Ostend to Guernsey

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BrownJB
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Ostend to Guernsey

Post by BrownJB »

Hi Everybody, new member here.. Looking for advice on sailing a 10M cruising yacht from Ostend to Guernsey in October. What to watch out for and also would you recommend doing it without stopping?? Grateful for any thoughts.
Thanks.. J
Jeff
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Post by Jeff »

Hi, welcome!

I'd definitely consider doing it non-stop if you have the crew/experience. It's a long way to go single-handed though. Overnight trips are excellent and memorable - but tiring.

The current in the channel is considerable, especially at spring tides. Maybe try to do it at neaps... that would also be of benefit when you get in the vicinity of the Channel Islands also because the tidal races around there are incredible. Tidal ranges are something like 12.5m at springs!

You may well find you need to heave-to to wait for the right tidal streams as you come around to Guernsey. Perhaps plan a stop-over in France before you get there so you can time it well.

If you haven't got AIS then consider getting it. Just a receiver is enough. We used ours extensively when in the channel as there's so much commercial traffic. Obviously you could avoid most of it by avoiding the shipping lanes though - but the AIS was amazingly useful when we crossed the lanes going UK to Channel Islands and back.

Let us know what you do, and how you get on!!
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Discus
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Post by Discus »

I would echo what is said above and suggest you stop in Cherbourg prior to making landfall in the Channel Islands. This is because you can then time your arrival in Guernsey with more accuracy and be able to work the tides. You can enter Cherbourg at all states of the tide/any weather. You can also stock up on some booze at the hypermarket!! No real necessity to make that kind of trip without at least one stop.
BrownJB
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Joined: Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:47 pm

Back safe and sound

Post by BrownJB »

Hi just a quick reply to you guys to say thanks for the help. We sailed back at the end of October from Ostend to kilmore quay Ireland. Couple of hiccups along the way. Fuel filter issues, ripped cringle in the main sail and then the obvious bad weather that time of year. However really enjoyed it and was certainly an adventure.. Thanks again
Jeff
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Post by Jeff »

Well done - and thanks for taking the time to let us know you had a successful trip!
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Post by Discus »

Nice one! That was quite a trip for that time of the year.
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