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Northern Sailing in DECEMBER!! - Ireland to England (MJ Sailing - Ep 145)

April 8, 2020 · 18 min · 38K views · Waterford

What this video covers

Matt and Jessica sail their aluminum boat from the Irish coast to Plymouth, England, in early December.2:17 They depart with a weather window intended to avoid the frequent, high-seas low-pressure systems common in the region during winter.11:52 The passage begins with light winds requiring motor-sailing, followed by a period of steady 11–12 knot winds that allow for sailing at 6.5 knots with a full headsail and a single-reefed main.6:36 The crew navigates parallel to a traffic separation scheme between the English coast and the Scilly Islands.9:53 Upon reaching the coast at night, they rely on radar and an infrared monoscope to identify unlit vessels and navigate toward the harbor.14:45 They anchor in Plymouth at 1:24 a.m. after encountering fishing boats and a naval vessel lacking AIS signals.14:57 The following morning, they motor the final four miles to reach their winter berth at Sutton Harbor Marina.16:32 Choosing a weather window that balances wind speed against sea state is essential for safe winter passages in the English Channel.

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