Safe / do-able

piotr · 07 July 2015, 09:05

Hi,

We're taking the Aerotec to France this summer mainly to cruise a bit along the coast but I'd also like to visit the Isle Porquerolles. Is this safe in a Bombard Aerotec (in calm conditions). See map.

edit: 15hp Mercury 2stroke.

Max... · 07 July 2015, 09:31

It's a difficult question and tough to answer with any certainty not knowing other factors.

But it could depend entirely on so many variables; the local conditions and prevailing sea state/currents/tides/winds, your ability, your confidence (and that of your crew/passengers), accompanying vessels, safety equipment, local support etc.

Looks like a 2 or 3 mile hop to the island and on a flat calm summer's day it's not a big deal in a 3 to 4 m SIB but the Med isn't always that flat.....

Maximus · 07 July 2015, 10:09

I wouldn't...very busy Sea Lanes with some big Ships!
Not much power to get outta the way...not to mention free Board...stability ect.
3m is a Tad small for anything but inshore coastal Hopping..especially if loaded...but in that neck of the woods with changeable conditions ect maybe a little over ambitious IMO...
Doable... advisable two different things.

Poly · 07 July 2015, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

I wouldn't...very busy Sea Lanes with some big Ships!
Not much power to get outta the way...not to mention free Board...stability ect.
3m is a Tad small for anything but inshore coastal Hopping..especially if loaded...but in that neck of the woods with changeable conditions ect maybe a little over ambitious IMO...
Doable... advisable two different things.

Eh? It's not about the boat (which if it planes will be able to get out the way of any shipping easily enough) it's about the skipper, equipment and preparation. A wise man once said to me, if you have to ask...

Maximus · 07 July 2015, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Eh? It's not about the boat (which if it planes will be able to get out the way of any shipping easily enough) it's about the skipper, equipment and preparation. A wise man once said to me, if you have to ask...

So you advise him to go....? That's what he was asking afterall..
And surley the small 3m Boat!... IS part of the equipment,is it not???

Trimix · 07 July 2015, 10:40

I would have a go. Just do it when the conditions are best. Have a look for yourself and make the judgement when you are there.

Normally I found the wind and waves calm early in the morning and evenings where I was based. So if you spend a few days there you will soon find out.

Oh, and don't forget the tidal movement will be about 30 cm at most, so that's pretty much non existent. Unlike here in the UK

Go for it, life is about adventures and your boat just gives you more opportunity to have some

mitchc · 07 July 2015, 10:56

I've done the trip many times, and yes it's doable in a 3mt boat. As per other comments, be aware it's a busy part of the med and it can get VERY choppy in the afternoon because of the wind and the traffic.
Would you go over to the Isle of Wight? I think if you'd consider that trip, the Isle de porquerolles would be ok.

piotr · 07 July 2015, 12:00

Some background: I have been there many times and have done a lot of windsurfing. This is just my first time with a sib. I'm just trying to get an idea of what experienced sibbers think is reasonable. Ps: I have my ICC Coastal Waters license.

Poly · 07 July 2015, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

So you advise him to go....?

as a general rule I try not to advise people I don't know about taking on risks they haven't been able to assess themselves. That is exactly what my closing sentence was referring to --> if you need to ask other people if something is a good idea it suggests you probably don't have the level of skill needed to make that decision yourself, in which case the passage probably isn't a good idea even if 9 times out of 10 nothing will go seriously wrong.

Quote:

And surley the small 3m Boat!... IS part of the equipment,is it not???

its part of the kit, but the boat is certainly not the be-all-and-end-all. A well equipped 3m boat with an experienced helm could make that journey perfectly well in good conditions. A 5m boat with no anchor, no VHF, a dodgy engine and a helm who hasn't checked the weather and tides could land in a heap of bother.

Landlockedpirate · 07 July 2015, 19:49

The problem with the Med is the speed that conditions change Setting out on a hot, calm, windless day, the 2 miles out to the island is a walk in the park, you could manage it in a 2m slat floor, let alone an Aerotec.

But an hour later the wind has got up, you have nasty, choppy 1-2m waves and the Mistral is right in your face, not fun.

Its great that you have asked the question, but only you know all the factors and can make the decsion.

Trimix · 07 July 2015, 20:02

Just check the weather forecast and go if you think its fine.

piotr · 08 July 2015, 08:49

Thanks for the advice ! I'm using the Marine Weather app (Meteo Consult), it gives very detailed information (hour to hour) on the conditions at sea (wind, swell etc). I think we'll give it a try (given the right conditions).

Will post photos/movieclip when we're back !

piotr · 17 July 2015, 20:21

So we did it today! And it was great! 34km total, max speed 28km (2 adults, 2 kids + gear). Pics later.

piotr · 03 August 2015, 09:38

As promised, the Bombard on Ile de Porquerolle.

mick · 03 August 2015, 12:17

Nice one post plenty of pics as I am down there later this month and that is on the to do list

Trimix · 03 August 2015, 12:27

That's great, well done for giving it a go - and the pics look like it was a fantastic day.

I'm planning my own mini adventure for Sept, so seeing your pictures has made waiting even harder

mitchc · 03 August 2015, 12:39

Looks fantastic!

Hope it's that calm when we are there in September...

piotr · 05 August 2015, 12:37

This is the trip we made, well actually three times, first time the sea was flat, no wind and it was a breeze. Second time we had 4bft and waves about 1m with long interval, the 15hp struggles when "climbing" the wave. But most important: we never felt unsafe, the Aerotec is a great little boat !

We launched the boat from Port de La Capte, normally its for residents only and you have to pay for at least one night. The "Capitainerie" was very friendly and he let us launch the boat for free !

Ps: it's not very common and sometimes even forbidden to beach launch. Look for a "Cale de mise a l'eau". Marines de Cogolin is a good one (9 euro, parking included). Good place to start your trip to St Tropez, Port Grimaud and St Maxime. Most Capitainerie's need to see your ICC and Insurance.

Trimix · 05 August 2015, 13:47

I've never been asked for any documents by the "Capitainerie". But keep them on the boat just in case.