Firstly hi everyone, I've just registered.
I've had SH3 for only about 3 weeks and downloaded the GWX v1.03 expansion last week (loving it btw

) and well I'm looking for some help!
It's probably because I'm just a newbie sub commander and thus not very good

, but I can't seem to get through the english channel without seemingly attracting every military ship within a 50km range!!
FYI
Home port - Wilhelmshaven
It's my third patrol (still 1939) and I've coped respectably with the first two patrols - both NE British Isles. I have been assigned patrol grid BE99 north-west of spain so it makes sense to go through the channel to get there. However no matter what I try it seems that they know I am there

. Tried sneaking through at night at periscope depth - got caught. Tried belting it through at flank speed at night - got caught. Tried silent running along the bottom ( channel not very deep though about 40m) - have to surface to get air and recharge batteries and subsequently - got caught.
Was thinking of just ignoring the patrol zone and go elsewhere, but I know it can be done and I want to overcome it. The Gibraltar straight must be impassible!
I'd appreciate any help on this guys as I'm getting quite frustrated
oh I'm in a type VIIB if that makes any difference.