Strategies for Executing a Crossing of the English Channel
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Demystifying the process of creating a passage plan for crossing the English Channel: an expert guide
Last month, our resident expert Jon Mendez walked us through the significance of having a proper passage plan for every boat trip, no matter how small. He showed us how to go about it using the APEM mnemonic (Appraise, Plan, Execute, and Monitor). This month, we'll delve into thePlan stage of a cross-Channel passage from Poole to Honfleur, focusing on the selection of waypoints and working out tides and timings.
Waypoints are more than just a trick to alter your heading; they can also serve as reminders for tasks along your journey. For instance, when plotting a route from Poole to Honfleur, one might set a waypoint as we leave UK waters on the edge of the 12-mile limit; then another to warn of entering a traffic separation zone (although we don't cross the formal TSS on this route, we'll still need to check for traffic); then another upon entering French waters to prompt hanging the courtesy flag; and finally a radio check-in point for the port of entry with the correct VHF channel number and so on.
Next, choosing your passage date and time may be determined by tidal constraints. MostNormandy ports have tidal restrictions on entry. The only exception isCherbourg, which lies much further west.
For Honfleur, the tidal port, the almanac suggests an hour difference withLe Havre. Honfleur itself is about an hour earlier still. Therefore, High Water Honfleur is roughly two hours earlier than Dover in the UK. Based on that, a Dover high tide in the early evening, say 1900, would give a Honfleur High Water of 5pm, making a mid-tide arrival feasible from 1400 onwards.
Planned for a seven-hour passage time, this would demand a 0700 departure. Taking into account France's one-hour time difference, our actual arrival time would be 1500 local time. This works well, as it's still two hours before HW.
Lastly, it's worth noting that a seven-hour stretched journey in a small boat could easily become arduous when aggravated by wind against tide. A glance at the tidal almanac indicates that leaving Poole, the tide would initially flow west, withSlack Water roughly five hours into the journey and then the tide turning and flowing east. This means at least part of the passage is likely to be wind against tide, so it's advisable to plan for less than a Force 4 in the forecast.
When setting off on your journey across theEnglish Channel, it's essential to research tidal limitations at your port of entry, take tidal timing into account, monitor weather conditions, select suitable waypoints, prepare for contingencies, keep your navigation tools up-to-date, and always prioritize experience and training.
Research - Start by checking for any tidal limitations at your port of entry. Most ports' own websites provide useful information, including live webcams of current conditions.
Timing - In the case of Honfleur, its website allows you to place your own minimum depth line through the lock's tidal curve, showing the earliest and latest arrival and departure times appropriate for your boat.
Conditions - Familiarize yourself with your destination's conditions by checking the webcam at the entrance, which gives a sense of how it looks at different water levels and in different wind states.
Tides - A printed tidal atlas can offer a quick and efficient means of understanding tidal patterns compared to using the plotter. We recommend leaving at High Water +1 Dover to ensure we have a West-going tide for the next five hours.
Arrival - Make sure to check the tidal flow at your destination. Timing your arrival during a favorable tide can help carry you towards the harbor.
Waypoints - Using a screenshot to save and share your route plan can help increase redundancy and ensure all crew members have the necessary information.
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- A seven-hour journey on a yacht across the English Channel could be more comfortable with a luxury flybridge, offering a relaxing space to enjoy the marine lifestyle and sports during travel.
- For a smooth arrival at the Honfleur port, plan for a departure time that coincides with a favorable tide, similar to the Dover high tide at 0700, which would result in a Honfleur High Water of 1400 and a feasible arrival from 1200 onwards.
- To enhance your luxury lifestyle travel experience, subscribe to Motor Boat & Yachting magazine, where you'll find exclusive stories and features about the world of motoryachts, superyachts, and the luxury end of the market, providing insights and inspiration for your next journey.
