This is the 'western passage' of the two passages available through Gascanane Sound in southwest County Cork. These provide west bound vessels with a short cut between Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island that avoids the longer route around Cape Clear Island. The sequence of description is from south to north but it may be used either way with the benefit of a fair tide.
Why sail this route?
This is particularly convenient route when moving from Baltimore to Cape Clear North Harbour where the cut saves at least an hour’s sailing. It may also be used by vessels going further north into Long Island Bay, sailing to destinations such as Schull Harbour for instance, or even Crookhaven where it will still save at least half an hour.The 'eastern passage'
is the preferred of the two cuts as it is deep, has its dangers always visible on both sides and at a ⅓ of a mile wide, is nearly double the 250 metres width of this cut. This 'western passage' is, however, a more direct for North Harbour (Trakieran) on Cape Clear Island and is not subject to a cross tide. Likewise, Gascanane Rock may be visible for those passing during the first half of the flood.In all cases, the southern approach waypoint provides is the same for both passes. So the best pass to take in existing conditions can be taken at that point.
Tidal overview
Today's summary tidal overview for this route as of Wednesday, October 9th at 16:12. The east going tide starts running southeastward at -0030 Dover (+0520 Cobh). The west going tide starts running northwestward at +0540 Dover (–0055 Cobh).Northwestward Stream
(HW Dover +0540 to -0030)
Starts in 04:32:49
(Wed 20:45 to 03:00)
Southeastward Stream
(HW Dover -0030 to +0540) Now
(Tidal flow )
Ends in 04:32:49
(Wed 14:35 to 20:45)
What are the navigational notes?
The challenging Gascanane Sound is a channel that separates the southwest end of Sherkin Island from Cape Clear Island. It lies between Cooslahan Point, the eastern extremity of Cape Clear Island, and Illaunbrock, an islet off the southwest extremity of Sherkin Island. The Sound is about a mile wide and is divided into two channels by the Carrigmore and Gascanane Rocks.
The former Carrigmore Rocks are located about 800 metres northeast of Cooslahan Point and are a group of high rocks that dry to 6.1 metres and never cover. The latter, Gascanane Rock, lays nearly 180 metres west of the Carrigmore Group and dries to 1.8 metres but cover at half-flood.
The tides sweep through both channels, especially at Springs, with such velocity as to cause dangerous eddies and it should only be approached with a commanding breeze, a reliable back up engine plus good visibility and favourable tides. Expect broken water in brisk conditions.
The advantage of taking the cut is it avoids passing around the imposing three miles long, south-westward lying, Cape Clear Island. But if there is any doubt, head around the island. If the tide is unfavourable in Gascanane Sound the Baltimore Harbour north entrance
route could provide a better cut, especially so for vessels already moored in Baltimore Harbour. The complete course is 0.81 miles from the waypoint 'East & West Channels Southern Approach' to 'West Channel Northern Approach' tending in a north westerly direction (reciprocal south easterly).
East & West Channels Southern Approach, 51° 26.800' N, 009° 27.000' W
Southern approach to both the west and east passages
► Next waypoint: 0.58 miles, course ⇓ 310.96°T (reciprocal ⇑ 130.96°T)
West Channel Midpoint, 51° 27.177' N, 009° 27.697' W
Midpoint western passage
► Next waypoint: 0.24 miles, course ⇓ 341.46°T (reciprocal ⇑ 161.46°T)
West Channel Northern Approach, 51° 27.400' N, 009° 27.817' W
Northern approach western passage
This passage is between the Gascanane Rock and Cape Clear Island. Although this route is the narrower of the two, at approximately 250 metres wide it is half the width, the cut has the advantage of heading northwest, or southeast, and being consistent with the tidal flow so there is very little set onto rocks. Being in the lee of the island it sometimes has the advantage of the more sheltered water.
Gascanane Sound with Gascanane Rock just visible in front of CarrigmorePhoto: Peter Gorman
This cut can look deceptively narrow with white breaking water all around. It looks particularly daunting at low water, if not entirely off-putting, but you will find plenty of water in the cut and the Gascanane Rocks will be readily identified then.
The key to using either of these cuts is to work the tide. The streams set strongly through the sound attaining a rate of 3kn during Springs causing eddies. The east-going stream set southeastward, and the west going stream sets northwestward. They begin at the following times:
- • The west going tide starts running northwestward at +0540 Dover, or at –0055 Cobh
- • The east-going tide starts running southeastward at -0030 Dover, or at +0520 Cobh.
Cross tides tend to can set a vessel onto the rocks in the eastern channel.
The waypoints are for guidance only as this cut centres on pilotage and should only be used in moderate conditions with good visibility. There is nearly always a groundswell entering the sound which can make the passage look threatening.
What is the best sailing time?
Sailing season for Ireland is May to September, with June and July offering some of the best weather. Nevertheless the incidence of winds up to force seven and above in June and July are on average two days each month. So you may be either held up or having a blast depending on your sailing preferences. Ireland is not subject to persistent fog – statistically complete days of persistent fog occur less than once in a decade.Are there any security concerns?
Never an issue known to have occurred to a pleasure vessel sailing off the Irish coast.With thanks to:
eOceanic and Burke Corbett.
