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So few comments?
I set up this blog in a way that allos you to take part in the event by commenting and discussing but it seems that most people don’t want to contribute. That is fine and I am very much enjoying reporting the trip to you all and I know from the web site statistics you are reading my posts. However, if you are not commenting because you didn’t know that you could do so then I would just like to bring it to your attention that you can.
At the end of each post there is a link that shows how many comments have been made or it will say you can be the first. If you have registered on the site you can click on that link and post your own comment. Providing it is descent and clean and is relevent to the trip then Ivery much welcome all views or comments even if you disagree with what I have done… perhaps especially if you disagree with what I have done! There is more than one way to do most things in boating and we can all learn from frank, honest and friendly discussion.
So, if you haven’t yet registered on the site please do and make your thoughts known by posting your comments.
Hello Paul,
well then let this be the first comment?
I live in Belgium and a few months ago I bought a MF625, although only
with a Yamaha 80 HP (Janneau pack offer). That’s how I discovered your
website and the incredible voyage you’re making. Congratulations!
I would never dare cross the Irish Sea, and certainly not navigate in
waves of 2 meters. I’m glad to read your adventures every day, it
reassures me about the capabilities of the MF 625. On my first trip from
Dunkirk (where I bought her) to Ostend in Belgium I got really scared. I
had some high waves (1m) on my port and was afraid she would capsize,
because I didn’t know the boat well. I decided to return to Dunkirk and
wait for better weather.
But after reading your daily blogs, I’m really surprised about the
seaworthiness of this boat.
Let’s hope you’ll soon have some calmer weather and a safe trip to Scotland.
Good luck!
Steven Decroos
Hello Steven and thank you for posting.
Yes, the MF625 is a great boat for it’s size and I am glad you are finding my adventure with her fun to read. The seas I have been in are generally 1-2m although 2m (wave tops at my eye level when the boat is in a trough) is getting towards the sensible limit and I don’t go out in seas that big deliberately but sometimes it happens in spite of forecasts. Also, it very much depends on the direction of the swell, tide and wind as to whether she can handle sea that big. Into the prevailing sea and wind (especially with wind over tide) it can become absolutely impossible to make more than 5kts even though the waves are only 0.5m but with a following sea and wind sometimes I can plane alone at 18kts even though the waves are 1m+. I take nothing for granted and always look at the wind and tides prior to departure to determine if the passage will be safe, comfortable or even possible at all.
Regarding your turning back when you got scared. Do not ever be embarrassed by turning back. I did on my first attempt to depart from Douglas… I didn’t like what I saw and I returned whilst I still had the option. When you do turn back and cancel a trip it is a sign of good seamanship and decision making in my opinion and someone who never turns back when things get bad is going to have a serious problem one day. So keep up the good work and carry on enjoying your MF625.