To go or not to go?

[Rob Jones]

All,

I am planning a solo crossing to the Scillies tomorrow morning. Weather report is -

Lyme Regis to Lands End including Isles of Scilly

Issued by the Met Office at 0500 UTC on Friday 27 May 2005.

24 hour forecast:
Wind: southeast 3 or 4 veering southwest 5 to 7.
Weather: showers.
Visibility: moderate with fog patches becoming good.
Sea State: slight or moderate, becoming rough except in Lyme Bay. Issued by the Met Office at 0500 UTC on Friday 27 May 2005.

Outlook for the following 24 hours:
Wind: southwest 5 to 7 decreasing 3 or 4.
Weather: fair.
Visibility: good.
Sea State: rough, occasionally very rough in west, becoming moderate.

Would people consider this to be to rough? As you can see it varies from Force 3-7, I am planning on leaving @ 0630hrs - do you think I could get the force 3 forecast as opposed to a blasting.

I have a Tornado 5.5m which I have owned for 4 months - no previous experience prior to that but I have used the boat heaps since buying it. Made the same crossing @ Easter and Im sure that was a Force 6, but Icant remember.

[Jono]

If you feel the need to ask a question about a critical safety issue like this, then I think you've answered your own question, haven't you? If you are looking for someone else to make the decision for you, you are not yet ready to make the journey, whatever it is, on your own. It is ALWAYS the right decision to pull a trip if you are not certain about the weather or your/your boat's capabilities... Wait for a better weather window or go in experienced company..... Cheers, Jono... (a devout coward)

[Louise]

I agree 100% with Jono but just in case you are tempted to poke your nose out and give it a go, it is always worth doing a short distance then turning back to check what conditions are like in both directions, just in case you get to a point where you decide to turn back! If conditions are too bad in either direction don't even start the journey.

A couple of years ago we set out in the company of another boat to go to the Channel Islands. 20 miles out with worsening conditions we decided to turn back, only to find that conditions were actually more uncomfortable now we had turned around! We've since done the trip in perfect conditions - there's always another day!

And if, after all this, you still decide to go for it, make sure you file a passage plan with the coastguard and then remember to let them know once your journey has been completed.

Whatever you decide, have a good weekend!

[Rob Jones]

Thing is my partner and daughter are actually leaving on the ferry. I feel comfortable in all but the force 7 - and thats only becuse it is a number I have not seen @ sea yet.

I suppose if it gets really hairy I could tuck in behind the ferry - or is that a big no no??

As for experience - well unless you push the envelope you will never gain any of it.

[Louise]

Originally Posted by Rob Jones

As for experience - well unless you push the envelope you will never gain any of it.

I agree, but, as Jono says, go in experienced company.

[Jimbob]

As they say "if in doubt dont go out"


Heres my view

whilst it may start as a F3 it looks as if it will build to F7, so add the tide on top of that (wind +tide), then you could end up in some very rought conditions.

I would also not generally go out on my own - i would not in these condition


For me - i would give it a miss

[Rob Jones]

how much of a difference is there between Force 6 and 7?

When I made the crossing @ Easter it had rained for 24 hours prior and freezing cold. a quick scan across the sea made it look flat but the waves seemed to rise up and under me.

It felt fine though - just like driving a car up hill along a flat then down the other side. Will I ever get a situation at sea where the waves will roll over and break?

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Rob Jones

Thing is my partner and daughter are actually leaving on the ferry. I feel comfortable in all but the force 7 - and thats only becuse it is a number I have not seen @ sea yet.

I suppose if it gets really hairy I could tuck in behind the ferry - or is that a big no no??

As for experience - well unless you push the envelope you will never gain any of it.

Rob, if you've made up your mind to go, why bother asking the question? Am I missing something? As the saying goes, "if you think you won't like the answer, don't ask the question?"

Have a safe journey

[Louise]

Originally Posted by Rob Jones

Will I ever get a situation at sea where the waves will roll over and break?

Yes! And that's when your problems begin! If I were you I'd do the Advanced Powerboat RYA course (assuming you already have Level 2?). This will give you some practice at rough weather handling.

[Rob Jones]

My attitude is somewhat more adventerous though.

When Chirstopher Columbus set of across the flat sea, all thought he was mad and was going to sail off the edge of the world.

Armed with this knowledge he managed to muster a whole bunch of lads and convinced them to go to certain death.

Of course they proved the world wrong