St Albans Ledge

[TernVI]

I've been through under sail, beating in a nice F3-4, and found the waves so steep that they were stopping the boat and losing the wind in the troughs.
One of the few times I've found that motor-sailing is a good idea, just to keep steerage and control.

 

[TernVI]

It's quite an interesting dive on the west side: steep vertical drop off and rocky slope to around 50m, pretty dark at the bottom.

I never qualified to go that deep.
Are there lots of Bavarias and stuff down there?

AIUI, there's not been that many wrecks there, whether that's because it's not really that 'dangerous' or because it's not really on that many sensible routes I'm not sure?

 

[Stemar]

Dangerous, as in likely to sink your boat, probably not, unless you're very stupid and/or unlucky, but dangerous as in may cause damage/injury/loss of nookie points, definitely. Not many boats sunk there, but quite possibly a few marriages and sailing partnerships

 

[Robin]

Over many years and always putting washboards in place just in case a bit of a teeth gnashing shakeabout occurred is the worst IHAD In my gung ho years I have beat around in up to F7 with wind against tide (not recommended especially with family crew) and found the best tactic in the worst bits to be go slow and just let the flow take you through. Under such conditions once was in the midst of a leg of the round Britain power boat race whence a significant portion of the fleet were towed back by Swanage lifeboat, not sure they appreciated my well intended cheery wave as we passed by

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Are there lots of Bavarias and stuff down there?

Well I didn't see any, there may be a pile of them, but of course modern yachts probably wouldn't last more than a couple of weeks under water ...

Most of the dived wrecks are further out, mainly war casualties. We liked this dive because of the spectacular underwater terrain: vertical cliff and deep drop-off. Need to get the tide right.

 

[Mudisox]

Inside passages are often the better, they don't last as long, and as to distance off, I suggest that fenders might be thought needed.
As to most dramatic try Chenal du Trouziard inside Raz de Sein. 4 deg 44.5 West
As Malcolm Robson mentioned that the "livre de Pilotage" suggest that large movements of the wheel must be made with caution. " Quite needless, - the helmsman is usually paralysed"

 

[Babylon]

We buried our bows in the Needles South Channel collecting our new boat... Front hatch lifted off, sprayhood destroyed and I am up to my armpits in the cockpit. Cabin full of water...discovered the bilge pumps didnt work and there was no bucket...

We learn by experience. For instance next two boats had all restorative works done before our first voyage, including duplication or triplication of bilge pumps...

I've often wondered about this: how many new owners (or delivery skippers) blithely put to sea knowing next to nothing about the boat they're setting in off in and the state (or absence) of its equipment?

 

[geoffatstanpit]

On several occasions in otherwise flat water I have met some impressive waves which have turned out to be due to a warship passing by at speed a mile or two to seaward. They can often be met 20 minutes after the ship has gone by.