To the Isle of Man

[Howardnp]

I assume from reading the messages on here that the majority are yachtsman... however, I would like some help as a RIB user.

We intend going across to the Isle of Man in early July to do a basking shark survey and need s me advice on routes.

There will be three or four RIBS and please do not head off in to safety advice etc... it is the route I am interested in.

Shortest would be preferable so details of any facilities like slips etc on the mainland would be useful... plus any experience anyone has had of that crossing as well.

Thanks

 

[Davy_S]

Which part of the IOM will you be heading for? I have seen baskers on the east of the island, but they are more prolific at the southern tip and the west coast. What do you intend to do with your trailers?
The shortest crossing will mean the furthest for you to tow, ie from Whitehaven northwards.

 

[LittleShip]

Have a look at this site for info, cant help with routes but I know this is a starting point for Basking Sharks ?? We have seen Shark when leaving this area on many occassions.

http://www.gov.im/harbours/PortErinPort.asp

 

[[3889]]

if you want to go from wales shortest route is amlwch or cemaes to port st mary. Free slip at both anglesey ports and easy parking. assuming 20knt cruising speed aim to launch 1 hour before hw liverpool. 39 mile crossing with tide pushing east -west-east, little effect on rib once 3 miles off anglesy.
Longer drive to whitehaven but knocks 8 miles off crossing to douglas but if you launch through marina there is a fee. Irish sea can be a bit lumpy in a strong northerly. Take care in calf sound with northerly over ebb. I believe calf sound and west coast of island is best venue for basking shark.
Andy

 

[[448]]

Probably a bit out of your way, but here at Isle of Whithorn (mainland Scotland) we about 16 miles N. of Point of Ayre, 30 miles from Peel. Tidal slip within the harbour (3 hours either side of HW). Let me know if you want any more info.

Cheers, Dave

 

[Colvic Watson]

Done both the north Wales and Whithorn route, Whithorn is a very nice place but the Anglesey route is quickest. Also did the Liverpool route but launching will cost and there is lots of commercial traffic. Suggest aiming for 5 miles south of Santon, then run down the coast south to Derbyhaven, Castletown or Pt St Mary as it is very easy to miss the Island if you head straight for Pt St Mary (on the southern tip). I know we all have GPS sets, but it makes sense to aim to the safe side off the target. I grew up on the Island and we saw basking sharks around Pt Erin mostly, and around the Calf. I'm sure you'll get lots of local advice, but the Calf sound can be a real mess with wind over tide - a huge amount of water through a very narrow gap.

Have a good trip

 

[Howardnp]

Thanks for the info and advice... will post a report if we see any!

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Er, doesn't answer your question about slips & routes, but I've seen a lot of baskers feeding in the overfalls off Point of Ayre.

 

[silvertop]

Before you dissapear, you meantion early July, is there a period that the sharks travel through the area (obviously to southern parts as we all do). Is it to the West or East of the Isand.

Another thing to see before I die.

So much to do and so much to see

Thanks

 

[claymore]

Calf Sound is the place to be and around Chicken.
I used to take a 4m searider over there from Fleetwood to Port St Mary. I reckoned on around 5hrs which used to use around 15 galls. You can launch for free at Knott End and there's somewhere to leave your trailer.
You may well be best going from N. Wales - I think you should base yourself around the S. End of the Island - Port St Mary are really helpful and there's plenty of places to park up overnight
If you want any help or advice PM me

 

[[448]]

Many years ago when we used to do the Round the island race,usually end of May, we would pass many Baskers heading north off Peel to Port Erin.Usual route route for Baskers is up the West coast of the IOM, firing off to Mull of Galloway and up the North Chanel. Always the the odd one or two that get lost though. I would say that Peel would be a better base than PSM if only because getting round from PSM to the West coast can be a real PITA. Just guessing, but July might be a bit late.
Cheers, Dave

 

[macd]

I live in Peel, IoM. When the baskers arrive they seem to congregate in waters from here to the Calf. So both Peel and Port St Mary would be suitable bases -- when one's getting weather, the other's likely to be in shelter. Lifeboat slip at Peel can be used any state of tide. By May, Peel's water retention scheme should be completed, meaning inner harbour will stay wet, although I imagine that's of little interest to RIBs.

Some years we see dozens of baskers, some hardly any at all. 2004 was so-so, 2003 good, 2002 a dead loss. If you'd like to drop me a PM nearer the time, I'd be happy to let you know how this year's panning out, but be aware I'll be sodding off to Scotland around 15 June.

There is a local basking shark society (although, curiously, only people are accepted as members). Need their details?