Sth Westerlies

[lisilou]

Someone just mentioned to me in conversation that Sth Westerlies were more prevalant in September on the Sth Coast (Brighton to be precise). Is there any truth in this or is this a silly question? If so, sorry but wanted to ask.
L

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Not sure about September specifically - but it is certainly the case that SWlies are the predominant wind here (in Brighton).

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[andy59]

I think south westerlies are the prevailing wind direction all year Lisa , ( well they dont seem to have stopped at all this year ).

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Prevailing. Well done Andy - that's the word I couldn't remember a minute ago. It's been a long day...

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[andy59]

Had to look it up though

 

[Firefly625]

I think south westerlies are the prevailing wind direction all year Lisa , ( well they dont seem to have stopped at all this year ).

indeed they are..

 

[lisilou]

Thanks both. I know the question makes me sound a bit, well, under knowledged (which I am really) but I needed to know coz we're cruising to Brighton mid Sept and I've read that Brighton marina is inaccessible in a sth westerly. Surely it's a case of strong sw's restricting access in which case, what force are we talking here?
Does any of that make sense?
Ta
Lisa

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Hmmm. If it was inaccessible in a SWly, it would be inaccessible most of the time.

It is certainly true that a strongish SW can set up an odd reflection pattern off the marina arm, and the result is that the sea goes all meringue-shaped immediately off the entrance (ie pointy-topped waves) - but you'd need a 5/6 for that, and a foul tide to properly mess it up.

If you're cruising round from the Solent to Brighton then before you worry about the entrance at Brighton marina, you'll need to deal with the Looe channel at Selsey Bill - if conditions are ok there for you, then you'll almost certainly be ok at Brighton.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[lisilou]

Thanks Jimmy that's a big help. I'm gonna go around the Looe coz I'm a scaredy cat lol.
L

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Nah, don't do that, it's a long way round ... pick a day with light winds, aim to hit street and boulder at low water, then ride the tide back the other side to Brighton. It's easy.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[lisilou]

Ok scrap everything I've just asked. I've just looked and it's a strong SE wind I need to be wary of which makes perfect sense when you look at the plan view of the entrance. sorry for being dense.
L

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Aha. That's a less common wind direction here .... but if it's SE then you'll be plugging into it all the way from Selsey Bill. If it's a strong SE then I wouldn't do it... but if you do, and you are concerned about the marina entrance, what you do is stay well off, go past the marina to the E, pick your moment to turn the boat around and then basically surf straight in - once you've turned right into the marina proper it all calms down v quickly.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[lisilou]

Jimmy, you're a star...thankyou. Pleased I asked now.
L

 

[Solitaire]

Thanks both. I know the question makes me sound a bit, well, under knowledged (which I am really) but I needed to know coz we're cruising to Brighton mid Sept and I've read that Brighton marina is inaccessible in a sth westerly. Surely it's a case of strong sw's restricting access in which case, what force are we talking here?
Does any of that make sense?
Ta
Lisa

Lisa, don't get hung up on wind direction. Speed/F is more the major consideration and then of course add a bit of tide!

I have made "several" runs to Brighton and yes, it can be a bit interesting in certain conditions but you need to look at the weather before you go, not on the day you go!

I have no really issues with southerly or SW - which is much of the prevailing winds in our neck of the woods. What I don't "like" is anything with East in it on those runs - means spending a bit more time with the tidal charts.

I have been into Brighton Marina with 'orrible conditions and I personally hate the place. Can see no reason why anybody would want to keep a boat there - but that is just me.

I did a delivery last year with a guy who said I need the boat to be there by such and such a time. I said Ok but we will have to leave by a certain time either wise no deal. He pushed the timing, I knew I could take what would happen and so would the boat. He realised why I wanted to leave when I did when we got there. The waves were breaking over the marina wall when we got in and he was sudden;y very appreciative on my instance of leaving when we did.

Check the weather ahead of your planned departure date, watch it for a week then don't be afraid of saying - hay ho - I'll call it off.

On the other hand make it a girly trip again and take Julie and Fran

 

[lisilou]

On the other hand make it a girly trip again and take Julie and Fran

Ahead of you there Dave...the girlie trip all planned.
Thanks for the advice Dave, we've got two optional dates in case the weather plays up so hopefully one or the other will be good to go.
I just want to start spreading out a bit more and not restrict ourselves to the solent so much. Kinda step out of my comfort zone more y'know?
L

 

[Solitaire]

Ahead of you there Dave...the girlie trip all planned.
Thanks for the advice Dave, we've got two optional dates in case the weather plays up so hopefully one or the other will be good to go.
I just want to start spreading out a bit more and not restrict ourselves to the solent so much. Kinda step out of my comfort zone more y'know?
L

I know. The more you do the more you will feel comfortable. You have come a long way since you did your PB2 with me. I have another client who would not leave the Solent, I took him to the CI's and showed him more, now he just keeps pushing the envelope. The more you do, the more you will do. Keep it up.

 

[rafiki_]

L, generally the weather is OK in Sept on the South Coast. Steer clear of SIBS day 1 as that inevitably means rain, otherwise you should be OK mid Sept.

 

[Rivers & creeks]

It's well marked with lobster pots

It does save a lot of miles though.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

It's well marked with lobster pots

Oh, it's not that bad, there aren't that many - and if the OP is going through at slack they are easy to spot. It's when the tide is running hard and towing them below the surface that it gets a bit more sporty...

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[benjenbav]

I have a meeting later today with a gentleman who, as a young engineer, was involved in the design of the breakwater for Brighton Marina and he would be mortified to think that he had failed to take the prevailing wind into account!