From swanage to Chapmans pool

zookeeper · 29 December 2010, 10:19

We always go towards poole from swanage, but would like to go down toward Kimmeridge and chapmans pool. Anyone got any info on this direction?

Steve_B · 29 December 2010, 11:13

Did this route several thousand times over the summer, what do you want to know?

Steve

zookeeper · 29 December 2010, 16:02

I expect you did, i think i saw you at least 200 times in a week crossing swanage bay!! Hazzards for one, can you moor in chapmans pool, anything really interesting to look for? I have heard the headland east of kimmeridge is a bit dodgy. cheers matt

Steve_B · 29 December 2010, 17:31

From Swanage going West your first hazard is the Pevril Ledges. Depending on tide/wind these can either be sublime or a real challenge. On a typical RIB, if you go at least half way out between the headland and the Red Bouy you will be OK for depth, just watch for the waves and judge accordingly. If in doubt go round the bouy.
At Durlston Head, there can again be quite a nasty race. If there is, aim to be about 20/25m from the Headland and you can avoid the worst of it. From there all the way round to Chapmans Pool, you can run about 50m off shore and have plenty of depth.
There is an interesting Cave, a few m West of the 2nd Mile mast. If reasonably calm, you can stick the nose of the boat in. (Not on a spring low or following sea).
The race at St. Albans Head can be challenging, but if you hug the coast you can avoid.
Chapmans Pool is a fab place to lunch. Very secluded, you can carefully run up to the beach, but better to drop anchor about 100m off.
Between here and Kimmerage is "easy" BUT stay well off shore. There is a very shallow shelf that extends well out. The approach into Kimmerage needs to be done slowly watching out for pots and rocks.
Overall a great route, take it easy and look out for the numerous pots, marked with highly visible black or blue plastic containers!
Steve

ashbypower · 29 December 2010, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kts

The approach into Kimmerage needs to be done slowly watching out for pots and rocks.
Overall a great route, take it easy and look out for the numerous pots, marked with highly visible black or blue plastic containers!
Steve

Also not mentioned is the "A" flag boats, and surface marker bouy's in the area, these should also be given a wide berth.

Nos4r2 · 29 December 2010, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Also not mentioned is the "A" flag boats, and surface marker bouy's in the area, these should also be given a wide berth.

Along with the wreck of the Kyarra (assuming there's no A-flagged boats on it). Rumour was that someone had left a permanent shotline on it, and the buoy was being dragged under by the tide.
This may have changed, but it's not one I'd want to find out first hand if it hasn't.

ashbypower · 29 December 2010, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Along with the wreck of the Kyarra (assuming there's no A-flagged boats on it). Rumour was that someone had left a permanent shotline on it, and the buoy was being dragged under by the tide.
This may have changed, but it's not one I'd want to find out first hand if it hasn't.

Hi Matt,
The kyarra, Caratan and Betsy Anna are all normally bouyed with a Tidal bouy, this is the indicator for slack water !! i.e. ideal dive time !!

Nos4r2 · 29 December 2010, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Hi Matt,
The kyarra, Caratan and Betsy Anna are all normally bouyed with a Tidal bouy, this is the indicator for slack water !! i.e. ideal dive time !!

Hi Brian

Are they any risk to passing boats/props when they are underwater?

ashbypower · 29 December 2010, 20:59

Matt, They can be bud, they will obviously come closer to the surface as the tidal flow (both ebb & flood) slackens off. I have sat out there awaiting the slack and seen these 1/2m or so down.
Additionally some of these have leader line and a small blob streaming off of them upto about 2 metres away.

They are placed by Charter boat skippers place for ease!!!

Steve_B · 29 December 2010, 21:24

Agree with all the above, but did not mention the Kyarra, as that is a fair way off the coast and if you want to see it in all its glory, you should be well clear of this wreck.

In a flood tide, any of the marks can and are dragged under water. However, whilst they are a threat and you should be wary, the chances of picking one up are slim. Of all the trips we did of the summer (some 11500miles), we picked up only one pot, (when I was skipper, typical) and soon had it cleared and under way again.

Be ready to come off the throttle asap, brief all on board about the potential to stop unexpectedly, be prepared to lift the engine and unwind the rope. Carry at least one knife, (2 plus just in case) and if you do have to cut away the rope, be ready to drop the anchor to arrest any drift towards the cliffs, whilst you clear the prop. If you have the time, you should of course re-secure the bouy to the pot once sorted, otherwise anything inside the pot will remain there tfn.