Invoice is in Plymouth in September planning a passage to the Med. He has determined that the primary leg is to sail to Camaret close to Brest in Brittany. His yacht, Aries, is a 12m cruiser racer. He has three crew.
The forecast provides a low off south-west Eire with SE 5-6 winds changing into 6-7 and veering south later for sea space Plymouth. The long-term forecast is for unsettled climate, so Invoice is anxious to set
off and sail south as quickly as he can.
The course to the northwest nook of Brittany is 195º true, and the gap is about 115 miles. From there he’s planning to sail south down the Chenal du 4, a tidal passage contained in the offlying Islands, for about 14 miles earlier than turning to port in direction of Camaret.
The tidal stream within the Chenal du 4 will probably be 4 knots, and it’s halfway between springs and neaps Invoice is aware of that on a detailed attain Aries will sail comfortably at 8 knots so he reckons that he will probably be within the lee of France by the point the wind freshens and veers. He can then take the beneficial tide down the Chanel du 4 to reach as quickly as potential in Camaret.
His various plan if he’s confronted with a robust southerly, is to proceed west to the Isle of Ushant and journey out the sturdy winds in Lampaul in a west-facing bay. All issues thought-about, ought to Invoice proceed together with his route or ought to he keep put?
The forecast is unsettled, must you depart harbour?
A It’s an formidable plan which might go badly mistaken. Aries will sail comfortably at 8 knots on a detailed attain in good circumstances however because the wind freshens the ocean state will gradual the velocity. Progress will probably be slower when close-hauled onerous on the wind. It’s going to be very uncomfortable, even on board a 12m yacht.
In a southerly 6-7 the Chanel Du 4 in wind in opposition to tide situation goes to be tough and tough. Regardless of the sturdy tidal stream the velocity by means of the water within the brief steep seas will probably be gradual.
The plan to proceed to Lampaul as a port of refuge is flawed as a result of the bay is open to the west. The forecast of veering winds will convey southwesterly then westerly winds within the subsequent day or two, making Lampaul untenable.
My view is that Invoice ought to keep in Plymouth till the wind has veered to the west and even higher, the northwest. This might then give a quick, extra snug level of sail with a liberating wind, and the Chenal du 4 will probably be a lot safer.
Even with wind prediction fashions out there on the web, skippers can by no means make sure of the exact time the wind will start to veer, so passage plans must acknowledge this and embrace some flexibility, particularly if the change brings the path additional ahead onto the yacht’s bow.
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