Saturday 26th June -- Christchurch to Swanage

[bbutty]

Just as an update to the previous suggestions, All being well with the weather, this trip from Christchurch to Swanage and back taking a look at old harrys on the way past, will go ahead. Looking at the tides, we will have plenty of water going in and out of Christchurch and no problems with depth over at Swanage.

I went out on this trip on Monday and it was great, The moving time was 3 hours but I did only average 11.8mph as the limit through Christchurch harbour is 4knts and I took it steady taking in the view from the sea. I did 36 miles this day but did cut across the bay quite a bit so if there is more wind, it would be worth hugging the coast, adding more miles. I used approx 12-13L of fuel for this trip with the merc 20 and 3.5 rib.

With the timings in mind, for a Stop for picnic at Swanage, It might be worth setting off from Christchurch between 10am and 11am instead of the 9ish planned before. I understand this will give people more time to travel too.

I am open to suggestions from anyone wanting to change the plans slightly and look forward to getting out with some other boats.

[bbutty]

Relaying info on slipways too:

As for Slipways, I use the Slipway at Wick. This is quite narrow and is relatively hard packed gravel, but has a fairly shallow gradient and unless the tide is well in there isn't much depth there. There is no parking at this slipway but there is space to drop off gear before parking on one of the nearby roads or a couple hundred meters up the river there is a pay and display car park. I'd say this should be ok for sibs and small craft who can hand launch and don't require too much depth. Doable with a car launch but not for bigger vessels. BH6 4JZ

Another more suitable option is The slipway at Christchurch quay (almost directly opposite the wick slip on the other bank) is a concrete slip which is wider and suitable for bigger craft. There is a small drop off at the bottom of the slip but as far as I am aware, it is usable at most tides. The slip is free to use, and there is a pay and display (mayors mead) carpark right by the slip which I believe is ok for trailers too. Trailers can be placed on the grass seen on google street view or can pay for 2 spaces. BH23 1NY

https://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/

Tide predictions for Christchurch harbour:

Hope these help!

All welcome as long as you can get on plane!

[bbutty]

Great information there! Weather permitting I will be joining you.

[harrison]

Weather permitting we’ll be there.
Planning on launching at Mayors Mead.

[Froglet]

I was looking forward to this, but I think it's unlikely I'll be able to join. I've got a calendar clash which is not looking resolvable. Hope the weather gods smile upon you and it's a great day.

[sonny1]

im in unless some last minute gremlin does me legs, mayors mead for me also . given that we seem to be launching from two different sites should we pre-arrange some meet up plan ?

[bbutty]

Let's hope for no rain and lightish winds!

As the two slipways are almost in sight of each other (only boat moorings in the way), and as most are meeting at mayor's mead, probably best to just meet at mayors, either on the water or in the car park

[chas1336]

hi there - looking forward to this. We'll probably get down to Christchurch early from East Sussex, park in Mayors and hopefuly go get some breakfast. See everyone next saturday

[PeterM]

Hope this all good to plan. Unfortunately (?) I'm working on a commercial rib next sat or I'd be there to join you. ( you never know work could cancel on me!)

[bbutty]

Enjoy the commercial rib PeterM, sounds like fun.


Is 10:30 a suitable set off time for everyone? From mayors mead.

I'll be bringing 22L of fuel to be on the safe side as well as an anchor and some food for lunch.

It's a sandy anchorage at swanage with a sheepish beach so pretty straightforward. Alternatively the sibs can just be beached as its sandy