SW Ireland Passage Plan

[Toutvabien]

I am trying to work out a passage plan to take me fom Ramsgate to Valentia Island in SW Ireland. I cannot find any helpful information in relation to passage planning for the bit from Cornwall to Fastnet. Any references or experience that anybody has to share will be gratefully received. Of course it may be that one just gets the boat past Falmouth and then point towards Fastnet rock whenever possible!!

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[kindredspirit]

Just point it and keep going. Watch out for trawlers.

It's 142 miles from St. Mary's to Cork Harbour so it's a little further, Land's End to Fastnet. What landfall are you aiming for?

Appropriate ODAS Buoy is M3

Some weather links, etc, for you below.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.begleys.com/weather.htm>Useful links for Irish waters.</A>

 

[towlerg]

I guess this is stating the obvious but with prevailing westerlys aim for Fastnet and if the wind on the nose gets a bit much bear away for any one of half a dozen good sheltered harbours.

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[kesey]

Paul, do you intend heading straight for the Fastnet or resting up at at e.g. Kilmore Quay, Crosshaven, Kinsale, Baltimore etc?

You'll find lots of links for marinas, weather and waypoints etc. at the URL below.

Give us a more specific idea of your intentions and well provide more info.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.eircom.net/~ajpower>http://homepage.eircom.net/~ajpower</A>

 

[Toutvabien]

I want to end up at Valentia Island to position the boat for a family celebration prior to a cruise back down to Cork where will hopefully end up stealing my cousin's mooring in Drakes Pool. Therefore the plan/wish is to get as much westing in as possible, we would prefer not to go into any intervening ports on the way to Valentia, although we are well aware of the delights of Croshaven, particularly Buckleys Pub, Kinsale etc we would prefer to visit them on the way back.

The bit I am struggling with is the actual passage plan, or perhaps sailing strategy would be a better term. All I came up with was get past Cornwall and point towards Fastnet whenever the wind allows, this may be all there is! I am told that there is not much in the Irish Cruising Club guide either.

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[Jeremy_W]

>>> The bit I am struggling with is the actual passage plan, or perhaps sailing strategy would be a better term. All I came up with was get past Cornwall and point towards Fastnet whenever the wind allows, this may be all there is! I am told that there is not much in the Irish Cruising Club guide either.

Does the RORC publish anything along the lines of a "First-Time Fastnet" guide?

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[freeman]

Aim for Baltimore / Crookhaven [fastnet] and settle for Kinsale if you have to.
Dont go further East than Crosshaven.

S & W Coast of Ireland published by Irish cruising club will be a good investment.

Take all spares, and water and diesel cans as there are few places to refuel/chandlers. Cork and Skibbereen only!!!

good luck

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