Sixpence - Lost the Plot?

Don't think so - Dave seems to be dithering on the brink.
What's needed is a concerted forum 'push' to get him moving.
Be prepared for lots of: the weather's not that good, the insurance won't let me, etc...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Dave, get your arse in gear; at the rate you're going you won't even make the 2010 Ostend run. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

There; enough motivation for one morning /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I would need to know that there is more than one crate of Duval to make me want to take a 21' boat out to sea with the weather this week / weekend as currently forecast!

Looks like on Sat I will be testing out my storm jib arrangement and probably not be too underpowered! It's not sailing in a blow that particularly bothers me it is the getting on & off the berth on my own with the increased risk of damage to all around!
 
Dave - I know you're not keen on the idea of a trailer, but have you thought of borrowing a trailer, trailing the boat to a decent bit of inland water - Rutland, or Grafham, say - and launching the boat there for a little while?

I know it's not what you want to do longterm, but it would give you a chance to hone your sailing skills and 'road test' Sixpence without the added complications of tides and navigation.

Just a thought.
 
No excuses needed Will, but are you going to meet me at the jetty to take my lines when I do it ?. A case of Duval will probably be much appreciated as a welcome home pressie /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif especially as it will be my first ever sail on her and I do intend completing it single handed, if for no other reason than to show I can and prove some people wrong.
 
When YOUR ready Dave you will do it I know you will/can.

I agree when the weather window is there you will go!! No point doing it in a blow!!!

Hows the Lady? Chris contacted me today and told me he has Lou's bug!!!!

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Al.
 
You're completely bonkers Dave.... stick her on a trailer, get her down there, and get sailing in some manageable waters....

I've said it to you already.... that isn't a sensible passage for your first sail..... you don't even know what you don't know yet.....

Its nearly autumn, the weather will get more unpredictable, the trip contains some very challenging navigation, you've never been a skipper (believe me, its very different from being on board with experienced sailors who know what to do when things go wrong), you haven't developed a 'feel' for a boat yet, and you don't even know what is and isn't going to work on her.....

Plenty of chance to prove yourself adventurous at the appropriate time..... Pack your bravado away, and do the sensible thing..... you could be sailing in a couple of weekends time.....
 
Well said Niel very good advise /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.
Trailer Her Dave & enjoy her sailing in shelterd waters.
Also the daze r getting shorter dont get caught out offshore in the dark.
Its Tiger Country out there Dave ready to catch-out the best of us /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
Al, pass on Louise' apologies to Chris, I'm surprised more didn't catch it, I have /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Niel, as normal, perfectly sound advice and thanks for saying it, but unfortunately it's a non starter at the moment. I have tried every way I can to organise a trailer but it is simply not possible
 
Dave, you have some top friends. Listen to them.

We've had our fun, we've egged you on and teased you. But enough is enough.

Wells to Deben as a maiden voyage? First time as skipper? Unproven boat? Single handed? Neil's right, you're competely bonkers even considering it.

I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't even offer to help you because I don't know your boat and I know it is untested.

Trailer. Trailer. Trailer.
 
As someone with a little boat I agree. taking my 22footer from Bradwell to Burnham with my dad looks like a titchy hop round the coast. However, you are almost completely bound by the tide so have to sail at particular times and a moderate sea in a 21 foot boat is pretty daunting and not very comfortable.

My boat was based on the debden and I needed to get it to the blackwater. I worked out at 3-4 knots and to get the right tides for launching the boat and getting over the bar I was looking at least 2 days sailing. I'm not massively experienced but have skippered some much bigger bare boat charters. I didn't fancy it in a small untested boat with an untested motor.

In the end I spent about £300 having her taken to the blackwater on a truck. It took an afternoon and was worth it to be sure of a first season's sailing. I agree with the others, if the weather turns you haven't got many choices once you are committed. Take her by road and get some sailing in.

I agree with Bernie, I wouldn't be up for that trip with you in an untested boat.
 
Dave, I have to agree with everything said so far esp Neil's post. It's a challenging route even with fully proven kit. Prove the kit (and yourself) first then do it, it has to make sense.

You'll get there.
 
Dave, I understand how you feel, but Neil is spot on with what he says. Strong tides, confused seas, sand banks and no safe havens make this a challenging passage in good weather!

Add poor weather and shorter days, and you start to increase the risks considerably.

No one is saying sixpence isn't up to the job, but try her and prove her elsewhere, not on that route!

We would love to see you on the Suffolk and Essex coast, but in one piece!

you may find someone here who can move your boat on flatbed or trailer.

http://www.yell.com/ucs/UcsSearchAction....;cam=intToolbar
 
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