephone them for conditions :)
Details below:
.......................................................................................

Welcome to the NCI Bass Point Lookout Station

Lat: 49 57.8N
Long: 005 11.15
OS SW 716 119

Bass Point
The Lizard
Helston
Cornwall
Tel: 01326 290212

Manager Peter Clements
Email peter.clements9 (at) btinternet.com

Tel: 01872 862263

Visual Watch
Radio Watch
Radar and AIS Watch

Declared Facility Status

Watch Hours

0800 - 2000 BST
0800 - 1600 GMT
For an assessment of current weather and sea conditions call the duty watchkeeper on 01326 290212
 
lizard

thanks Fisherman, already decided Newlyn was best departure but your other advice is brilliant, only one question the High Tides you mention are they Newlyn, Penzance, Falmouth or Dover Many Thanks

One further question many years ago I saw the rock formation that resembles a Lizard, never seen it again , any clues as to posn and how close in do I need to be. Thanks

Keith

--Newlyn/Penzance.
Never seen it! Name is supposedly Lysarth=high moor. Jankers would have told you that.
 
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