First of all BIG thanks to Barry Shaw and Phil Clegg for working for me on Sunday, as earlier in the week Monday looked possible to cross to France, but our unsettled British weather changed that ... but the additional time has been useful in completing those never ending small tasks ...
Today we drove to Rye Harbour on the South coast and spoke with Will, the safety boat driver (a legal requirement with it being the busiest shipping lane in the world, so it makes very good sense!) We discussed thoughts and plans ... he suggested Dungness as it keeps us away from the ferry's and allows us to use some of the 3 knot Spring tide. So Thursday looking good with on the water for 1030. Means up at 0600 to get to Dungeness (not the most idyllic of settings, with a nuclear power station which we will see behind us for the fist 4 hours!!!). Swell will have dropped to a more workable 0.6 and improved from a 5 second frequency to a 9 second. The distance is about 25 nm and we aim to make the most of slack water and the following 6 hours of tide, with a short 5 minute break on the hour. To further assist with morale, Erin, Alice and Mark will take it turns to set the pace, so each will have an hour up front. (this way no one is at the back for the whole journey) GPS will be used to assist us in maintaining a consistent speed.
Today we drove to Rye Harbour on the South coast and spoke with Will, the safety boat driver (a legal requirement with it being the busiest shipping lane in the world, so it makes very good sense!) We discussed thoughts and plans ... he suggested Dungness as it keeps us away from the ferry's and allows us to use some of the 3 knot Spring tide. So Thursday looking good with on the water for 1030. Means up at 0600 to get to Dungeness (not the most idyllic of settings, with a nuclear power station which we will see behind us for the fist 4 hours!!!). Swell will have dropped to a more workable 0.6 and improved from a 5 second frequency to a 9 second. The distance is about 25 nm and we aim to make the most of slack water and the following 6 hours of tide, with a short 5 minute break on the hour. To further assist with morale, Erin, Alice and Mark will take it turns to set the pace, so each will have an hour up front. (this way no one is at the back for the whole journey) GPS will be used to assist us in maintaining a consistent speed.
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Once across, the English Channel the three of them will continue up the coast towards Calais, and have the next three months to get to Helsinki. While I get on the safety boat and get whisked back to our start.
A few moments ago, working through maps, transferring chart info, updating their blog. From left to right Alice, Erin and Mark . You can see their route, make a donation on their charities page and follow them on www.paddlingchallenge.co.uk
roger chandler
www.coastalspirit.com
expedition surport
&
sea kayak north wales courses
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