Royal Sovereign, Beachy Head, tides.

[Twister_Ken]

Anybody know if there's an eddy behind the Sov shoals on an eastgoing tide? Not marked on my tidal atlas, but as it covers Dover to Spithead, there's no detail of eddies. We seemed to get a bit of tidal help there which we hadn't expected.

At Beachy Head, is there slacker water close in (or does the tide turn earlier)? A boat inshore of us seemed to be doing relatively better than we were a couple of miles offshore.

Thx for any help. The notes have gone into my little black book, but I'd like to have them confirmed.

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[Aeolus_IV]

Just to the east of Beachyhead, close in shore there is meant to be a back eddy heading west on the rising tide (just off the old part of Eastbourne). But this has to be balanced against the various rocks and ledges which stick out here, but even when you are further round the head (assuming your heading west), being as close inshore as is reasonably safe will take the edge off the tide if you are working against it.

On the other hand it is best to round the head with a following tide and stay a little way off the cliffs - you get a better view, cleaner wind, miss the pot markers round the head and pick up more tide - my choice.

If you are heading east then there are no eddies to speak of that I know about, again best wait for a favourable tide then Brighton to Eatbourne is an easy 4 hour sail.

Regards, Jeff.

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[brianhumber]

Used to day fish in this area in the early 80s. Yes some eddies very close inshore BUT watch the rocks and overfalls in any kind of winds and sea. Close under the cliffs the winds change so its not worth it on a cruise passage unless you have a large crew keen on sail trimming.
Unless you are bored or wish to see the delights of Eastbourne, the marina or Fairlight cliffs I would skim offshore of R Sovereign tower as well.


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