when to cross biscay

[PaulJ]

I agree with Chris. The Jaguar 22 is a fine little boat when used for what it was designed for, ie. coastal sailing. In my opinion, for most people (Ellen excluded!) it is not up to what Biscay could, and is quite likely to, throw at you. I would either take it down on a trailer or take it through the French Canals.

 

[alant]

Came back the other way in early March a couple of years ago (38') & weather was very clement due to high pressure all way up. In fact sometimes too little wind to get going properly. A few weeks later however, a v good boat was abandoned off La Coruna in 'horrendous seas' with Skipper sadly lost.
In a 22', suggest you wait for a very good weather window, taking judgement on route best for you in the time available. Make sure you do have enough wind to sail, since your fuel capacity is unlikely to give you much range & you dont want to be stuck in the middle waiting for a 'blow' to hit. Dont forget that even 50 Nm out will take you at least 10 hours to reach a safe haven (by which time it may not even be safe for a smallish boat due to sea conditions close to land).
Personally, unless very certain of conditions, I would opt for the 'inside' route, Plymouth/Falmouth to Ushant (Chanel de Four) & then down the coast as far as St Giles perhaps & then across toward Finistere. At least that way you have plenty of bolt holes within reasonable distance if needed.
Its a 'must do' trip for many sailors & is an achievement even the most cynical can be proud of, so go for it.
Always remember however, Biscay does not take prisoners.

 

[Thistle]

I'm disappointed to see some replies suggesting "if you have to ask, don't go." Though I'm not in a position to offer an answer, I congratulate you for having the sense to ask about something you were unsure about. It is always infinitely better to ask and be told, constructively, "No, don't do it because ... " or "Yes, try it but ..."

Many thanks to those who have offered constructive suggestions. Owning a Jaguar 23 I've been interested to read comments about how I might approach such a challenge in future.

Paul, I wish you the best of luck and weather whatever you decide about the trip.

 

[Robin]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm disappointed to see some replies suggesting "if you have to ask, don't go." Though I'm not in a position to offer an answer, I congratulate you for having the sense to ask about something you were unsure about. It is always infinitely better to ask and be told, constructively, "No, don't do it because ... " or "Yes, try it but ..."

Many thanks to those who have offered constructive suggestions. Owning a Jaguar 23 I've been interested to read comments about how I might approach such a challenge in future.



[/ QUOTE ]

Well as one who said 'if you have to ask don't go' or something very similar I think that was a very sensible reply. It quite simply means that if you need to ASK the queston about crossing Biscay in March/April then you should NOT go. You don't have the experience, you don't have a suitable boat and at that time of the year to attempt to cross a renowned bad corner of the Atlantic would be rather foolish.

I rather think that Paul knew the replies that his post would get, but thought that there just might be a few that said 'good on yer mate give it a go, don't be a wuss'. Another time of year, or in a different boat then a different answer perhaps.

As for constructive suggestions, 'Don't do it' was actually very constructive IMO, but I and others also suggested going later in the year, or taking the inshore route for all or part of the trip or (as I knew his target was the Med) to take the canal route(s) through France or even a ferry to Spain and start from there. I could have been really constructive and suggested that he simply took a sledge hammer to his boat just before his planned departure, which could produce a similar result and save a lot of suffering and trouble later for him and the rescue services.

I'm afraid that this is very much a case of if you don't want to hear the answer, then don't ask the question! I wish Paul all the best for his Med trip and you too if you are considering the same sort of thing. By heeding the advice not to go in March by that route I believe he will eventually realise his dream and make it with both his boat and him in good enough condition to enjoy it.

 

[Thistle]

Robin

I think we're actually pretty much in agreement here, except perhaps in tone. Your original reply fell squarely in the constructive "don't do it because ..." category and was very helpful. What I take issue with is what I felt was the apparent discouragement from asking questions. One of the great things about this forum - and the sailing community in general - is that folk can ask questions and get useful, reasoned replies from experts without being made to feel stupid. I think that that sort of information gathering is an essential precursor to getting the practical experience. For that reason I'd want to avoid any hint of discouraging questionners.

Ian

 

[Robin]

Ian

I understand and I do agree with you, though I didn't read into any of the replies the same unconstructive implications as you did. I certainly wouldn't want to deter anyone from asking questions. This question though had rather more at stake and I suspect this had more than a little to do with the tone of the replies! Sometimes we are at risk on these forums of giving advice that might, just might result in serious consequences if wrongly intepreted, I believe this was just one such time.

Robin

 

[karlh]

Well said.
see "oldtimers" response to my question in the thread "gps as log"to see another example of this.

 

[paulncc]

to all who have replied thank you for the advice. this is why i posted in this forum for peoples knowledge and experience. like they say there are old sailors and bold sailors. i want to be an old sailor 1 day.

 

[tcm]

hi, lots of insurance excludes biscay between mid august and 1 april so i guess it's less crap outside those dates. I came over last may and it was okish, f3ish on the nose.

 

[alant]

Re: when to cross biscay-Useful Website

Found this in my favorites http://www.michaelbriant.com/uk_to_med_routes.htm