Dont want to hyjack yer thread Duncan. By the way, what happened, did you all get there ??

But the seas in the west, are much different from the sea in the solent or there abouts. There generally much bigger, with swell, that most folk will not have seen. Swell is of no importance, though can be worrying if not seen it. Big seas are not nececarilly a problem and are mainly far less damaging than the solent chop. Not suggesting folk should go in a 5 or 6. Just explaining that the seas will change and get bigger. But not necesarily worse.

My plans for CI's are, full tank of fuel, get within reasonable striking distance, 80 miles or less. If the weather looks right on the day. Go for it. No time for buddies or others. Not trying to be disparaging. But we all know, or should, what we and the boat are capable off. To me, only you have your time window. Only you can decide, it's not right to go back. The problem with going in company is, you all have different goals.

Ok I'll don my flack jacket and retreat to MOBO!!