Swinge - Alderney

[BlueJasper]

Well if the forecast stays as it is we are off to Guernsey on Saturday and the plan is to go through the Swinge (going from the Solent) at about 2 hours before HW Dover. Then we should be able to get into Victoria Marina in St Peter Port whilst there is enough water. At that time the tide will be running NE and so will the wind (F3 - F4). Question is how rough will the Swinge be at this time given it is springs? Will it just be like Portland Bill on a fairly settled day or worse?

If I scare the wife too much it will be our first and last trip there!

Many thanks

 

[cliffdale]

If its your first trip, avoid the swinge.

Drinks are expensive, take plenty of them


We tend to buy fresh food, a few emergency cans of soup, long lasting bread is helpful.

 

[Whitelighter]

Go through the race, from Pompy its no further and easier.

 

[cliffdale]

I probably stand to be corrected, but first time and with SHMBO?
Take the easy passage would be my advice.

 

[JohnRob]

Hi BlueJasper

I may be wrong but you may be cutting it a bit fine to get into Victoria. If HW Dover is 1421 bst, you plan to go through the Swinge at 1221 bst. I don't think you'll be pressing on in the head sea conditions.

Victoria Marina closes at 1248 bst if you need a metre or so of draft. So suspect you'll need to aim a little earlier which means more tide which you do not really want. (Although they will simply put you on the pontoons in the pool if you are late, and there is a water taxi if you can't be bothered with a dinghy)

With wind and tide together, it may be ok as the wind is forecast to be pretty light and you are approaching slack. But unfortunately there will likely be a fair bit of swell left from Friday just to make things a little more exciting. Suspect you will need to take a view - if it is sloppy cross channel, then it may be an easier ride west of the Casquets, if a bit further.

Good luck!

 

[BlueJasper]

Yes I was cutting it very fine! Thanks for all the advice, new course plotted for the Race and I will take my time and lots of beer and wine!!

Cheers