Between Wells-next-the-Sea and Grimsby, I decided to start training Chat GPT. Whilst asking a bunch of questions, it surprising suggested "Do you want me to build a custom GPT-based sailing assistant?"   

I had to try this out as this passage was quite tricky.  Below are the results.  Whilst we didn't use all its suggestions, I was quite impressed at the level of detail it provided during trip, including accurate tide and lock times.  I have put the actual figured in italic red so that they can be compared with the AI results.​

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🗓️  Wells-next-the-Sea to Grimsby

• Distance: 55–60 NM depending on route - 57 miles

• Estimated Sailing Time: 10–12 hours - just under 12 hours

• Tide Gate: Time departure for HW Wells to cross The Wash and arrive at Grimsby near HW

• Key Considerations: Shifting sands, drying channels, tidal gates, Grimsby Lock timings, Svea’s comfort

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🌅 03:30 – Wake-Up & Weather/Tide Check

📲 AI Assistant Report:

“Wells bar is safe to exit 2.5 hours before local HW. Today: HW Wells 06:15 BST. Suggested departure: 03:45–04:00.”

🌊 Weather:

• Wind WNW 8–12 knots. Wind turned Northerly and reached 30 knots

• Visibility good

• Sea state slight

• Tide streams: flood across The Wash begins ~2 hrs after LW

🧭 Traditional Tools Crosscheck:

• Imray C28 + East Coast Pilot Chart C29

• Use tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlas for Wash crossing

 

🐾 04:00 – Depart Wells-next-the-Sea

• Depart Wells channel under rising tide. Narrow, drying – follow buoyed channel and local advice precisely.

• AI Navigation overlays real-time satellite tide levels and depth sounder alerts for safety.

🧠 AI Alert: “Sand build-up reported near buoy 12. Stay 15m north on exit.”  This was accurate

🐶 Svea Note:

• Toilet opportunity pre-departure

• Calm voice and safe space below deck for rougher start​​

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🌊 06:30–10:30 – Crossing The Wash

• Head SSW past Outer Dowsing Channel

• Avoid the Donna Nook bombing range (check for MOD warnings)

📲 AI route optimizer:

• Plans optimal crossing path for prevailing wind/current

• Suggests course tweaks every 30–60 min based on updated GRIB models

🧭 Traditional Notes:

• Double-check with compass bearings and dead reckoning

• Paper chart backup in case of electronics failure

📸 AI Suggestion: “Golden sunrise over the Wash – nice for drone shot if wind under 10 knots.”

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🐶 11:00 – Midday Dog Care

📦 AI Reminder:

“Time for hydration break and fresh air for Svea. Light snacks recommended.”

• Quick treat, reassurance, and a shady place near cockpit

• Use Petcube or internal cam to check stress signs if inside​

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⚓ 15:00–16:00 – Arrival at Grimsby (Fish Dock/Marina)

• Plan to arrive within 1 hour of HW Grimsby (lock timings are tide-dependent)

• Check with ABP VTS Humber on Ch12 for clearance to approach

📲 AI Assistant:

“Grimsby Lock is open from 14:30 to 17:30 today. Recommend VHF call at 15:15.” This information was spot on 

🧭 Entry Tips:

• Keep an eye on commercial traffic

• Approach slowly through Humber tidal flow​

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🐾 16:30 – Dog-Friendly Docking

📍 AI Suggests: Berth near west pontoon — easy access to marina gate and open green space

🐶 Walk Options from Grimsby Dock:

• People’s Park – 10-min taxi or 30-min walk

• Humber Bank path for on-lead sea breeze walk

🍻 Dog-friendly pub: The Yarborough Hotel (Wetherspoons with dog policy) – outdoor seating and water bowls

 

📘 18:00 – Logbook Entry & Relax

🧠 AI Auto-log:

“Departed Wells 04:00, sailed 58 NM, WNW breeze 10–12kt, crossing Wash calm. Grimsby lock at 16:00. Svea calm, ate well. No issues.”

📽️ Suggestion to build short recap video or publish blog post “Crossing The Wash – With a Dog and a Compass.”

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Conclusion

Despite getting the weather wrong and referencing a chart incorrectly (C28 is the previous leg), the majority of the information from the AI assistant was accurate.  There was also information that we hadn't even thought about in our own passage planning including prompt to keep an eye on Svea throughout the voyage.  I wouldn't solely use AI, due to the inaccuracies,  however it certainly provided another set of eyes on the trip. 

Pete still does not trust AI one bit and the mistakes unfortunately cemented his views that charts win! 

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