Passage planningthe route is not fixed, the preparation is

• North Sea, 4140, 1:1,500,000 — for the quick overview
• North Sea, Southern Sheet, 2182A, 1:750,000
• North Sea, Central Sheet, 2182B, 1:750,000
• North Sea, Northern Sheet, 2182C, 1:750,000

For the approach to Orkney and the Norwegian coast you need larger-scale charts, on paper or electronic. Assume your electronics will fail at some point: a paper backup and a second, independently powered plotter or tablet are not a luxury. Make sure you can fix and plot a position without electricity.

Separation schemes and wind farms

The route crosses traffic separation schemes and a growing number of wind farms. Decide in advance where you cross and at what angle, and know the rules that apply in and around the farms. Alle Hens runs workshops on both: the collision regulations, and sailing through wind farms.

Tides: do not underestimate Orkney

On the open North Sea tides play a limited role, but that changes at the islands. Around Orkney and in the firths between the islands the tidal streams run hard — hard enough to cancel your speed over ground entirely, or to build an ugly sea against the wind. Plan your arrival around the tide, not only around the wind, and have an alternative channel ready.

Tides matter at both ends of the voyage too: you sail the Pollendam and the Vliestroom at a favourable moment, not at a random one.

Ports of refuge and plan B

For every leg, write down where you can go if things do not go as intended: gear failure, a sick crew member, or a change in the weather. Know the approach, the depth and the opening times of those harbours. A port of refuge you look up while under way is not a plan B.

Diesel

How much fuel do you need, based on the forecast and allowing for problems and diversions? Calculate it rather than guess: distance divided by speed gives hours, hours times consumption gives litres. Add a generous margin. Take that into account in your decision whether to leave.