Adam F

Two piccies sum up last years trip for me:

So, as this is still a way off, we have the option of doing the 2nd - 5th? This still takes in the BH Monday, but just slides it one day??

I'll be staying onboard, but those who will want B&B would do well to drop Mark Harding a line at Alderney Angling. PM me if you want his mobile, but I'll drop him an email in the next few days letting him know of ou plans. I think he can take 5 or 6. He also has the advantage that he doesnt charge if the trip is cancelled due to weather - most of the hotels and B&B's will. Also bear in mind the Armoury is'nt an option as they closed it.... I did find it rushed last time, but for the effort of going over, why not spend another day after the turbos!! I think JV will have space for 1 more, but Ive already had a couple of requests.

I've been pondering this over the last few days and I'm keen to make this a 4 day trip to make the most of being over there, and enabling 2 days on the banks as well as the wrecks and tope etc... As it stands currently, Joint Venture will be aiming to head over on Friday 1st May leaving early (circa 6am) and returning Monday 4th evening. All weather dependant of course!!

Weather is looking good for a session at the weekend. Bigish tides, but was planning an inshore assult on the whiting - anyone else care to buddy along? Bob is on with me, but we'll have space for 1 other. Adam

Happy Birthday mate!!

The last few trips have been FREEZIN!!, much worse in the wind, which got me wondering how windchill is calculated.... http://www.home-education.org.uk/ir-windchill.htm Brrr!

I'd agree Alan. Our main VHF is kaput at the moment, and my little handheld has been sat there never used for 5 years - on Sunday it proved invaluable.... Who hasnt got one?

We now have a number of boats in the club capable of making the run across the channel, so for those who havent done it or dont know what exactly is involved, here is a rough idea: The run from the chain ferry to Braye Harbour is about 60 miles. Apart from the last few miles Poole end, this is in exposed channel and sea conditions. Hugely dependant on sea conditions, but in reasonable conditions the run can be done in just over 4 hours, however most times we are hopping across the various wrecks in the channel to break up the journey. If it blows up it can get really nasty - esp. Alderney end making the journey alot slower. The run over and back is just a part of the trip though. Fishing around the island usually invloves a reasonable amount of steaming, so this needs to be factored in. Even in fair conditions, it is usually the tide that causes big seas around the islands. Hugely varing bottom contours, rocky outcrops and massive tides can cause 'interesting conditions'.... This is'nt meant to be scaremongery to put people off just to give an idea of what can be effected. In flat calm conditions the whole trip is a real joy.... if it blows up you can feel a million miles from home in our small boats. Accomidation on the island is available, but needs a little prior planning anf booking. Staying on the boat is easy enough if you dont mind roughing it. Bear in mind getting to and from the dock needs either a tender or the water taxi.

Another update on the radar: Used it again yesterday and it was the first time JV has been out after dark, it was also new to me being in a wheelhouse in the dark and not being able to use the MK1 eyeball to steer home (twas toasty warm though! ) The Lowrance radar really proved it's worth as we neared Poole, showing up 3 potential collision course boats, numerous small pot and marker boys and then finally the start of the East Looe channel. I'm a definate convert. Tom and Charlie - both Quest and Alfresco showed pretty signficant targets on the screen. Fuel consumption -- she seems to be using just under 1 litre per mile. We did about 35 miles yesterday on

Another update on the radar: Used it again yesterday and it was the first time JV has been out after dark, it was also new to me being in a wheelhouse in the dark and not being able to use the MK1 eyeball to steer home (twas toasty warm though! ) The Lowrance radar really proved it's worth as we neared Poole, showing up 3 potential collision course boats, numerous small pot and marker boys and then finally the start of the East Looe channel. I'm a definate convert. Tom and Charlie - both Quest and Alfresco showed pretty signficant targets on the screen. Adam

Nope..... Welcome back!

Frans, Not sure where you are based, but if you want a ride out in ours you are more than welcome, just drop me a line. Adam

Completey agree Pete. I'm just saying that they are damn ugly and given a choice would have one of the enclosed versions. What are the regs on having a reflector - should every boat have one?

That's great news Martin. I was only reading through some old posts last night and found my similar post to yours above when I had the problems with OOTB and PMS sorted that. Glad to hear she will get sorted and hopefully in time for Alderney!

Well we had a long running thread for Alderney 2007 and 2008, and now finally after years of dreaming and waiting I'll be in a position to make the trip for myself this year! The logistics are better known by those who have been before now, but I still think its a good idea to log the trip here. Date wise, I guess we will keep an eye on the catch reports but as per previous years will aim for the May bank holiday weekend or close to it. I'd suggest as previous we aim to leave early one day 1, fish the wrecks over the channel, with maybe a few hours on the banks before in to Braye for beer and food. Day 2 fish around the island, day 3 reverse of day 1. I'll stay on the boat, but I'm sure a few will want to use the accomidation above Alderney Angling. Adam

Jim, Actually I think they are. One of the oldest and most basic reflectors cost sod all. They perform pretty well, but the downside is they look dead ugly!!

Anyone got oen knocking around before I buy new? Thanks

Thanks Pete. That is the size of a radome!! Plus at 7.7kgs it is a fair lump. Take your point re. performance etc.... Adam

I downloaded the software but found it to be the most useless piece of software Ive ever used!!.... Maybe I need some tuition??

Looks like a choice between these two: http://www.marine-super-store.com/posit/sh...partno=99110154 or http://www.marine-super-store.com/posit/sh...partno=99147518

Thanks Charlie. helpful info. What reflector to carry though - this old chesnut again? I dont care what the regs are I cant see the point of carrying and installing the useless tube type. What are our options?

At the moment we are running the 10" main screen as a whole screen map with data down the RHS. The 2nd 8" display is used as 80/20 split Radar and Sonar when steaming, or 100% sonar if the radar isnt required. I agree, both show clear data though. The Garmin had the menu option to pull up a tide page and change the port in a menu without having to find it on a map (quicker and easier) We havent worked out a way of loading weypoints on the PC and then transfering to the unit via SD card. Ive a whole book of numbers I'd like to move over - any idea? Adam

NICE.... Thank you that man!

We will try to get another trip in before back to work - weather dependant..... might have a go for some eels next trip out Radar - Bob has worked with these things for years, but they are pretty new to me, I know the basics, but not how to set them up etc... We had a quite a long discussion re. reflectors on the way out. I'm still very sceptical, but did have to conceed that the cardinal buoy around the needles which do have relectors on gave huge targets on the screen, and the needles light almost blocked out it's section of the dispay, so they do have a use. Saying that boats without reflectors seems to show well too. Next time we are out, I'll try to get a few screen shots to show those without radars what their boats show like. Finally, what really helps is the colour diplay - like a sonar, the harder the target, the darker the result, so a rock or steel ship shows as red, green next softer, with the likes of blue usually showing wave tops etc... Much to learn!