Alderney...again! 7th-8th August 2010

martini · 01 August 2010, 20:22

The well known "Alderney Week" celebrations are currently underway, culminating on the weekend 7th/8th August.

Bit early to tell for sure but current forecast is saying F1-2 winds and nothing but sunshine all weekend.

I should have my new crank position sensor delivered and fitted by then fingers crossed.

My main aim for the weekend is to take t/t Martini with me and get ashore at the Casquets (don't tell Trinity House

), have a little nose round and take some piccys.

In the interest of safety I would like to keep 2 persons, at least 1 with experience, on board while another 2 go ashore, then swap over so need some volunteers! Should be a pretty interesting oppurtunity.

Erin · 01 August 2010, 21:40

See you there

martini · 01 August 2010, 21:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

See you there

Awesome

Is Trevor G and the Biboa gang planning to go this year? Seem to remember him mentioning it?

Trevor G · 01 August 2010, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

Is Trevor G and the Biboa gang planning to go this year? Seem to remember him mentioning it?

Sorry - Normally I'd have tried to make it for the end of the week but this year we're on holiday elsewhere for August.
I think the Biboa Aldeney run has been cancelled due to spending too long in Jersey earlier this month and everyone running out of petrol and vacation passes

!
Trev

Erin · 02 August 2010, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

My main aim for the weekend is to take t/t Martini with me and get ashore at the Casquets (don't tell Trinity House

), have a little nose round and take some piccys.

Not entirely convinced you'll need a tender for this. There's a landing stage that you could nose into and jump off M-II. You'll just need to trust your temporary skipper to come back for you though

I'll see if I can find out some info without alerting any suspicion.

Channel Ribs · 02 August 2010, 09:07

Predictably, I am up for it.

I believe landing requires permission, so we may have to make do with just getting in close. I hope that crank sensor does not play up at an in opportune moment, but if it does it is nice to know there is a landing stage to secure to while adjusting it.

Mollers · 02 August 2010, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by malthouse

Predictably, I am up for it.

I believe landing requires permission, so we may have to make do with just getting in close. I hope that crank sensor does not play up at an in opportune moment, but if it does it is nice to know there is a landing stage to secure to while adjusting it.

Will you be overnighting and taking in a few pubs and clubs?

Erin · 02 August 2010, 09:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Will you be overnighting and taking in a few pubs and clubs?

Hope so, though I understand the mirror ball at the top isn't up to much by modern club standards and the dance floor's not very big either

Incidentally, where does it say no landing. I can't see it marked on my chart anywhere

Found this which just about shows the layout and the landing points. http://www.cyberheritage.org/alderney/IMG_4544.html

martini · 02 August 2010, 14:24

Excellent pic, never come across those before.

I had a really good look on the last visit, it's not really a landing, although fairly steep-to, it's just rock with a bit of concrete on top.

Half the fun will be mooring the boat I think, anchors fore and aft plus there's eyes on each beam cast into the rock which we can use. Then we can set up a system for pulling the dinghy back and forth. Tripping line with a bouy on the fwd anchor as well I think (expensive anchor!)

I might put a call into TH, try and do things properly without upsetting anyone.

I'm going to get hold of a couple of buoyancy jackets which can go in the water, I suggest wet/drysuits would be a good idea as well.

Erin · 02 August 2010, 15:12

Sounds like a complex exercise. Not sure Major Appleyard would approve, by the time you've got all that rigged the Germans will be on to us

. And I certainly don't intend to get wet either.

martini · 02 August 2010, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

I certainly don't intend to get wet either.

Nor do I, but have you seen my tender?? It says 2 man but I think it was made in Japan

Although not in time for this trip, plans are afoot.. I may have just the right tool for the job coming my way

martini · 02 August 2010, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

Excellent pic, never come across those before.

I had a really good look on the last visit, it's not really a landing, although fairly steep-to, it's just rock with a bit of concrete on top.

In fact, looking at Erin's photo I'm wondering if we were in the wrong spot. I entered a gully from the SW which looked like the primary landing point although we could see an opposite gully open to the NE which didn't look as good but handy in a SW breeze.

Now I'm wondering if it was the other way round if the photo is looking at the light from approx south?

martini · 02 August 2010, 15:40

Here's another, top of the pic is east I think

Erin · 02 August 2010, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

Here's another, top of the pic is east I think

You're right on your orientation. I have to say I always thought the primary landing stage was to the SE side, not the one you went round to the other day. I don't know why I think that, maybe I was told by someone and it got logged in the 'useless info but may useful one day' part of my brain.

Previously posted by me, but a similar view at lowish water. http://www.rib.net/forum/attachment....5&d=1275844313

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

Nor do I, but have you seen my tender?? It says 2 man but I think it was made in Japan

I can always 'borrow' a slightly larger tender off the back of a 32ft motor boat I know of!

martini · 02 August 2010, 16:43

I'm coming to the conclusion that the SE landing is the place for unloading cargo as it's low rock with a gentle climb to the light.

The SW gulley is probably where the supply vessel was anchored whilst on station. It's much better protected particularly in the SW stream. Since we don't have cargo to unload and I've already confirmed it's clear of obstructions I think this is probably the best place to get in.

Channel Ribs · 02 August 2010, 17:16

Well I for one am happy with the wet suit and buoyancy aid option, though with the right driver I doubt neither that or the tender are required.

GJ0KYZ · 02 August 2010, 17:47

Hi Matt
thanks for the email. I'm definitely up for this and will probably bring my boat and a mate. I wouldn't bother trying to get permission. They may say no and then we'll be left with the choice of either not landing or doing so knowing Trinity House have told us not to. No one will come and chase us off. I've landed on the Roches Douvres several times and that's out of bounds as well; nothing happened. Just plead ignorance if anyone asks questions in Alderney. We won't be vandalising the place after all. As for landing, I think your idea of a crew member staying in the boat is best; any swell will render a close approach impossible although we can always judge things when we're there. What day/departure time were you thinking of by the way?

martini · 02 August 2010, 19:10

As Erin says, it doesn't say no landing on the chart.

Looking at the tides I'd say we need to arrive at the light early morning, 08.00 ish so I either leave jsy fri night and do casquets sat am or leave sat am for a Sunday mission. The latter my preferred option I think.

Gj0kyz I think you may have trouble with accom unless you have something lined up. Might be better making it a day trip, I know you don't have trouble getting up early in the morning!

Channel Ribs · 02 August 2010, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

Gj0kyz I think you may have trouble with accom unless you have something lined up. Might be better making it a day trip, I know you don't have trouble getting up early in the morning!

Sadly (in the grand scheme) accom is not too much of a problem this year.

GJ0KYZ · 02 August 2010, 19:55

I agree with the 08:00 timing for landing; I'll come up on the day unless Mrs GJ0KYZ wants a night away. My mate doesn't want to come now so I will try and get someone else to accompany me. I have a tender with an outboard if anyone needs a taxi to the lighthouse.