Taking a boat trip out to Rampion Offshore Wind Farm has long been on my “must do” list. So when I got the chance to jump aboard a RIB with Sussex Boat Trips, I didn’t hesitate. It turned out to be one of those experiences that surpassed my expectations, and it’s definitely a unique and fun way to explore Sussex.
The elephants in the room
If you’re thinking of taking a boat trip, you may be worried about sea sickness. But rest assured, I have been known to chunder at the first sight of the sea, but we bounced along in this boat and I felt absolutely fine. Skipper and founder of Sussex Boat Trips, John Simcock, assures me it is very rare for some one to feel or be sick.
The other elephant that may be tiptoeing around your mind is the weather. Again, don’t worry too much. My boat trip was on the only rainy day in two weeks of pure sunshine, but it didn’t dampen the fun one iota. If anything, we got a little more from the trip because the wind turbines were working (they’re not always) and the sea had a little added bounce!
The boat trip
We met at Newhaven Marina for the two-hour trip. Safety briefing quickly complete, off we set. We were in a purpose built RIB, called Illuminate. For the boat geeks, she’s powered by twin Suzuki 250Hp outboards, can carry up to 12 passengers and travel at speeds of approximately 25 to 30 Knots.
I’m not sure quite what I was expecting as we bobbed out of Newhaven at a leisurely pace, but once at the lighthouse, we picked up speed and bounced along, wind and spray whipping up a sense of adventure. Because of the distance (13 km +), it takes about an hour to get out to the turbines, but the boat ride is fun and what a wonderful way to see the cliffy coastline of Newhaven to Brighton.
It’s difficult to get the sheer size of the turbines into perspective but we stopped a couple of times to enjoy the coast and absorb the vast seascape ahead. Then we chugged on in to the turbine zone. It’s a slightly surreal place to find yourself, surrounded by tall, elegant dancers, swirling away, doing their thing.
I didn’t know that
There is so much you can learn on this trip and John is the perfect host, providing just the right dose of information. You’ll learn about the installation of the turbines (yes, how they got them there) and the crew that work on them all year round (including how they get inside).
You’ll also learn about the marine life in the surrounding water, the amount of power that is generated, where it goes and how it gets there, what the red lights at night are for, how Rampion found its name and more. This is one of those trips that has education, fun and adventure all wrapped up in a bundle. As you absorb a new found fascination with wind, you bob around for a little while with the chalky cliffs a distance line on the horizon and a gentle cutting sound caused by the sweep of the blades.
Heading back to shore, we grabbed the seats at the prow of the boat. It had started to rain, but riding the waves, we felt rather euphoric (if a little wet and windy). Once you’re back on dry land, there is a coffee shop and café and an Italian restaurant just feet away.
The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm
At present, there are 116 turbines on a 70 square kilometre site located between 13 and 20 kilometres off the Brighton coast. They stand in formation, like an organised but ghostly troupe of distant ballerinas, visible from all along the Sussex coast. But they are Marmite, because you either love or detest them. From me, they hold a mystical allure and ever since John first told me you can sail out to and in amongst them, they’ve called my name. There are plans a foot for Rampion Stage 2 and the wind turbines next time will be bigger, better but further away.
About Sussex Boat Trips
John Simcock has a background in the maritime sector and hospitality as well as a love of powerboating. He’s a Commercially Endorsed Advanced Powerboat Helm and also volunteers for the RNLI as a Navigator on the Newhaven Lifeboat. Apart from trips to the wind farm, he offers trip to Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, sunset trips and short tours.
Sussex Boat Trips are a wonderful way to explore Sussex. You get a new and different perspective of our shore, and whether you love or hate the turbines, you gain a greater understanding of what they’re about.
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