Would I be nuts to go channel sailing

[SteveB_Sigma33]

The question is : -

Would I be nuts to go sailing across the Channel single handed in the next 2 weeks.

I know my skills are pretty good, but with no radar I'm not too sure what the fog situation is likely to be?!?!

So do I phone up NHS direct and ask them to lock me up - (a) Now (b) Later

(From Portsmouth to Cherbourg in a Sigma 33)




<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by SteveB_Sigma33 on 15/12/2004 13:52 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[snowleopard]

as far as i know you can't be sectioned for masochism.

you're not particularly likely to meet fog as we're currently experiencing the routine winter sequence of depressions.

why would you want to do it?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[SteveB_Sigma33]

Well it would be a bit of a challenge.

Also with a long break away from work it would be nice to get some fresh air :0)



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[SteveB_Sigma33]

I'd agree with that.

Last year with 2 friends on board I made a decision to come back in a forecast F6 -7 occ. 8. Of the 18 hours it took to beat back into Poole rather than Portsmouth (a long story) a good 15 where at F8 and above.

Doing it alone would be seriously tough!

Mind you the boat did have a nice clean bum afterwards! but not so sure about the crew.

Makes you wonder if Ellen ever gets that dry throat feeling when it gets rough?!?!


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sybarite]

In the summer months the trip can be done in daylight. You would have to seriously consider making a landfall in the dark while being relatively tired and cold. Doable but ...

John

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[SteveB_Sigma33]

Well if I'm going to do it I'll slip from Portsmouth in the wee small hours and arrive in France during the daylight.

I'm happy to make landfall around the Solent region in the dark but I think I'd have a dicky fit in the dark near Cherbourg.

plenty of lighthouses to tell me I've missed!!!!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Goodge]

That sounds like a good plan to me.

If your confident leaving Portsmouth in the dark then by the time St Cats light has disappeared it'll be daylight and you'll be nearly half way there.

I don't really see a problem with your plan at all, weather permitting.

You will also be able to replenish your wine stock that will no doubt be depleted over Xmas.

Go for it.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dom]

Not nuts at all! Depending on tides and wind it can make sense to start from the Needles. If you need to divert it is worth remembering that the landing pontoon in Alderney is removed although you could still find a buoy if necessary. Fog is usually quite well forecast but be careful on the Channel Islands side. I am doing the same trip in the next few weeks!

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by dom on 15/12/2004 15:53 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Gunfleet]

Normally I would agree John,,, but Cherbourg? It's a bit unmissable with no obstructions off.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mirabriani]

Why go alone?
There must be some nut who would crew for you.

Regards and Merry Christmas
Briani

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[graham]

A boring point I know but many insurance policies dont cover singlehanded overnight passages.

I argued about mine and got it included .Must admit it was many years before I realised I was not covered.

I do a lot of singlehanding mostly not through choice. The boat becomes your companion and theres usually a fellow yachtie to yarn with in the pub when you get there.

Enjoy yourself ,weather looks a bit ominous for the weekend though.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[robp]

Done it a few times BUT
Be sure you don't get sick easy. Becoming unexpectedly sick whilst alone in winter would be dodgy. Take some stuff with you in case it happens for the first time!
Lob pots and floating nets/rope in the dark. (Probably a worse problem this side at present).
That having been said, you really want to arrive in daylight. Not because of nav (Cherbourg is easy in that respect, if you watch the tides). As you probably know. But you WILL be tired on arrival and when darkness drops, that exacerbates matters.
I was moving the boat between marinas the other day and it was a perfect 3/4 WNW, warm, calm etc. It was sooo tempting just to carry on past Bembridge but certain persons would have been seriously peed off, so I resisted! Needs thought though.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sybarite]

It was very foggy here today....

John

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Gunfleet]

Good point. But I've been in a real pea-souper there in July! And it wasn't forecast. What are you doing on the Cotentin?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[trouville]

You know the French think were mad! If you arrive in a French port and tell them you just came from the uk for the weekend they wont belive you if they do youll be invited to a good dinner on the strength of it!
Isent the water cold this time of the year??That would be my main consern i single hand that way i almost never have crew problems, but i get very tierd with the cold, even after a five hour winter passage in the med im more than ready to to get in and get below to a walm cabin.
Good luck and i wish i could do the same (but i wont)

<hr width=100% size=1>liveaboard

 

[geoffatstanpit]

On the other hand the Douanerie have time on their hands and are liable to want to have a good look at all your papers. Make sure you have them with you.

I did it once in Nov without the reg docs and got fined the equivalent of £50 (that was the petit penalty, the alternative was impoundment of the vessel) and instructed to leave the country immediately.

We had to leg it to Alderney in not very suitable weather.

Geoff

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[trouville]

If you choose to enter by Treguier, or omonville they might think your running illegal immigrents???better arrive at Fecamp or honflure, even Le Havre, there ive never been directly asked for my papers, ive just had to fill out the form, in which the boat then shrinks!!
But really why did you leave without papers????The French arnt bad,even the few difficult ones, are nothing compared to ours,I cant compare as i sail a British sailboat but ill bet a French boat without papers would be given a good checking,and asked to contribte to Tony Blairs help the rich tax fund, France really isent that bad!! In another post someone wants to sail accross soon in winter!! Must be somthing there?

<hr width=100% size=1>liveaboard

 

[Sybarite]

Here = France (Paris area)

John

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[LadyInBed]

Not nuts, but if it’s not oft said it should be:
"If you have to ask if you should - you shouldn’t".
Sorry.


<hr width=100% size=1>