Which way to Cherbourg

[peterandjeanette]

Having just run the boat round (from the Thames) to the Solent last week we are now planning our run to Normandy starting this Saturday. So, calling all those with knowledge of the Cherbourg crossing.
Bearing in mind that we will be leaving around high water Southampton do we go to the Needles and turn left, or do we go to Nab Tower and turn right? (Tide running east to west, boat cruising at around 22 kts weather permitting.) Or doesn't it really matter. All thoughts greatly appreciated.

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[powerskipper]

I would go just off due south to reach Cherbourg from the Needles, If the visibility is good , you may mid channel see both IOW and France, that is worth seeing. remember to look left then right about mid channel as those big ships come in gangs, enjoy the trip its a nice one.

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Julie

 

[peterandjeanette]

Thanks Julie. Are you based in the floating office in Brighton? If so I nearly called on you last Wednesday passing through from Boulogne to Solent, but opted to have a "heavy" meal on the Chinese boat instead. Big mistake!

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[tcm]

Um, i would suggest considering going when wind and tide are together perhaps, for a comfier crossing with flatter water, so in westerlies set off 3 to 4 hours before HW dover with tide running west to east and easing at high tide/slackwater on the other side.

In rougher westerly weather you are protected for longer on the nab side, but I would probably head out needles to see what it's like, then plenty of options to pack it in either back thru the needles, or back round the nab.

If manky weather on the return, the nab is tthe way to come - as if a very large ship rather than a boat.

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[powerskipper]

Hi , based Solent area, or Poole. see link on bottom of post. Hope you enjoy the planned trip. and cheap booze or cigs at the hyper market in Cherb, about a couple mile walk , and if you buy enough booze, they give you free taxi with it back to marina /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

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Julie