The Shambles

[RobBadgie]

Hi, I’m planning to cross from Portland to Alderney in a few days. Is there any reason I can’t leave by going between Portland and the W Shamles cardinal (close to the cardinal) when the current is running west to east? I assume I’d be well clear of any race issues but wanted to check. Thank you

 

[Pete7]

I have dived the Shambles for a bit of fun. It wasn't, just a huge expanse of coffee granule size sand and very boring plus no fish in sight, the main aim. That was in dead calm weather. Shallowest depth was 3m but its sand and that could easily change overnight with a bit of weather.

I haven't looked at the chart, but if the tide is flooding to the East, how much out of your way is going round the Eastern edge going to make on what is probably a 10 hour passage?

Edit, less than a mile extra overall.

 

[Bobc]

I don't understand why you would bother for the 10 minutes it'll save you.

 

[RobBadgie]

Thank you. Yeah I agree the time saved is minimal. It just gave a slightly better wind angle. But I’ll go east of the shambles instead

 

[Pete7]

From Tue onwards looks like you will need a cruising chute and a good book safe trip.

 

[MontyMariner]

Not worth the effort. With the current running W to E, leave a bit late then going down the Bill you will have a foul tide, leave around 5 to 4 hrs before HW Portland and you will have fair current down the side of the Bill but you will have to watch out for overfalls and pot buoys.
NP257 Portland Bill : Monty Mariner
The current near the banks is very deceptive, all is looking very benign then before you know it you are bouncing around across the banks until they spit you out at the other end.

 

[RobBadgie]

Thank you. Then I’ll definitely go to the east of the shambles.

 

[Major Tom]

I always went between the bill and w shambles, and don't recall having any problems or rough rides. Not much of a short cut for a motor boat, but close hauled to make Cherbourg or CIs, and it's a big saving.

 

[MontyMariner]

close hauled to make Cherbourg or CIs, and it's a big saving.

Not sure about the big saving.
Shambles W - Cherbourg W 57.3nm
Shambles E - Cherbourg W 56.4nm
Difference in heading is 5°

 

[Major Tom]

I looked at the chart and yes, smaller in the scheme of things, than the prospect of an extra 5 miles downwind actually feels. And heading west around the bill, it would feel even further. But my point being, I've always had a reasonable ride by the west, (albeit probably not in full ebb). Went over the top of Shambles in mill pond conditions once, and noted first, the surprising accuracy of the chart, and also the large steep sand ridges on the sounder.