After
many years of planning and being blown out by the weather, this year the Channel
Islands were conquered by four Pathfinder crews. Initial planning allowed for
different routes and timings to take into account wind direction and tides. As
the start date neared, and weather patterns became clearer, the route to be
taken was selected. The crew of Mr Max
got a jump start by crossing to Cherbourg on the Thursday. Making Cherbourg in
just over 3 hrs in flat calm conditions. The rest of the fleet, Hawkeye, Bale Out and Outlaw
had to wait until Saturday (24/8/02) to make their crossing. Arrangements were
made and the 3 boats met up at the Nab Tower at 10.00hrs on the Saturday. After
contacting Coastguards to inform them of our trip we set off for Cherbourg. 6
miles out an unusual object was spotted and Outlaw
being the nearest went to investigate. "Anyone want a Pedalo ?", so we
all congregated round for a look. Coastguard were contacted and after convincing
them that we had not been drinking, we were asked if we would like to take it in
tow. We explained that we needed to get across to Cherbourg within the tide
window, and just then a fishing boat came up and it was agreed that they would
take the tow. 2.5hrs later the fleet arrived in Cherbourg and met up with Mr
Max.
After
a couple of hour R&R we refuelled and set off for St Peterport. Rounding Cap
de Hague we were an hour or so early for the tide race through the Alderney gap.
So we were anxious to see what awaited us. Flat calm all the way to St Peterport,
which made the navigation through the Little Russell fairly easy. Arriving at St
Peterport an hour before High Tide we were able to go straight into the Marina
and moor up. The evening was spent discussing the trip over Fish and Chips.
After so many years of planning I could not believe that we were in the Channel
Islands.
Sunday
morning crew briefings to decide what next, we had to be out of the Marina
before 12.30hrs to clear the sill, we refuelled and were off to Sark by
13.00hrs. We found 2 small coves to the South of the Island which had safe
anchoring. Lunch and a visit ashore and then off to Jersey and St Hellier.
Next
day the weather was overcast so we visited the WW2 German Underground Hospital,
and as the weather the next day was not too good we visited the Zoo.
Wednesday
28th the decision had been made to cross the Channel back to Salcombe, the
longest crossing by a Pathfinder fleet ever attempted at 110nm. All boats fully
fuelled up, winds NE 3, tidal vectors checked we set off to go west of Jersey,
Guernsey and then Salcombe. Even trying to pick the best conditions we
experienced major swell south of Jersey, our speed cut back to less than
18knots. We pressed on and due to conditions decided to make for the safe haven
of the coves at Sark where we would hole up for a couple of hours to see of
conditions changed. We set off again west to clear Guernsey, still with rough
water but improving. As we cleared the tidal effects of the Islands the Channel
was near calm and good progress was made. As we crossed the shipping lanes Outlaw radioed in to sat that they were surrounded by a school of
dolphins, again the fleet gathered round and enjoyed the spectacle of dolphins
in their natural surroundings. We arrived in Salcombe at approx. 18.00hrs,
anchoring in one of the sandy coves just outside the town. The planned BBQ on
the beach was postponed due to inclement weather so dinner was cooked on board.
Next day was spent shopping and just chilling out. The evening was taken up by a
night exercise in the dinghies going up to Kingsbridge. After a drink at the
first pub we saw, we returned in pitch black with torches to spot the channel
markers. What was impressive was the luminous glow in the water from the boat
wash and engines.
Saturday
31st we prepared for the trip home, leaving Salcombe at 10.00hrs Mr Max, Outlaw and Hawkeye
set of east with Bale Out heading west
for another weeks holiday. Mr Max, Outlaw and Hawkeye anchored
in Weymouth Bay for lunch which consisted of the pasties bought in Salcombe in
the morning. Mr Max stayed in Weymouth
to blag a ride on a Jetski, (heard later that he achieved 86mph). En-route for
home Outlaw had a visit from the
Portland based SAR helicopter off Lulworth, where they dropped the winchman
onboard. Outlaw and Hawkeye
finally returned to the Solent at 17.00hrs.
A great trip with lots of challenges and in good company. The mystery of the Channel Islands is now broken, we will return.