Too windy ..

ParaHandy

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if i was to use yardstick that i've used before in deciding whether to scuttle across the channel, which would include the prospect of getting back, i'd not have crossed the channel since .. ooooh .. about begining of november

so, if this is going to be the norm ... gulp ... i'll have to learn to like the soilent, english beer, fray bentos pies or explore backwaters of portsmuff or what .. ?
 
Or......

Cut your mast(s) down to half their size? Looks like we all might have to reduce our sail areas!

Donald
 
Move West young man, and sample some real Cornish pasties and Betty Stoggs' Ale or p'raps a pint or two of Doom Bar - much better than going out over to France. We also have some of the finest sheltered sailing waters in the world where it is rarely too windy
 
Your big mistake is trying to plan for the return journey. Up here we have had truly sublime days sandwiched between gales. Yesterday, I was out sailing in sunshine and blue skies with mostly F3/4, though there was a wee F6/7 interlude which made me work. Trip was planned 4 days in advance and the forecast held true. Today and the day before are/were blowing a hooley just like Heather the weather said.
So just plan to cross one way, the food and drink are much better, and there's not so many little engerlanders.
 
For several years now we have planned to sail during the winter months, sometimes there (used to be) are some lovely days.

Last year we got the heating installed and working and made our plans to do New year afloat!

If this weather stays as it is it'll be Spring/summer before we can get out again.
 
I've sailed during the winter for tooooo long. You are very weather dependant. So far this year we have not made it out but had some great trips in December.

The weather is much milder than my normal experiance of the UK winter and the wind is just as expected. the trick if to plan and then change your plans. I've had soem great trips to the Channel Islands and France in December/Jan/Feb but I've also had years where I have only been able to go out for short trips all winter.

The weather is 'changable' at this time of year but it is predictable 3 or 4 days in advance - for me that is a part of the winter sailing fun. That and the fact that we were the only boat around but thats changing now. went to Cowes just before Xmass and HAD to RAFT in Sheppards cause everyone else was there as well.............
 
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Its f9-10 at the moment!

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In your shed? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

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Er.. only if I leave the door open!!!

Actually, we're fairly sheltered, sitting in a cove facing the SE of the Lizard. Wouldn't be so good in an Easterly! I think I will find it a bit wind-swept if I go up the hill.

At least tha Sun's shining at the moment.
 
Just heard on the news - Lizard and Falmouth lifeboats both out on a search for MOB from Russian merchant ship. Culdrose helicopters too.

Don't envy them one bit.
 
I discovered long ago that if I never set out on times when the Met Office was forecasting the possibility of strong winds affecting the journey / return then I would never go anywhere.

I now look at the weather now (and immediate forecast) and if that is fine I go. I have only once got caught out like that when I had to leave the boat in France as it was F10 in the channel - and paradoxically that time the met office hadn't forecast it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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