Adam F

Looking like you boys need to be going Sun back Weds?

You know what? I like Alderney just as it is! It's these quirks that make the place what it is. Most people I've met on the Island have been pleasant and appreciative. I like the fact that everywhere isn't 24 hours like we get on the mainland... It's why I go, it's a more relaxing way of life. If Braye had hard shore pontoons, all night bars and top class facilities it wouldn't be the little secret it is, it would be full on gin palaces, prices would go up, you would have to book meals everywhere. As for the quality of the food, I think it's fine and in most places, excellent. I'm not sure why people think just because we have crossed The Channel, that all steaks must be cooked to perfection. I've had just as many average eating experiences over this side. Cooking upwards of 30 steaks for a group of hungry, tired anglers isn't easy! Can't wait to get over in 2013!!

Are the dowel holes under the waterline? I assume they are softwood, and you run the very likelihood of these absorbing water which in turn will, through capillary action absorb into the transom = not good. Remember fibreglass isn't waterproof, it needs gel coat to achieve this.

Shortly after launching Jv we fitted alarms to the bilge pump wiring system for this very reason. Bigger boats with hatches and self draining decks need this really. Imagine you hadn't seen this until the boat started to wallow? As soon as the pumps kick in on Jv they sound an alarm and light in the wheelhouse to warn they are in operation.

Looking much better this morning, and improving over the weekend!

Yes, a worthy cause close to our hearts.

Re. Holes - I'm sure you've got it covered but don't rely on just dowels to plug the holes. I'd soak them in resin before driving then in, and then chamfer the hole around then, glass them in and gel coat over the top. I'm sure you'll get the teething issues sorted.

I was hoping to fish, but the new arrival has put paid to that. Have a good day those who get out.

It's easy for me to say after hardly any sleep with the new baby! Seriously guys, I've got all my fingers crossed for you, I know how much planning and excitement goes into this trip... The weathers a cruel mistress.

You boys want to be leaving Tues, the weathers looking stonking!

Nice report Ian. Interesting to hear how the two banks fished, in 8 years of going down there the Shoale has always produced more but smaller and the Casquets less but bigger, and less Brill, as you said.

Gutted for you all, but what can you do - its the weather after all... We were lucky for the first few years and now we have been unlucky for the second year on the bounce. Fingers crossed for the second date in two weeks.

Forecast changed again! Looks like last year now!

Weathers shaping up nicely :-) Friday is looking a tad blowey though after Thurs winds. Acting in capacity as virtual skipper as Bob is working away this week, and in Germany until Thurs morning he is looking at maybe going Sat - Tues if the current forecast holds. Failing that leaving Sat morning.

Yes it's looking more defined. Certainly a nice window appearing between the two low pressure systems mid week and early next week. Wind guru looks good for a shortened 3 day trip Sat-mon but Windfinder models looks good for all 4 days!

Hi Mark, gutted I'm not coming this year, but plan to make up for it in 2013. I'm sure the forecast will come good. We're due a break this year after a few breezy trips! Hope alls well?

Half decent forecast starting to build for you boys next weekend. Let's hope it holds :-)

Greg, was that you I saw about midday on thurs coming down the main channel into Poole?

This is a Small Eyed also known as a painted Ray

LOOKING GOOD!!!!! http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/14days.asp

The early bird catches the bream... We were out here by 6.30 twas a mere f3, but it's a good f4 pushing 5 now with more to come. Well be back in by lunch.

Come on Charlie dont be tight! I thought you were desperate for one of these!!! Remember... 'you'll remember the quality long after you forget about the price'

and how as the fishing back then? (I was 1 year old BTW!)

I can do the plan easy for you as I'm not going! After several weeks of gales and rain the banks will remain untouched and brimming full of flatties... come the 8th May a big high pressure will move over the channel and remain there un-budged for 3 weeks... ....you'll leave Poole early and you have HW around mid-morning in the channel so decide to run the ebb down to the westerly wrecks where you stop for a few buckets of mackerel - full strings everytime.... you decide not to linger and run at 20 knots down to Speedy rock where you stop for a few hectic hours toping beofre in for fuel and mooring at 5pm, then beers and food. Sat - shoale bank, mountains of plump flatties every drift, nannels, beer, food, sleep. Sun - shoale bank, mountains of plump flatties every drift, sppedy rock, beer, food, sleep. Monday, up, brekkie, spend a fortune with Mark at AA, then leaving under a hot morning sun head north to plunder fat cod and pollock mid channel before arriving back in the marina around 7pm, shattered but very happy! ............................. You just know the above will happen - the only year I cant bloody come! I'll be turning my phone and PC off for this weekend!

Thanks all. Mike - as a first off I only need this as a spare I'm intrested in one of yours. Dont suppose you have a piccy do you? Could pay and collect at May club meeting?