yerffoeg
Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone for some great advice. Will definitely consider going to Cherbourg instead of Braye.
South Coast to Alderney
- Thread starter yerffoeg
- Start date
Angele
Well-Known Member
Even better. Cherbourg one way, Braye the other.
The choice as to which to do on the way out and which on the way back should be determined by:
How much wine you have on board when leaving the UK?
How much you can trust yourself not to drink it all before your return crossing?
Actually, for that very reason, Cherbourg both ways has its attractions.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
For some reason, we were always lucky with this leg, sailing in late July/early August. I wouldn't dream of setting off on a 90m beat, but the same weather could make it hard to get from Brighton to the Solent in a small boat. On one memorable occasion we set out from Brighton in a NE6 and by the time we were halfway across we were motoring in a calm while the Royal Sovereign was reporting F7 in the previous hour.
Angele
Well-Known Member
Agreed. I had a 10 day cruise last September around Normandy and the C.I. in which the wind blew from the East every day. In those conditions Brighton to Cherbourg or Braye would have been a lovely passage. But, you wouldn't come up with a plan anticipating that. So, I think the OP's best bet is not to think too hard about it all at this stage and then just see what the weather throws at him a couple of days in advance.
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prv
Well-Known Member
laika
Well-Known Member
Topcat47
Well-Known Member
Cherbourg to Alderney isn't without it's own problems. If you aim to get to Cap de la Hague just before the tide turns South, you're going to have a foul tide along the French coast. It's significant for small vessels. Not that it can't be done. I've also done it by arriving close into the North coast of Alderney as the tide turns North. It's easier to sneak into Braye closer inshore against the burgeoning North tide through the Swinge. The Breakwater offers some reduction of the tide. Best done in daylight though.
In a South Westerly, departing from Weymouth might be a clearer option. I've not done the passage planning as I normally go directly from the Solent, but this way there's only the Swnge Tidal Gate to worry about and if you set off with a east bound tide from Weymouth, Portland Bill should shield you from the most adverse effects, even if you can't exploit a back eddy.
In a South Westerly, departing from Weymouth might be a clearer option. I've not done the passage planning as I normally go directly from the Solent, but this way there's only the Swnge Tidal Gate to worry about and if you set off with a east bound tide from Weymouth, Portland Bill should shield you from the most adverse effects, even if you can't exploit a back eddy.
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johnalison
Well-Known Member
I haven't done it for a few years but I remember it was pretty straightforward if you headed about five miles north of the cape. It's only twenty something miles, so you can get there as the tide eases.
laika
Well-Known Member
fwiw...collective forum wisdom on cherbourg to alderney here:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?402000-Cherbourg-to-Alderney
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?402000-Cherbourg-to-Alderney
snowleopard
Well-Known Member
It depends how long you have for your cruise. Dartmouth or Salcombe are good as they will give you a nice broad reach if the wind is in the West.
Dockhead
Well-Known Member
As has been noted, Cherbourg is far easier for a first x-channel. Timing the race for Alderny is a significant challenge, especially in a smaller boat. Also, there is far more to do and see in C-bourg than in Alderny.
Besides that, C-bourg can be entered at any state of tide and in any weather. You don't really have to time your passage at all -- just go out whichever end of the Solent the tide is carrying you at the time of your departure.
For the tidal vectors, I recommend acquiring Neptune Planner+ rather than doing it by hand. Far more accurate and far less tedious, which means you can rerun the numbers frequently as you progress. Set your waypoint a mile or two uptide from your destination.
Then if you really want to see Alderny, the passage to there from C-bourg is far simpler than from across the Channel. But instead of Alderny, consider St. Peter Port, which is much more interesting, and you can buy cheap fuel and booze, too.
Besides that, C-bourg can be entered at any state of tide and in any weather. You don't really have to time your passage at all -- just go out whichever end of the Solent the tide is carrying you at the time of your departure.
For the tidal vectors, I recommend acquiring Neptune Planner+ rather than doing it by hand. Far more accurate and far less tedious, which means you can rerun the numbers frequently as you progress. Set your waypoint a mile or two uptide from your destination.
Then if you really want to see Alderny, the passage to there from C-bourg is far simpler than from across the Channel. But instead of Alderny, consider St. Peter Port, which is much more interesting, and you can buy cheap fuel and booze, too.
jimmyk
Well-Known Member
Daydream believer
Well-Known Member
Not that bad if you stay inshore & catch the back eddy. But in rough weather do not try to cut the corner too tight
I am going to CI's from Bradwell around 3-7 June. I have to be there for wife flying in on 18 June
My route - which I always do- is Boulogne, Dieppe, Le Havre, cherbourg, St PP
All harbours easy to get in 24 hours. no navigation problems apart from corners of Cherbourg peninsular. Cheaper marina fees I am told -as well & going foreign gives it that holiday feeling. Kids would probably like that if you have them
Cherbourg marina give 20% discount to RYA members so if you get holed up there waiting for a weather window it is fairly cheap & you can go on trips inland if you want
Toutvabien
Well-Known Member
I go that way too, but fine details would of course depend on the weather but I would be looking for a favorable slant once I was past Ramsgate. Somehow even Boulogne feels more like being on holiday.
Topcat47
Well-Known Member
BelleSerene
Well-Known Member
If the wind's forecast too close on the nose for the crossing to Braye from Poole or so, you could always consider doing the reverse circuit: cross to France at the straits and port-hop the French coast first. Then you'd have more options to keep a beam or broad reach for the long channel crossing. Would also avoid any worry about your bearing S to Alderney. Just a thought. I'm rather jealous of the time you have for it all!
BTW, if you're doing the long crossing to Alderney, aim for a point that'll be ~4 miles up tide at your ETA. You can always take it off your bearing when you're close, but it'll reduce any worry about fighting a tide around the Race or the Swinge.
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marklucas
Well-Known Member
Why is everyone saying this is difficult?
Braye can be entered at any state of tide. From the South Coast you are going to go through one full tidal cycle so little effect and so you can simply sail at best speed, with a waypoint to be uptide in the last hour. The ebb tide is vicious and will suck you South so fast that you should ensure your VMG is still OK - I have on occasions steered 25o off the VMG.
IMHO, Braye is far more pleasant that Cherbourg - walk up the hill to St. Anne and bizarrely you can have a great curry at Grays Nellie.
Braye can be entered at any state of tide. From the South Coast you are going to go through one full tidal cycle so little effect and so you can simply sail at best speed, with a waypoint to be uptide in the last hour. The ebb tide is vicious and will suck you South so fast that you should ensure your VMG is still OK - I have on occasions steered 25o off the VMG.
IMHO, Braye is far more pleasant that Cherbourg - walk up the hill to St. Anne and bizarrely you can have a great curry at Grays Nellie.