definitely worse over there - their model is giving the wind in Swanage for example as this windguru - swanage which is under half that predicted on the other side of the channel. I am assuming it doesn't take into account the local shelter from the direction!
As ever everyones going to have their own mind up about the weather - personally I am always able to turn back even if I have spent weeks looking forward to the trip and loading up etc - if I get out South past Anvil Point and I don't like it I will turn round!