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| See names in chart above |
Bonita was designed by William Crossfield and built in his yard at Arnside, Cumbria in 1888. This occasional blog describes some of her adventures - including her 2013 and 2023 circumnavigations of Britain and her Baltic cruise of 2016.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Brighton Departure (2) - This time with a fair wind!
Early start to get tide and wind today - cleared Marina Village at 5.56am. Beautiful day, but still require 6 layers of clothing! Perfect 15 knot wind from from the North West.
Good progress to Selsey Bill - then into The Solent. Just off Bognor Regis with local trawlers::
Monday, 29 April 2013
Brighton Marina (with info supplied by Beckett Rankine)
Following our lively re-entry to the marina we have been reflecting on the design of harbour entrances and how tight turns in the entrance channel might be good for preventing wave transmission but can be quite a challenge for an historic yacht with a long keel and quarter mounted prop. But then modern marinas are not designed with bowsprits and bumpkins in mind either.
Built between 1971 and 1979 Brighton is unique in being the only UK marina constructed on an open coastline, all other marinas have either been built in naturally sheltered sites or in old commercial harbours. Later this year the Brunswick Group, who own the marina, are due to commence construction of five large residential blocks, four of which are to be sited partly in the outer harbour on top of the spending beach while the fifth will be on the mole where the RNLI berth is currently located.
The spending beach forms an essential function in absorbing wave energy that enters the outer harbour. As part of this latest development extensive numerical and physical wave studies were carried out to ensure the wave climate would still be acceptable. The image on the left shows the result of a numerical model for a 1 in 1 year southerly storm with a 3.12m significant wave approaching the marina. The present condition, without the proposed development, is shown.
Here is a short video clip of one of the wave model tests. With waves overtopping the breakwater it represents a day much like today when its better to be securely moored inside the marina!
Built between 1971 and 1979 Brighton is unique in being the only UK marina constructed on an open coastline, all other marinas have either been built in naturally sheltered sites or in old commercial harbours. Later this year the Brunswick Group, who own the marina, are due to commence construction of five large residential blocks, four of which are to be sited partly in the outer harbour on top of the spending beach while the fifth will be on the mole where the RNLI berth is currently located.
The photo on the right shows the physical model constructed at HR Wallingford's laboratories in 2008 with part of the proposed development in place. The large red object on the right is the development's western 37 storey tower, the blue object in the background is the wave generator and the little blue tripod structures are wave monitoring instruments. Part of the bases for three more towers can be seen in the foreground.
Here is a short video clip of one of the wave model tests. With waves overtopping the breakwater it represents a day much like today when its better to be securely moored inside the marina!
Crew Training Day Today
We were joined by Ant Bennett on Saturdy night. Ant is a gaffer owner but not such an old one. We were tempted out of Brighton marina by sunshine and light winds. The forecast was for strong winds later but maybe that would be quite a bit later. So off we went hoping to get through the Looe channel off Selsey Bill. The Looe has a reputation of being a dangerous place in bad weather, but isn't a problem under good conditions...
Sadly the forecast was right and halfway on our course we were pushing into heavy seas with several reefs in.
After a crew discussion we decided it would be more sensible to go back to Brighton. (At about the last point on the chart shown below). A quick journey back to the marina with a tricky entrance and a rising wind. Bringing up to the pontoon was achieved safely and without drama thanks to Ant making a flying leap from the bowsprit with a mooring rope. Safely moored at 7pm - one hour before low tide - phew!
Currently engaged in researching eating facilities in Brighton Marina. Best breakfast so far was Cafe Rouge and Zizzis best meal (and wine - overtones of chocolate and plums apparently!).
This blog written in the comfort of Zizzis restaurant (20% off for marina customers) sheltered from a strong cold wind by a large picture window.
Still researching wind, which is presently SW - i.e. not favourable - before deciding when (or even if) we're departing tomorrow (Tuesday)
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Brighton Departure (1)
Sunday 28 April - (from Leading Helmsperson Jane)
1000: No wind, no water. Just watched another boat go aground trying to leave the Marina....leaving soon.
1402: Now deep into a long hard bash towards Selsey Bill. 10 knot wind on the nose, standing well out to sea on starboard tack - it's going to be a long day!
1000: No wind, no water. Just watched another boat go aground trying to leave the Marina....leaving soon.
1402: Now deep into a long hard bash towards Selsey Bill. 10 knot wind on the nose, standing well out to sea on starboard tack - it's going to be a long day!
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