watchet

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clarinettist

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Hi. Planning our first visit to Watchet tomorrow, weather permitting. I notice on the website the advice is to avoid the entrance until 1 hour either side of HW. I will follow this advice ofcourse, but is it possible to get to the pub a little earlier? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
I have the next three weeks off work and the plan is to get to Ireland but I think I may have angered the weather gods again. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Thank goodness, I had thought it was all my fault! Where is the best landfall in Ireland (not that I'm planning anything quite so ambitious this season)?
 
If its your first trip don't do it, weather looks bad so any problens will just become worse.
I would go but thats different.
Actually do go but turn aroud s soon as your not happy.....best way to learn. I bet you will look out tomorrow morning and say no straight away.
 
I seem to have lost track here , who are sail and who are mobo? Could you guys put it on your bio?
We are off now but mobos don't seem to go out with a slight swell.
 
If you look up the gate opening times on Watchets website you can safely enter the outerharbour whenever the gate through to the marina is open.

It pays not to go into the marina the second the gate opens as there can be a strong cross current.Better to wait in the outerharbour ten minutes then go through on the next green light.

Hope the weather sorts itself out for you.Personally I wouldnt think of going tommorow you will have strong winds on the nose. Monday its forecast to moderate and veer more to the West giving you a better slant on it.
 
On springs it might even be better to wait 30 mins...we once shot through the gate like a cork out of a bottle...virtually out of control once inside!! Even some of the local boats have a problem just after gate opening (Graham can probably do it blindfold and standing on his head, with no engine...but for us mere mortals it's not a bad idea to be a bit late /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
 
If you do go through on the first opening, the best bet is to go in straight and not try to turn into the pontoons. You can then turn into the stream and get everything under control.

Csail. I would beg to differ. Whenever I have crossed from France in anything more than a four, any yachts out and about all had their sails tightly furled and were motoring. Always thought it very odd!!
Force 9 in the Forth with 30 foot waves was also very exciting!
St Michael had to a hard time!!
 
I guess you're going to do Ireland in legs (hence the Watchet question). I think Tangomoon was asking about your planned departure point to cross over from Wales. Dale / Skomer (or Milford Marina) are the usual. Daylight crossing to Dunmore or Kilmore Quay, or overnight + day (approx 100 miles) to Crosshaven / Kinsale.
 
[ QUOTE ]

Csail. I would beg to differ. Whenever I have crossed from France in anything more than a four, any yachts out and about all had their sails tightly furled and were motoring. Always thought it very odd!!


[/ QUOTE ]

Yes - thats the odd thing. All the mobos stay in port but the raggies promptly turn into mobos.
 
should add that going to watchet tomorrow is likely to put as much strain on your wallet as on your boat. Ridiculous mooring fees.
 
I can make as big an arse of it as anyone. Ask Damo if you dont believe me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif He saved the day after i compl;etely cocked it up trying to get into a berth at Portishead /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gifNot sure how long I can use the "Im not used to how the boat handles yet" excuse.

Before entering any marina I think its wise to rig lots of fenders both sides to keep your options open.

Re entering Watchet in a strong tide it pays to go through the gap with a bit of speed on .If waiting to leave give the incoming boats plenty of room to manouvere.

It is a bit pricy but we allways enjoy a stay in Watchet and find the staff there friendly and helpfull.
 
Haven't been there this year, but spent so much time in Watchet last year, the locals thought we'd moved there! They are pricey (though the weekly rate is more in line with other marinas), but it does include electricity which in most marinas is £3 per night. Of course many of us don't use it / want it / need it, so that's a bit irritating. So long as they get visitors, they'll charge what they charge. Not much other option along that part of the coast. We've always enjoyed Watchet, and it's a good base for exploring the N.Devon coast by foot and bus if weather-bound.
 
Just to clear up a little confusion it was me who mentioned Ireland not clarinettist and yes the plan is to sail from Dale to Dunmore East but as i am still sitting here reading your post and looking for a weather forecast that says what I want to hear you can assume the plan is has been delayed. Two other boats have gone ahead and are tucked up in Milford, I spent the night at csail's house watching the wind and rain. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Aha...all is now clear! Clarinettist is probably wondering what the hell Watchet has to do with Ireland!! Answer..not much. Sorry for the confusion. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
if you only have a few days off then you can be weatherbound and unable to get to Wtchet,if you have a few weeks off you can be weatherbound and unable to get to Ireland.Just about sums it up lately. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
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