Which costs more? Sailing Brittany or S. Ireland?

[NPMR]

This year we spent 3 -months in Brittany on the boat, May to July. We did not have great weather so were unable/unwilling to use the anchor anywhere near as much as we hoped. So it cost us about £400-500 per month in Marina fees etc.

Looking at 2012's plan, I would like to go to S Ireland for maybe the same amount of time.

Timing can be delayed to try to get better weather, say June/July and August or even into September. We are only 27' long and are more affected by sea conditions than larger boats, so comfort is important to us.

It looks as though there are not massive anchoring opportunities (sheltered places, reasonably close to civilisation) there until well westwards, when the towns/stopovers seem to be more sheltered, perhaps offering more anchoring opportunities - and cost savings.

Has anyone done this or got a view?

Won't be doing Brittany this year, and possibly not even S Coast UK but funds are tighter than before!!

 

[Fr J Hackett]

West of Cork there is an abundance of anchorages and a few moorings and marinas I have been to Southern Ireland in a 27 foot boat and spent most of the time on the hook, last time was in a 34 footer with probably 80% of the time on the hook. One thing make sure you have a good tender and engine or strong back as some of the anchorages can be a bit of a long row The holding is usually very good even if you use a Rocna

 

[kds]

Ireland ?

I think you should look at the timing again.
The advice I got from sailors on the South Coast of Ireland is thet M/June/July are bast - expect stronger winds in August and come off the water by Sept.
I certainly had a great time in May/June for 2 years running.
Ken

 

[Sybarite]

This year we spent 3 -months in Brittany on the boat, May to July. We did not have great weather so were unable/unwilling to use the anchor anywhere near as much as we hoped. So it cost us about £400-500 per month in Marina fees etc.

Looking at 2012's plan, I would like to go to S Ireland for maybe the same amount of time.

Timing can be delayed to try to get better weather, say June/July and August or even into September. We are only 27' long and are more affected by sea conditions than larger boats, so comfort is important to us.

It looks as though there are not massive anchoring opportunities (sheltered places, reasonably close to civilisation) there until well westwards, when the towns/stopovers seem to be more sheltered, perhaps offering more anchoring opportunities - and cost savings.

Has anyone done this or got a view?

Won't be doing Brittany this year, and possibly not even S Coast UK but funds are tighter than before!!

The west is more delicate. Shows the payback one can have with a good anchor.

 

[Plomong]

M/June/July are bast - expect stronger winds in August and come off the water by Sept.

Fully agree.

It is said that the weather deteriorates noticeably near the end of the Tramore horse races. I can vouch for that. They are held the first week of August. Not a good idea to wait so late for a return crossing to Cornwall.

Plomong

 

[ratbag]

the best weather for the last few years here has been early in the year,march,april may, some marinas may offer discounts on advertised rates eg. stay 2 nights get one free

 

[Allan]

The BBC has changed it's weather pages and on some has a set of year graphs. The page for Cardiff is here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2653822
Only a few have the graphs but they may help pick a good time to travel.
Allan

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Whilst it is generally accepted that conditions begin to deteriorate in late August earl September that is not to say that you are going to encounter 30 or 40 days of weather that renders a 24 to 30 hour passage impossible. An eye on the mid Atlantic charts and local forecasts will enable you to pick a window to get home if it is required. There are plenty of places to leave a boat and fly back to collect as well so don't take it all to literally May to mid August with the better weather occuring probably late May to late July during which period you will undoubtably have several days of rain It's not called the Emerald isle for no reason.

 

[DaveCass]

SW Ireland

Being based in West Cork - I am biased- however you could safely spend a couple of months from Cork Harbour to Kerry without paying any marina fees if desired.
In fact there are not that many marinas in SW Ireland
Plenty of anchorage and some free visitors moorings available.
Use your hook for where there are none.
The past few years has been good weather from April to July
If you're sailng from the SW of England, the Waterford coast has plenty of safe haven unitl you get west of Cork city

Regards

 

[orion50]

look under the "Harbours" tab on this website for good information on harbour facilities all along the S coast

http://www.inyourfootsteps.com/