Alderney Floptilla RIB Rally - 22 to 24 July 2011

[gotchiguy]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Didn't they have a trans-channel fuel line for the liberation of Europe?

yes they did. Made up of alternating flexible and rigid sections. The test pipeline they layed under the Bristol channel was used for nearly 50 years after it was laid, testament to it's quality!

Anyway, we are now installed in the sailing club on alderney. Mucho nice-o lemon drizzle! Into the red is coming out the water in the morning. The console is flooded though so mr malthouse may struggle to dry it out!

[Avocet]

Well I’m pleased to report that personal circumstances have been arranged so that the children can be left to fend for themselves for a few days and that Grimalkin is now seemingly repaired after a bijou incident off Hengistbury Head four weeks ago (my subsequent run of three returns to Poole either limping in or being towed – thanks again to TrevorG and Whisper for their help - now broken following a successful outing on Sunday). I am therefore pleased to add Mrs A and me to the list of those hoping to make the crossing from Poole to Alderney on Friday.

Our marina is tidal with no exit on Friday until 10.30am. That will make an 11.00am RV at Alum Bay somewhat difficult but could probably make 11.15am or a RV at some point offshore midway between St Catherines Point and Swanage. I plan to telephone TrevorG as we leave the marina since at that point we’ll probably be too far apart for radio contact (although with my radio now working properly, who knows?).

Having spoken to TrevorG yesterday evening, we (like him) are aiming to stay over until Wednesday with a loose plan of camping on Herm on Sunday night, one of the other islands (Sark or Jersey?) on Monday night with possible lunch in Dielette on Tuesday (lock gates open 13.19 – 20.52) and back to Alderney for that evening.

I’ve booked the last room at the Harbour Lights Hotel for Friday and Saturday nights. Still plenty of availability for Tuesday night so have left that for the moment. Passage plan to prepare this evening.

Looking forward to it now and fingers crossed for the forecast to remain as is or improve.

David

[martini]

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

on alderney

Typical foreigner

[Erin]

Originally Posted by Avocet

with possible lunch in Dielette on Tuesday (lock gates open 13.19 – 20.52) and back to Alderney for that evening.

You don't need to worry about tides in Dielette. You just use the waiting pontoons which don't have any sill access limitations.

[Paul Cannell]

Originally Posted by Avocet

Our marina is tidal with no exit on Friday until 10.30am. That will make an 11.00am RV at Alum Bay somewhat difficult but could probably make 11.15am or a RV at some point offshore midway between St Catherines Point and Swanage. I plan to telephone TrevorG as we leave the marina since at that point we’ll probably be too far apart for radio contact (although with my radio now working properly, who knows?).

2 boats from SBR are also departing from Poole.

Having spoken to TrevorG yesterday evening, we (like him) are aiming to stay over until Wednesday with a loose plan of camping on Herm on Sunday night, one of the other islands (Sark or Jersey?) on Monday night with possible lunch in Dielette on Tuesday (lock gates open 13.19 – 20.52) and back to Alderney for that evening.

Would you mind if I tagged along with you guys?

I’ve booked the last room at the Harbour Lights Hotel for Friday and Saturday nights. Still plenty of availability for Tuesday night so have left that for the moment. Passage plan to prepare this evening.

David

I'm heading back to Portland so may stay with you guys for part of the return.

Paul

[Trevor G]

Originally Posted by Paul Cannell

Having spoken to TrevorG yesterday evening, we (like him) are aiming to stay over until Wednesday with a loose plan of camping on Herm on Sunday night, one of the other islands (Sark or Jersey?) on Monday night with possible lunch in Dielette on Tuesday (lock gates open 13.19 – 20.52) and back to Alderney for that evening.

Would you mind if I tagged along with you guys?

I'm heading back to Portland so may stay with you guys for part of the return.

Paul

Hi Paul
No Problem - we can sort out details of course over the weekend.

As the Sports Boat and Rib group are intending leaving the Needles at 11.30, which is about right for meeting with Avocet as well, We'll aim to be in Alum Bay probably around 11.15, or a bit earlier if we can make it.
Trevor

[Paul Cannell]

Are we almost certain to stay on Alderney Tuesday night as Harbour Lights only has 2 rooms left, I'd rather have a warm bed than camp

[jokaboat]

Originally Posted by Trevor G

Hi Paul
No Problem - we can sort out details of course over the weekend.

As the Sports Boat and Rib group are intending leaving the Needles at 11.30, which is about right for meeting with Avocet as well, We'll aim to be in Alum Bay probably around 11.15, or a bit earlier if we can make it.
Trevor

We'd be delighted to have you along. There are 2 boats leaving poole entrance at 11:30 or we have 3 leaving the needles at the same time to meet offshore at an agreed point. Let me know which you prefer and ill make sure the appropriate group look out for you.

[Channel Ribs]

Well the current weather forecast is looking really rather stunning, F1 and F2 all weekend and into next week. Lets hope that high keeps creeping in.

It looks like the departure arrangements are coming together and I have changed the Needles SWM to a passing point rather than an RV point:

2011 Floptilla Cruise

Please also note that in the event of late (>1500) arrivals, the early birds will be on the patio of The Moorings which is 200m south of the Lifeboat House.

[Channel Ribs]

• Erin - Friday - Chippy & BBQ x2
• Gotchiguy - Tuesday - C&B x2
• Paul - Friday - C&B x1
• Trevor G - Friday - C&B x5
• Nathanh1 - Friday - C&B x2?
• Channel Ribs - No boat - C&B x2
• SB&R - Friday - C&B x15
• PaulM - Friday - C&B x2?
• Avocet - Friday - C&B x2

[Paul Cannell]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Well the current weather forecast is looking really rather stunning, F1 and F2 all weekend and into next week. Lets hope that high keeps creeping in.

It looks like the departure arrangements are coming together and I have changed the Needles SWM to a passing point rather than an RV point:

2011 Floptilla Cruise

Please also note that in the event of late (>1500) arrivals, the early birds will be on the patio of The Moorings which is 200m south of the Lifeboat House.

Those that have been at the Sailing club will need a passage plan to find the Moorings

[Erin]

• Erin (+Martini) - Friday - Chippy & BBQ x2+1
• Gotchiguy - Tuesday - C&B x2
• Paul - Friday - C&B x1
• Trevor G - Friday - C&B x5
• Nathanh1 - Friday - C&B x2?
• Channel Ribs - No boat - C&B x2
• SB&R - Friday - C&B x15
• PaulM - Friday - C&B x2?
• Avocet - Friday - C&B x2

[martini]

Thanks, saved me a job there

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by martini

Yay

[jokaboat]

Looking not so nice on Sunday still according to this lot

Clicky

[Erin]

Doesn't seem any different to Saturday. Both days are being reported as F3 with smooth to slight sea. Anyway, who'd trust a French weather report

This is what you should be looking at clicky here

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Erin

Both days are being reported as F3 with smooth to slight sea.

You coming up on Thursday? Or waiting for L/F to float mid morning Friday.

[Erin]

Depends on the weather forecast as to which will give the better crossing. Don't want any complaints about sore backsides from my extra passenger again . Either Thur eve or earlyish Fri am. I think I float about 9.30 Fri am.

[martini]

Originally Posted by Erin

Don't want any complaints about sore backsides from my extra passenger again

I'll try standing up this time

[Channel Ribs]

10 knots from the northwest today, 12 knots from the northeast tomorrow...

Clear skies and calm seas for the weekend!