Alderney + Floptilla 20/21/22 July 2012

[Trevor G]

Alderney + Floptilla 20/21/22 July 2012 - I've called it the "Alderney +" as for the last few years some of us have carried on and camped on some of the other Channel Islands (inc Herm and Sark) after the main Floptilla weekend.
We are probably going to do the same again - but as long as at least a couple of boats are intending coming back to the Solent on Sunday 22nd July we can still all go across together.
We'll be camping as usual, but at this notice there should be availability in the main Alderney Hotels (Harbour Lights and the more luxurious/expensive Braye Beach Hotel).
I know Avocet has PM'd some of the previous Floptilla participants and has had some interest - so who's thinking of coming this year?
Trev

[Paul Cannell]

[Erin]

See you all there.....

[BrAinZ]

What date would you be going over, and from where?

[whisper]

Hi Trev as you know I really want to do this but I wouldn't want to hold the Floptilla up in 'mon petit bateau' if things got exciting.

[longjohn]

Hi
Definately interested as well but share Whisper's anxiety .....

John

[Avocet]

The dates are as per the initial post. The RV will ultimately depend upon who's coming: we have previously met at the Fairway Buoy at the start of the Needles Channel or at a designated waypoint between Poole and the Needles. These can be somewhat uncomfortable in swell, however, when a RV off Alum Bay (in the lee of the IoW) might be preferable. All lend to a final refuel at Yarmouth or Poole. Although to be finalised, with HW on 20 July being mid-morning between Poole and Southampton, I suspect a RV around 10am with a view to getting to Alderney for lunch would be good.

So far as doing the crossing is concerned: a crossing of around 70M with a lot out of sight of land (and if past conditions are anything to go by, out of sight of anything!) is not to be undertaken lightly but is perfectly do-able in a small craft. Weather is likely to be the deciding factor: larger boats will go in less favourable conditions but on any cruise like this, all boats look out for each other and nobody will be left behind. Having said that, to avoid the crossing being unecessarily protracted, I would have thought that all craft should be capable of doing at least 25kts (preferably nearer 30kts) in the conditions on the day and be able to carry sufficient fuel for a range of 100M. Reliable VHF comms are also essential.

Mrs A and I are certainly expecting to be there and hope to see as many of you as possible.

[AJ.]

Definitely interested in this trip. The missus is keen to come along but not keen on the camping . I don't think I will be mentioning the Braye Beach Hotel!!

[Channel Ribs]

Hi all, long time no post but now just starting to get time for an occasional lurk!

There have now been enough previous trips that the key bits of info are all well known to the regulars, so I see no reason for us to do any organising this year. We will obviously enjoy taking part in whatever happens and you can count on us for any help nearer the time.

It will be an absolute pleasure the welcome some new faces and it is always great to see good friends back on these shores.

[Trevor G]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

It is always good to see old friends back on these shores.

You must be referring to Avocet - we certainly aren't "old" yet.