First Channel Crossing

We checked through the information we had, using the Shell Channel Pilot, Reeds Almanac and the various weather and routing apps we have (Windy, PredictWind and LuckGrib). We knew that the main thing to plan for was to ensure that we reached the Alderney Race for the tide to be with us. We calculated that this meant a night departure from Portland.

All boat checks done, we went to bed for a couple of hours sleep, setting our alarms for 1130pm. After a quick cup of coffee, we were off.

Not only was it dark, but it was drizzling too. Not a pleasant start to our crossing.

The winds were Force 4 (11-16 knots), but unfortunately not in our favour. They were coming from the south east (exactly the way we were wanting to travel). We could have tacked our way to the first waypoint, but this would have added considerable miles and time to our journey. Reluctantly, we chose to motor.

By 7am,  we were both awake. It was now light and we had arrived at the edge of the TSS (Traffic separation Scheme). We had also managed to put the sails out as the wind was now easterly. Unfortunately, it had dropped to Force 3 (7-10 knots), so we kept the engine on to keep our speed up. No one wants to be bobbing around in the shipping lanes!

Crossing the TSS is exactly like trying to cross a busy road between the traffic. We have AIS (Automatic Identification System) tracking, so any vessel transmitting a signal (all the large ones do) comes up on our chart plotter. We can then check its details: dimensions, destination, speed and most importantly how close it will get to us and when. This then gives us chance to decide on a course of action. There are ‘rules of the road’ (COLREGS – International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) governing who should do what, but when dealing with enormous tankers going at over three times our speed, these tend to be more flexible.

The AIS also gives us the vessel’s MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) and we can use this to radio them. Martin radioed one ship. He was on the ball and had already seen us on AIS. He confirmed that he would be passing behind us and wished us a pleasant sail.

Once through the TSS, our next challenge was the Alderney Race. This is a strait that runs between Alderney (Channel Islands) and Cap de la Hague at the north western tip of Normandy.  A strong current runs through here and, when the wind and race current flow in opposite directions, the sea can become chaotic, with waves reaching up to 4m. Also, the flow can be up to 12 knots which, which when you consider that usually we travel at 5/6 knots, means if we get it wrong, we would be going backwards!

Luckily, the forecast for the day was for slight winds, so we only had to worry about the timing of the flow. We planned to get north of the Race before it turned in our favour. For once, our timing was good, arriving at our waypoint an hour early. Time for a cup of tea and a gentle drift.

When setting off, the flow rate was about 3 knots. This increased our boat speed to over 8 knots, making for a quick passage towards Jersey.