Dave Birch crosses the English Channel!
At Shoreline, we were very interested in Dave Birch’s bid to sail across the English Channel in a Laser Pico. We posted a story a number of weeks ago th
at highlighted his preparation for the trip. (That story can be read here.) We were very happy to hear that Dave was successful in his attempt and was able to raise a significant amount of money for a great cause.
Dave’s blog post
Dave and his back up team motored from Dartmouth, southern UK for Guernsey, near France the day before the intended challenge day.
The forecast for the challenge day was a perfect SW F4-5, although the motor across the channel was uncomfortable with SW F5-7 winds on the beam.
Still, once in Guernsey, Dave and the team spent time checking and prepping the little Laser Pico in readyness.
However, it was nearly all called off as the forecast changed and at 11 pm the forecast was now SW F4-5 with 3-4 hours of F6 mid-channel.
This would be too much wind to sustain for any length of time, and if things went bad, then there’d be no safe way to recover the Pico in those sea conditions and we’d have to cut her free.
The 5am forecast changed back to much more favourable conditions, if anything, a little too light with SW F3-4 with F5 for a time mid-channel.
As the green light for ‘GO’ burned bright, it was all systems go and soon Dave was setting off just after 6am from the sleepy little harbour.
Clear of Guernsey and the sea conditions were a westerly 6-8 ft atlantic swell with a SW 4 ft wind chop.
Dave got into the routine of eating protein bars and vitamin/mineral drinks every 30-45 minutes to keep him fuelled up.
After a couple of hours, dolphins came to play which was spectacular being so close.
The first real obstacle Dave had to deal with was negotiating the busy shipping lanes.
Numerous changes of course were required to pick his way through the two 5 miles wide lanes. Out the other side and almost half way there!
When the F5 winds came, the little Pico was rocketing along and surfing at 8-9 knots. Unfortunately, the perfect winds only lasted a few hours.
The approach to the South coast UK seen the weather turn to drizzle and visability down to just a mile or so at times.
Once back in the bay and finish in sight, a couple of small boats came out to greet Dave as the end of day winds died off.
Dockside, there was a large gathering of followers eagerly waiting to see Dave’s safe return. Touch down was to the blare of the sound of fog horns, cheers and the popping of champagne corks! Dave described the finish as one of his life’s defining moments.
Money raised for a great cause
Congratulations to Dave on this amazing accomplishment! His efforts led to him exceeding his fundraising goal for Rowcroft Hospice. Dave raised an impressive £5,909.63. Visit his Just Giving page.
Video highlighting Dave Birch’s accomplishment
Congratulations Dave!
