Alderney Floptilla RIB Rally - 22 to 24 July 2011

[jokaboat]

Originally Posted by martini

Don't worry, once you're old enough to do the RYA Powerboat course you'll learn about how tides aren't only important to sail boaters

Not much point, he's young enough to know everything isn't he?

[Paul Cannell]

Originally Posted by jokaboat

Spot on, we've finally completed deliberating all the options. I believe that we're all crossing on the Friday and returning Sunday. The next deliberations are whether we all camp or try to get into B&Bs. Someone mentioned herding sheep earlier

Herding cats is how Martin described trying to organise RibNobbers

Really looking forward to it now and especially meeting you guys on the water and over a couple (or more) beers.
Mmm beers you're very welcome

I'll pop over when there's anything significant to add. We haven't looked into passage planning in detail yet but wil probably form an independant flottilla (mind you getting tides etc right probably means we'll be crossing much the same time anyway).

I'll be launching from Lee on Solent or Warsash depending on conditions so will probably see you on the way to the Needles SWM

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by jokaboat

We haven't looked into passage planning in detail yet but wil probably form an independant flottilla (mind you getting tides etc right probably means we'll be crossing much the same time anyway).

As I mentioned over the way there, timing your arrival is in my mind pretty key. Not only because the waters around Alderney can be exciting, but also you don't want to hit the Sailing Club bar too early or too late.

You will of course check the figures with your own sources, but as an indication...

On Friday the 22nd of July

HW Cowes 04:40 3.7m
LW Cowes 10:00 1.6m

HW Braye 12:10 5.0m
LW Braye 18:30 2.1m

For Alderney those are mid way between neaps and springs. We do not get what most recognise as slack water, but what passes for such is two to two and half hours after high and low waters. So good arrival time, in terms of tide/beer coefficient might be 14:30.

Tim is organising two groups, an early departure for craft anticipating a crossing speed of 20-25kn and a later one for 30-35kn boats. I believe (cue TG).

It might be likely that there will be the SBnRers grouping up at the Needles SWM around 10:00. TG1 at about 11:00 and TG2 at noonish?

[jokaboat]

We'll be more 25 than 35knots, if we can rein in the Hunton If we miss optimum time are we better to be early or late?

That being the case we'll probably see the 11:00 lot then. We'll keep an eye out.

I'll watch out for you Paul

D'oh, of course cats not sheep

We're mostly starting from Southampton but picking one up from the Hamble and one is coming from Poole so will meet up at sea somewhere.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by jokaboat

We'll be more 25 than 35knots, if we can rein in the Hunton If we miss optimum time are we better to be early or late?

Depends on the wind on the day really. The flood tide runs NE and the ebb SW, obviously with lots of local anomalies!

If the wind is from the NE on the day then you will probably find yourselves pulling back a little, under this scenario arriving late would not be a bad thing as the start of the ebb will flatten the areas north of the island out a little. Probably.

[Erin]

You'll only really need to worry about the tides and their direction if the wind is more than a F3 against the tide. Otherwise, with either lower wind speeds or a different wind direction, it's not really as bad as you may be fearing.

I think Gotchiguy is still of the age and mindset that the rougher it is the more fun it is. He hasn't suffered a back injury or broken boat yet to curtail his enthusiasm.

[tim griffin]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

You will of course check the figures with your own sources, but as an indication...

On Friday the 22nd of July

HW Cowes 04:40 3.7m
LW Cowes 10:00 1.6m

HW Braye 12:10 5.0m
LW Braye 18:30 2.1m

For Alderney those are mid way between neaps and springs. We do not get what most recognise as slack water, but what passes for such is two to two and half hours after high and low waters. So good arrival time, in terms of tide/beer coefficient might be 14:30.

Tim is organising two groups, an early departure for craft anticipating a crossing speed of 20-25kn and a later one for 30-35kn boats. I believe (cue TG).

It might be likely that there will be the SBnRers grouping up at the Needles SWM around 10:00. TG1 at about 11:00 and TG2 at noonish?

HW Dover 1618 on the 22nd so with a Southwesterly and a Flood tide in the channel we will have preetty smooth crossing so a departure of around 1200 ish should give a nice tide beer coefficient .
Both groups can set off at the same time those that arrive first buy the beer of course

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by tim griffin

Both groups can set off at the same time those that arrive first buy the beer of course

Superb, lets say 20 quid behind the bar on arrival

[Paul Cannell]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Superb, lets say 20 quid behind the bar on arrival

As you're the closest!!

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Paul Cannell

As you're the closest!!

Oh pooh sticks! Ran into that one

Erm, left my wallet in Southampton?

[Channel Ribs]

I think Paul already posted a link to this, but just in case. A 4 bedroom self-catering place an easy walk/stagger from the harbour:

http://www.pipedreamerhousealderney.com

[martini]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

http://www.pipedreamerhousealderney.com

That is lush but at a grand a week you'd expect a couple of resident Playboy bunnies thrown in

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by martini

That is lush but at a grand a week you'd expect a couple of resident Playboy bunnies thrown in

I bet you would. Gun toting, sports car driving, boat loving, bunnies?

/distracted

But four rooms in a hotel for Fri and Sat nights would be 800 squids, good value I reckon.

[Mollers]

The Harbour Lights did a supremely good 'Full English' last year.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Mollers

The Harbour Lights did a supremely good 'Full English' last year.

So much so they are full already!

[gotchiguy]

Originally Posted by Mollers

The Harbour Lights did a supremely good 'Stabbing' last year.

[Channel Ribs]

Timeteam on Ch4 at the moment, have a watch and get a taste for the Channel Islands' unique history.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Timeteam on Ch4 at the moment, have a watch and get a taste for the Channel Islands' unique history.

Flicked on to a rather sad train spotting prog on 'Lifestyle' yesterday.
They were trundling to and fro on the Alderney Express.

[Trevor G]

Originally Posted by Andre

I may just checkout the hotel but saying that I do fancy a bit of camping

We'll be camping so if you do decide to go for the alfresco option you won't be alone!
Trev

[Trevor G]

Originally Posted by tim griffin

HW Dover 1618 on the 22nd so with a Southwesterly and a Flood tide in the channel we will have preetty smooth crossing so a departure of around 1200 ish should give a nice tide beer coefficient .
Both groups can set off at the same time those that arrive first buy the beer of course

Hi Tim - as a suggestion, could we arrange the meet point maybe in Allen Bay rather than the Fairway Buoy this year as it means we are still in mobile phone contact and VHF range to try and track down any latecomers? Bobbing around out at the Fairway Buoy for half an hour or more hasn't been too pleasant for the last two floptilla's.
Trev