France

Biggles · 03 May 2005, 22:10

Me and my mates are planning an ad hoc trip to France in June.

We will set off from Chichester and then stop over night in France.

can any one recomend a Port to stop at with good B & B facilities, good drinking and good refuelling.

Alos what documents do we need to keep it legal. If we can't keep it legal whats the chance of getting asked for the right documents.

At the moment I am at the early planning stage but I am looking at stopping at La Bretonne.

Does anyone have any advice.

What we need is a somewhere to put 3 small RIBS, B & B, fuel and good drinking facilities.

Regards Nick R,

The Jackeens · 04 May 2005, 07:49

Biggles,

We'd be happy to liaise with you regarding our preparations for St. Malo (http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9513 ).

We are also first-timers at this crossing so if you'd like to discuss what's involved please send a pm.

Us

Phil · 04 May 2005, 09:47

You could try Fecamp which now has dockside petrol and a number of small hotels and restaurants. If thr weather is good you can investigate the coast close in down to Le Havre which also has dockside fuel and all other facilities.

Going the other way from Fecamp you have Dieppe everything except petrol nearby.

You should take as a minimum SSR certificate ;VAT invoice for boat ,insurance certificate and a licence for VHF.If you have an ICC take it.

Whilst stops appear rare they do happen and if you are without necessary documents you will be liable to an instant fine.

simmons0 · 04 May 2005, 15:43

All they asked us for was the ownership documents, Insurance and SSR.
Good idea to have your Ship Radio licence, Short range user license and ICC too.

Cherbourg was a nice stop, all tidal, 7 euro a night berthing, Dockside petrol and diesel and loads of hotels right next to the marina.
St. Vaast was also very nice, not so sure on the details there though.

You almost certainly will be asked for your documents in Cherbourg, probably less chance if you go to a smaller port somewhere.

Biggles · 09 May 2005, 21:38

Somehow I have this feeling that I am not going to be able to get all the documents our french cousins require.

If so can i go to the Channel Islands without all these documents ?

Its just as far and just as much of an achievement.

Regards Nick R.

Erin · 10 May 2005, 17:55

Yep the channel islands are a little less beureaucratic than the French. All you will probably need to do is fill out a customs declaratioin form on arrival.

Biggles · 10 May 2005, 18:32

Thanks Erin.

Erin · 10 May 2005, 21:34

If you want any info about Alderney then let me know (or pm me). It's the closest island so might well be a good destination for a first trip.

Louise · 10 May 2005, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Alderney ... a good destination for a first trip.

I'll second that! And another local resident, Roland Neale, is always a friendly face to visiting RIBsters.

In case you missed it, here's a thread with pictures from our flying visit last year, just to whet your appetite: http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5172 .

We'll definitely be going back!

Simon666 · 10 May 2005, 22:30

How far and how long would it take to Alderney from, say Torquay or weymouth?
Is there any refueling there?

Louise · 10 May 2005, 22:36

Well it's 66nm from the Needles to Braye harbour, Alderney. There is fuel but you need to collect it in cans from the petrol station a few hundred yards away and then transfer it into your internal tank with hoses that Mainbrayce Marine kindly supply FOC. This is dependent on there being enough water to get your boat into the inner harbour. Otherwise you'll need to carry the cans down onto the pontoon. HTH

hannah · 11 May 2005, 14:58

just out of interest , what size rib were you planning to do this in ?
i noticed the rib on your documents is only 4+ are you doing it in that?

Biggles · 11 May 2005, 15:34

Hannah,

Yes a 4 Meter RIB. Pick the right day and it should be doable (Dunno if thats a proper word ).

The way I look at it is some people are mad enough to cross the channel on toys. And at 4 Meter its a real challenge.

I'll have company. The thing that I will be worried about is breaking down but thats why I will be in a group.

Regards Nick R.

Erin · 11 May 2005, 16:40

I suggest you aim to arrive at about half tide in Alderney waters as it will be slack water. Gets pretty choppy in the swinge (north side of island) at full flood and ebb so pick your time carefully if you're in a 4m boat. Let me know when you're going.... i might be around.

Keith

Biggles · 11 May 2005, 18:07

Erin,

Okay mate thanks for the info. We are looking at June at the moment but as with all things boating thats subject to the weather.

Regards Nick R.

hannah · 13 May 2005, 09:27

thats a really good way to look at it , my dad has a 5.3 and we just joke about crossing over to france , but i think your right , a good day and all its gonna be is a few bumps eh

Nemo · 13 May 2005, 11:29

Nick

Your a braver man than me

If you do it Good luck

Graham

Daniel · 13 May 2005, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Hannah,
I'll have company. The thing that I will be worried about is breaking down but thats why I will be in a group.

Do consider who you will be with - can they tow you a distance? Over 30miles from the middle, will they have enough fuel - what if it's rough...

Remember you are out of VHF range for over 1/3 of this trip.

Yhen you say "concerned" about breaking down do you mean you don't have trust in your engine, experience of unreliability or simply that this is your biggest concern. If the latter, fine, sensiable, but if you've any good reason to doubt the motor is up to it i'm not so sure it's a good idea.

Sorry to sound pessemestic - that trip Blue Ice and I made last year was fantastic, you'd have made it no trouble but Richard and I have come back in conditions you certianly would not have made it in!

RussellH · 13 May 2005, 15:43

When I was a lad our chemistry master (one William Streather) wrote in red chalk "DANG" on the blackboard. He then walked around the entire class asking what he had written. We each replied "DANG" and were rewarded with a hefty clout round the back of the head. "It says" he finally bellowed "DANGER! It is the Red Flag, but it has been hoisted so many times the end has frayed ..... our next experiment involves ..." In those days were were allowed to use dangerous chemicals in chemistry experiments, but the point was made.

As a novice Ribster, I've been watching this thread with interest, but was reluctant to contribute. I'm pleased that Daniel has had the good sense to raise the Red Flag.

Biggles makes no mention of the number of "mates" but in a 4+ metre I would suggest helm plus max 2 crew? The flotilla, min. of three boats. At least 25% fuel beyond expected consumption. A proper passage plan with regular rendevous to make sure that everyone is OK. Water, food, flares, charts, compass, ....

It's also worth remembering that you don't have the benefit of sticking your VHF antenna on top of a 30ft mast. So range is very limited.

Having said all that, the Red Flag has been hoisted, now open the concentrated sulphuric acid bottles and get on with the experiment. Have fun, but stay safe.

Russell