What would you do?

[Chamaerops]

We were toying with crossing Lyme Bay this afternoon from Weymouth to Torbay.
We have a MF855 with twin 150hp so about 29ft length and she doesn't mind a bit of lumpiness (but the crew are a different matter).
Given the weather on windfinder at Lyme Bouy what would you do, cross or stay in the marina?

 

[neale]

I don't know what it was like yesterday down there but we had strong winds on the east coast. That may have a bearing on what you find. With that forecast I would probably go and have a look, take the inshore route around the bill and see what it's like. Always be prepared to say 'I don't like it' and turn back. Tidal flow will make a big difference too. Might have to punch it for the best sea conditions, if it's possible

 

[Chamaerops]

Thanks for the advice Neale, the problem is we havn't got you & April Fool to go and have a look for us

 

[Chamaerops]

My hesitation in going today was because I have noticed that over the past few weeks windfinder has been underestimating the wave height that actually exists. This has been confirmed again because I have just phoned Portland coastwatch and it is currently force 6 with 6-8 ft swells on Lyme Bay!
So we have made the decision not to go today. Unfortunately, I think it will now be a few more days before conditions are right.

 

[neale]

My hesitation in going today was because I have noticed that over the past few weeks windfinder has been underestimating the wave height that actually exists. This has been confirmed again because I have just phoned Portland coastwatch and it is currently force 6 with 6-8 ft swells on Lyme Bay!
So we have made the decision not to go today. Unfortunately, I think it will now be a few more days before conditions are right.

With the updated information a very sensible call. I don't usually take much notice of forecast wave height as it never seems to be very accurate. Surpsed their wi d forecast was so far out though. Wind finder us usually pretty good.

 

[burgundyben]

Its always a gamble in Lyme Bay for small boats. We crossed both ways earlier in the month, both times the breeze was very light, but still bumpy and big swells. Always my plan is to round the Bill, do a mile or 2, stop, look at the weather and think about it carefully. Then either go for it, or double back. None of us need to be heroes.

 

[Offshore57]

Neale, you made exactly the right decision, in my limited experience the sea always takes a long time to calm down, even if the windspeed has dropped, (wish it would) and Lyme Bay can be horrendous even on an innocuous looking day.

 

[Sneds]

Always better to be on the shore wishing you were at sea than to be on the sea wishing you were ashore!

 

[Chamaerops]

We finally left Portland this morning to head west. We timed it for slack water on the inside passage at Portland Bill. It was really busy with dozens of yachts and several mobos all rounding the headland at the same time on a very flat sea. The trip across Lyme Bay was eventful as we came across two seperate pods of dolphins first about ten miles into the crossing and then a second pod about ten miles from Torbay. Lyme Bay was like a lake and interestingly land was never out of sight despite doing the direct crossing. Throughout the journey the coast was very clearly visible to the north and mid journey both Portland and the coast around Torbay could be seen at the same time. I guess it was just a very clear day.

 

[burgundyben]

Sounds like you got it just right. How long did it take?

 

[Chamaerops]

Sounds like you got it just right. How long did it take?

The crossing took about two hours at speeds between 5 and 35 knots, although mostly 25-28 knots cruising. It would have been quicker if not for the dolphin encounters.