Crossing the pond
23 Nov 2019
Log 00089
Getting out of the Channel and to Land’s End is pretty straightforward – a standard Fastnet start that has been written about by everyone who cares to do so. However, THE NEEDLES is a breathtaking sight no matter how many times one has seen it.
FIREBIRD got a bit unlucky with the weather window and we had to hide in Falmouth for a few days. Speaking of Falmouth, arrangements for a shore watch are best sorted out properly before you go offshore. Falmouth Coastguard are absolutely amazing and we were privileged to have them behind our backs throughout all our adventures. It’s worth mentioning that this privilege is available for any British flagged vessel if arranged properly and in advance.
The area between Land’s End and A Coruña has tested the seaworthiness of countless men and ships. Currently, there are three routes across it, as well as three schools of thought as to the best (and most comfortable) crossing:
Keep in and hug the shoreline. Rather obviously, you can find some relief from waves and swell as you get closer to the shore. But prevailing westerlies and some dramatic shore effects can put a ship in a rather uncomfortable position, as one can’t seek relief to lee if the wind picks up stronger than forecast. On this route you go to Brest from Southampton and then effectively cross when you feel the timing is right.
Plough through. As simple as it sounds, this often turns out to be the easiest ride in late Autumn (according to historical data). The idea is to keep to the English side of the Channel and position yourself 40-60 NM north of the Isles of Scilly, which takes the yacht well south of the TSS. Then set the course to 210oM aiming to clear the north-west tip of Spain by 50-70 miles in order to keep clear of all the little shipping vessels that infest those waters, often with next to no nav lights and LOTS of gear.
Go wide. Those who are aiming to pass the Azores High to the north are almost bound to take this route. However, even yachts taking the Azores South or even the Canaries route occasionally opt for this route to ensure stable offshore wind and avoid all the little surprises in the Bay of Biscay. An added advantage of this option is that you have loads of water to lee should the weather turn out punchier than expected. This route follows the same positioning north of the Isles of Scilly and a course of 250oM.
From A Coruña another three options are available (however, in all honesty, a commitment to a northern (direct) route is usually made earlier).
As has been well recorded, the dominating feature of the first part of the Atlantic crossing form the UK is the Azores High. It sits above the island and fluctuates between north and south. There is no wind to be found at the centre of the system.
Due to rotation of the winds around the centre of the system, an early choice needs to be made either to (A) leave it to the south (North route), (B) motor through the lull or (C) go SSW until at least the latitude of the Canaries to try to catch the prevailing wind.
Considering the weather patterns FIREBIRD had to deal with, we opted for the traditional route. This also gave us the opportunity to catch up with 12DIVE (based in Tenerife), who help us to organise our diving expeditions globally.
And two weeks after slipping lines in Tenerife, FIREBIRD pulled into Falmouth harbour, finishing her first Atlantic crossing.
