Ramsgate to Gravelines – The Channel!

We did it!

Crossing the English Channel is something special: To make it real we had to rely on many friends and on our best commitment and effort. Not to mention lots of luck.

I thought to all those people who lost their lives in these cold and troubled waters, even in the best weather conditions as we were so fortunate fo find yesterday.

Streams, sea beds,shallows, big ferries and commercial ships: A lot to worry about for a nutshell like Clodia.

We could never have done it without the help of Chalky, a sailor friend, who escorted us all the way from Ramsgate to Gravelines.

A support boat is required by maritime regulations to cross the Channel for a small boat, engine free, like our Ness Yawl.

This is the report of our day: We leave from Ramsgate at 6 o’clock after a rainy night that didn’t seem like a good omen. Chalky already offered us a good coffee.

We get out of the harbour by rowing, under a bright sun: In the meantime Paolo is filming us from the top of the pier.

To cross the shopping lanes at 90°, Chalky asks to tow us, because the wind is contrary and he wants to get to Gravelines before 4.30 p.m. for the high tide. We can’t turn his offer down, even if it doesn’t stick to our values: We could have easily made it without any help, but not following the regulamentary 90°.

We need to get out quickly from the routes of the big ships, that need many miles to stop, so we accept to get towed for what is strictly needed.

When the shipping lanes are at our back, the wind calms down. The green power of Bruno comes very handy and we row for a couple of nautical miles: Then, when we have to cope with an opposite stream of nearly 2.5 knot (faster than us!), the wind comes to our help at about 12-16 knot, keeping constant for the following hours.

We can now swiftly sail for hours: The day is beautiful and Clodia doesn’t seem to care much about the sea, running fast toward the French coast.

The last 12 miles are fantastic: We literally fly over the waves caused by streams and shallows, and by a stronger wind, reaching 6.3 knot speed.

We enter the canal of Grand Fort Philippe al 4 p.m. local time, after 9 hours and 35 nautical miles of navigation from Ramsgate. A little thrill: The gaff jumps over the peak of the mast, hit by a naughty wave. I quickly turn down the mainsail and leave the lacing, avoiding any further trouble. Everything goes well, but it could have been very dangerous.

The access to the channel leading to Gravelines is a bit difficult, but we enter quite well, then we sail for the last 3 miles and dock in the wonderful Marine. Fantastic!

Gravelines welcomes us with all its peace and beauty. The fortress of Vauban is very nice.

We also discovered a 57 metres vessel, replica of the 18th century original, under construction: Impressive! Here you can find more info.

Thanks to all of you for support and help, we felt your presence every time. We dedicate a special thought to Roland, Silvio and Jacopo that should have been aboard with us.

Shortly, we’ll set sails to Saint Omer. A big hug.

Giacomo and Bruno

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10 Responses to “Ramsgate to Gravelines – The Channel!”

  1. Mike says:

    Congratulations and best wishes for the rest of your journey.

    It is good to see you looking fit and well again.

    Looking forward to your next update,

    Mike.

  2. bea wengel says:

    Bon voyage! E quando parti per Venezia? Ho visto un video bellissimo su Venezia e l’ho messo su fb! A proposito video: ho rivisto quello di Jorge, e lo posto anche su fb, perche penso che sia molto importante che molta gente ascolti il tuo messaggio. D’accord? Alora, tutto bene, buona vita, a presto! Abbraccio

  3. Bravo! I weep with joy!

  4. Carine says:

    Congratulations! You and Bruno are a great inspiration for me and Juanita to cross the Channel. The video captures the sheer joy of sailing. Good luck for the next stage.

  5. Marcel & Joanna says:

    Congratulations!

    What´s the next challenge? You´ll do it! We follow everything and will come to the Frankfurt region at the latest.

    See you there.

    Marcel & Joanna

    ps. CHULUGI will be in Venice in autumn! Everything is arranged. Grazie Giacomo!

  6. Giacomo says:

    A presto amici!!! Thanks Grazie Marcel and Joanna See you in Venice so!!

  7. Son contento tu sia ripartito. Del resto certi viaggi mica si fermano facilmente ;-) Vai alla grande.

  8. Son contento tu sia ripartito. Del resto certi viaggi mica si fermano facilmente ;-) Vai alla grande Giacomo.

  9. Giacomo says:

    Grazie <edo
    E' stato duro
    Un abbraccio

  10. Heribert says:

    Ciao Giacomo,
    ti seguo con moltissimo interesse. Sono molto felice per l’attraversata della manica compiuta in modo ottimo, ma soprattutto per la tua salute ritornata. Ogni tanto incontro per strada Barbara che sfrutto come canale supplementare d’informazione.
    Vediamo se ti becco in Baviera nei pressi di Ratisbona. Cerco di esserci.
    Buon viaggio,
    Heribert.

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