RR
on YOUR figures, 330'/min = 3 mins for 1000', 60 kts = 1nm/min,
therefore 8,000' = 24nmls, as I said 25 miles is mid channel, and if you turn to put the wind behind you you should make it with a mile or two to spare! Add on the 1,000' or 2000' you can fly at (quarantal rule recommended on this route), and you may even reach Sandown or Cherbourg airfield, this is of course WORST case with all going suddenly quiet at mid channel.
avard
depends on your capabilities and the wx the other end, if you could pop through a VERY thin layer of cloud to be on top and knew the wx was ok at the other end this MAY have been a better option. If not, and you are not current IMC you could have ended up making a BIG hole in the water!!