Crossing English channel in a SIB

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by pumpkinking

I hope you’re not referring to the desperate migrants attempting this, over 300 of whom have lost their lives?

Let’s not be flippant.

Yes you can cross the channel in a SIB, but be safe and vigilant, don’t be stupid and selfish.

I’m sure the OP can see which side the weight of advice is on.


“Man drowns attempting unaccompanied channel crossing in small inflatable boat. He asked on the internet and some people said it would be fine”

Best all stay Indoors playing tiddlywinks then

[Steve509926]

If you want to do a long distance sea crossing why not Scotland to Northern Ireland, may I suggest Portpatrick to Bangor. No passport needed, not a busy crossing, won't be accused of people trafficking! Not sure about drug smuggling! Make sure it's summer, it's calm, you've checked the forecast, you've checked the forecast again! You've asked yourself why? You've asked yourself why again! It's been done before, swimming, kayak, canoe, rowing boat, sail, jetski, RIB. But I've never heard of someone crossing in a SIB. Go for it! Exploration, endeavour, its how America was founded.
Seriously though, I'm with you. Go for it. But maybe not the Channel, would it be adventurous? would it make your mark?

[Brian]

Keith Hart crossed the Pentland Firth in a tiny sib...but a little bit of planning went into that one.

"Penthland Firth is the name of the treacherous strait between Caithness and the Orkney Islands. It was- and is - a very dangerous area for shipping because it has one of the most powerful tidal currents in the world. This can create tidal swell waves several metres in height. In the eastern part of the strait, currents up to 16 knots have been measured."

You could try that one..and don't forget to pay your respects to HMS Royal Oak on the way (not sunk by bad weather BTW, but by a German sub).

[Brian]

....oh, and my reply to the OP-dont!

[willk]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

It's been done before, swimming, kayak, canoe, rowing boat, sail, jetski, RIB.

...Land Rover!!




Linky

[willk]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

It's been done before, swimming, kayak, canoe, rowing boat, sail, jetski, RIB.

...Land Rover!!



Linky

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by willk

...Land Rover!!



Linky

Now that's just one up manship

[Allye]

Severe lack of sense of adventure going on here! Comparing the Chanel to a busy motorway isnt really a fair comparison is it....

If you’re new to boating then granted it’s a brave move, but no one ever achieved anything by staying indoors playing it safe.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Allye

Severe lack of sense of adventure going on here! Comparing the Chanel to a busy motorway isnt really a fair comparison is it....



If you’re new to boating then granted it’s a brave move, but no one ever achieved anything by staying indoors playing it safe.

“Like”[emoji106]

[jeffstevens763@g]

https://www.bognorregisbeach.co.uk/l...nglish-channel

i think of quieter and safer places to boat

[Allye]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

https://www.bognorregisbeach.co.uk/l...nglish-channel

I’m assuming you’re just highlighting how relatively quiet the Chanel actually is?

I’d argue any harbour or estuary in the summer is far more hazardous.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Allye

I’m assuming you’re just highlighting how relatively quiet the Chanel actually is?

I’d argue any harbour or estuary in the summer is far more hazardous.

what I'm highlighting is the vessels he could come across if he clicks on the vessel speed, draft, etc. i do 140 mile trips in my sib i know how much you have to plan to be safe and i know how much experience you need all I'm saying is he shouldn't run before he can walk.
i disagree with your harbor theory boats wont be doing 20 knots with a 3 m displacement at 100,000 tons if not more, someone mentioned Keith hart who did plan well and had backup plus he hide behind a light ship in a large rib to shield from a fast ferry on his way home.
all i want to do here is along with others advice is to make the guy think before jumping in on a crossing

[pumpkinking]

Originally Posted by Allye

I’m assuming you’re just highlighting how relatively quiet the Chanel actually is?



I’d argue any harbour or estuary in the summer is far more hazardous.

Quiet ?!



I’m sure you could do it but it is dangerous so you should take precautions.

Are the people arguing that we’ve got no sense of adventure saying that you can just rock up to the beach on a calm day and set off to France?

I’d like to hear from the people who have crossed the channel in a 3.6m SIB.

[Sutty]

I think he has been frightened off, no sign since original post

[pumpkinking]

Also, perhaps we’re being a bit harsh on the OP.

They asked if anyone here has crossed the channel in a SIB, which is the right advice to seek if you were thinking of attempting it.

There was one post further up that mentioned the Channel Islands but didn’t say what size or type of boat they used.

[Allye]

Maybe someone should link marine traffic one more time!

All I’m saying is it needs to be put into perspective, yes it’s the busiest shipping lane in the universe and beyond, but it’s not “a unicycle across a 5 lane motorway”. It’s a 20knot boat across a 20mile Chanel with a large ship every couple miles.

I just like playing devils advocate and not pissing on his chips.

[pumpkinking]

https://youtu.be/g0J5RZjvP-Q

These guys look like a good example of how to go about it (albeit on jet-skis) and looks epic.

[Voodoo]

I would recommend a lap of the isle of wight. Ive done it on a jetski for charity (GAFIRS) also in previous boats and when I was racing...its a great trip, around 55 miles. No passport required

[Limecc]

Originally Posted by Voodoo

I would recommend a lap of the isle of wight. Ive done it on a jetski for charity (GAFIRS) also in previous boats and when I was racing...its a great trip, around 55 miles. No passport required

I intend to lap the IOW when we are next holidaying in the area.

Also, would like a trip to Eddystone lighthouse from Plymouth. Not willing to do this one alone though. If anyone wants to make a party between 9th and 21st May then I'm up for it.

[treerat]

Originally Posted by Limecc

I intend to lap the IOW when we are next holidaying in the area.

Also, would like a trip to Eddystone lighthouse from Plymouth. Not willing to do this one alone though. If anyone wants to make a party between 9th and 21st May then I'm up for it.

We quite often head out from Plymouth to see the rock and will happily join you if free.