Cross-Channel Trip

Carlo · 27 November 2005, 14:35

Hi there,

I am planning a trip across the Channel for the first time next Spring. Can anyone advise me on the following:

My insurance states that I need to have an auxiliary o/b for such a trip. I am trying to avoid paying a fortune for an engine for what might (unlikely but possible) turn out to be a one-off trip. My RIB is 6.5m with a single Yamaha F150. I considered buying an 8HP Yamaha 2 Stroke but it seems a good one costs £450+. Is it possible to hire such things or should I part with the cash? Any other suggestions welcome. My intention is probably to go with another boat (7.5m - 2xYamaha 200 HPDI) for company.

The other question is destination. Cherbourg is straightforward but maybe not very interesting. Would I be pushing it to try the Channel Islands? I have a 150ltr tank.

Carlo

Pete7 · 27 November 2005, 16:18

Carlo, lots of threads on Channel crossings, he is one from this summer.

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11311

send rogue Wave a pm, he has a newish 10 hp merc aux which I am sure he would lend at a cheap rate rather than buying one just for the trip.

I would think 150L should get you to Guernsey but Alderney has fuel if you need it. You need to plan the trip with your mpg figure in mind

Pete

Carlo · 27 November 2005, 16:39

Thanks for that Pete. Much appreciated.

Roy Smith · 27 November 2005, 20:56

If you are going to Cherbourg you will need to refuel in mid channel.
Just make sure you have a safe way of refueling because trying to pour fuel in a swell is no joke

Carlo · 30 November 2005, 19:34

Hi Roy,

Surely with 150ltr on board I should be able to get there without refuelling (or is there no petrol in C'bourg?).

The Jackeens · 30 November 2005, 20:28

Carlo there is petrol in Cherbourg near the Harbourmaster's (Capitainerie) as far as Paul recalls

Us

Simon Hawkins · 30 November 2005, 22:05

Hello. firstly probably wouldnt risk channel isla nds on 150 litres nor if you are not that confident on nav as very rocky area.

With regards to cherbourg I have been their many times and their is fuel and a good wine shop in the town.

If you go their think what entrance to use. Their is the west and east entrance, the east can get busy with commercial shipping.

Simon

Richard B · 30 November 2005, 22:16

Err, umm...

I've done Southampton-Alderney-Southampton (without refuelling) on my 270 litre tank with comfortable reserve. In shitty weather. I used less than 200 litres for the round trip.

150 litres will get you one way with no problem at all

Pete7 · 01 December 2005, 08:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

150 litres will get you one way with no problem at all

Agreed, 150L is loads of fuel.

Simon, why do you think 150L wont' get you across to Alderney its only 58 miles from the Noodles ? and Guernsey another 30.

Pete

Simon Hawkins · 01 December 2005, 08:39

I wasnt meaning Alderney. Yes it is the distance you say from the Needles but he wont be leaving from the needles. So add about another 15 Miles say from the Hamble would equal 105 NMs to Guernsey, then add another 25% of fuel to be on the safe side does not really leave alot in the tank. Better to be safe than sorry.

Richard B · 01 December 2005, 09:34

OK lets's look at the sensible way to plan a trip to Cherbourg or the Channel Islands!

Assuming a Solent (or thereabouts - Carlo, can you confirm your planned depature point?), then it makes sense to top-up the tank at the last quayside fuelling point, so if you're heading out past the Needles, pop in to Yarmouth or Lymington to fill up. If going the other way, pop in to Portsmouth.

You now have a full fuel tank to start your journey with a more than adequate reserve. If your destination is Cherbourg, I would be tempted to avoid filling up there, and maybe take your own jerrycans, there are rumours that the fuel there isn't great quality. Worth asking people who've used the fuel facilities there. If your destination is Alderney, phone Mainbrayce Chandlers and let them know that you are coming. Plan to arrive before high water so that you can enter the inner harbour and use Mainbrayce's fuel filling device. You will need to carry the fuel from the petrol station, it's less than half a mile away. If you want any more information about re-fuelling at Alderney, drop me a PM. If your destination is Guernsey, you will have enough fuel, but plan to have the option to divert to Alderney.

It's easy and 150 litres is more than enough if you plan sensibly.

Carlo · 01 December 2005, 20:20

My sense is that 150ltr should be enough although I take your "better safe than sorry" point Simon. Maybe I'll take 40 or 50ltrs spare.
Thanks for all the other advice. Just what I was after.

Andy Moore · 05 March 2006, 12:42

Keep a keen eye out for lobster pots and old fishing net. We have picked up old net twice at the head of the Alderney Race.

Also, don't miss having a pint in the Divers, which is a very short walk from the inner harbour. Great pub! The yacht club has hot showers.

The water taxi has a diesel Mariner outboard; only one I have ever seen