I spoke with somebody on the Saturday evening of the recent East Coat Muster about the possibility of arranging a rally / meet in the Channel Isles with the intention to launch the boats at either Carteret or Granville on the French Coast. Unfortunately I can't remember who it was that I was discussing this with - perhaps someone can help me make contact. I sailed into Carteret last weekend and it has a good wide ramp and plenty of free parking. I have picked up a harbour guide and am happy to send this on to whoever is interested in looking at this.
I am also interested in a trip up the Arun from Littlehampton as this river is navigable for about 20 miles. Perhaps it is getting a little late to arrange this for this year but it could be a trip for the spring. There is a good ramp at Littlehampton at a cost of £10.00. Parking isnt great but possible with a bit of a walk. Is anyone else interested in this?
Colin Winter
Hi Colin
I've had a suggestion for the next newsletter from Jean and Bill Millar about a possible 'Cruise in Company' to the Channel Islands, it will be mentioned in the newsletter along with many other ideas and plans for 2013. Do you want me to mention your Arun idea as well??
Liz
(Newsletter Editor)
Thank you Liz it would be good to see if others are interested in a trip up the Arun. I will contact the Millars regarding the Channel Isles
Colin
Hello Colin
As a new member and owner and novice Mac sailor, I have a 26 x moored in the Arun yacht club at Littlehampton(1 of 4) in the port in fact.
I know the Arun up to Pulborough pretty well from explorations in a small dinghy and think its a bit too small for the Macs to go very far past Arundel- not just narrow but very swift tidal current with a lot of debris to foul props and low bridges.
Very pretty In summer and if you wish to use my clubs ramp and facilities then I am sure that we could arrange something.
The £10 town ramp is a good one but parking a big trailer nearby is not so easy.
I am hoping to take part in rallies next year if I can get my act together in time and Carteret sounds brilliant, however mooring in the swift currents of Littlehampton is still a major challenge at this stage.Am I right to have both centreboard and rudders all down when mooring in small spaces- its not at all easy!!!
Advice welcome.
Best regards
John Denman
Hi John,
Thank you for the information. Local knowledge is always most useful.
Perhaps if there is enough interest next year we could combine a trip up to Arundal with a trip along the coast to Chichester Harbour. The tide in the Arun is certainly swift on a spring tide not unlike my home port of Southwold on the East Coast. Regarding your final comment I certainly find that it is easier to move the boat in close quarters with the rudders and dagger board down if the depth allows. Assuming we get to make a visit to Littlehampton it would be great if we could arrange to use your club as I can see that parking is not all that easy on the other side of the river.
hello john and colin, Like you Colin I have often looked at the Arun as I passed between Southampton and Brighton where my parents and now my brother lives. It is one of my favourite valleys. Pity its a bit too narrow / mucky to explore beyond arubdel. Id love to do it someday, having never rounded the Bill from Chichester....do either know what the water is like off Selsey?
Roly Simpson
PS also interested in the Chanel Islands idea
just a comment on mooring in swift currents. If tide is tronger than wind then it is best to hold the stern into the tide/current and allow buoy recovery from the pulpit by crew or at the stern (with bow line ready to feed through ) if single handed.
Yes foils dwn for slow manouvreing is best except if you are trying to side slip away from a jetty using engine on full lock when it helps to have everything up.
Roly
Thank you for your interest Roly. From the look of the Arun I suspect that tide is generally going to be stronger than wind in this river as it seems to run at quite a rate.
Regarding Selsey Bill there are quite a few hazards just off shore but ther is an inshore passage that can be taken with a favourable tide. My 2 experiences of sailing this area have both been a couple of miles off the Bill I have had no problems here. I guess if planning to transit to or from Chichester Harbour the inshore passage is well worth considering but needs careful timing and navigation.