Routing Thoughts

[Troutbridge]

Hi Folks. I'm picking up my new pride and joy from Ipswich, in the second week of August (well, that's my plan, not sure what the builder has in mind!). I have to deliver the boat to Emsworth to have other goodies fitted and I've just started having a look at the planning. I'm aware of the new regulations around the Sunk area and at first glance apart from natural caution they don't appear to cause any problems (brave words!!). The plan is to go 'outside', i.e. Long Sand, Kentish Knock then to Ramsgate for the night, continuing on close(ish) insure round the corner then on to Chichester/Emsworth. Any comments/suggestions please? Equipment-wise I'll probably have a hand-held VHF (usual safety equipment~flares, life-raft), probably no radar but I will have a chart plotter. Ironic really because I'm happier navigating with a thick pencil, mug of coffee and a chart, but I guess I'll ease my way into the 21st century!!

 

[pennycar9]

I have done the trip from the Ipswich area to Dover quite a few times. From your post you seem to have all aspects covered.Beware of the volume of shipping in the estuary. An interesting alternate route is through Foulgers Gat Have a good trip

 

[Troutbridge]

Thanks

 

[Twister_Ken]

if you've got the ability to get around the corner to Dover, rather than Ramsgate, it makes the trip down channel a bit more bite-sized.

 

[Athene V30]

Agree with Twister Ken - miss out Ramsgate and go for Dover - only another 1.5 hours with the tide.

I did Brightlingsea - Dover / Dover - Brighton / Brighton - Chichester in 3 days in my 27 foot sloop solo the other year in 3 long days and no night sailing (well nearly) as solo insurance doesn't permit!

 

[Gunfleet]

[ QUOTE ]
no night sailing (well nearly) as solo insurance doesn't permit!

[/ QUOTE ] There's nothing to stop you writing to your insurer and asking them how you are expected to work the tides on the East Coast if you can't single hand at night. Mine agreed I could single hand on that basis. The only time I've had a claim I had two crew aboard!

 

[Troutbridge]

Thanks for all suggestions. If I leave an hour or so earlier from Ipswich then I should be able to take the tide round to Dover. Anybody ever taken a cat into dover (boat, not feline)?

 

[Gunfleet]

Negatory on taken a cat there but the swell in Dover harbour might be acceptable in a cat. Then you can anchor for free!

 

[Twister_Ken]

I don't think the lock into the marina would pose a problem for anything but a megacat, but even if it does you can lay outside the lock.