Traditional Sailing Festival - Holyhead 29-31st Aug 2015

[Simon Head]

Hi Charles

I think that when we looked at the times of the tidal gates around the Swellies/Port Lynas/Cartmel Head and Caenarfon Bar/South Stack there was not that much in it from going from PD clockwise or anti clockwise. Possibly slightly longer going anti clockwise but not much.

Its going to be a long day either way.

If the wind is SW its going to be abaft the port beam up to Port Lyndas and off the port bow around the top.

However the tide will be with us.

Its all going to be dependent upon the weather. Anglesey is a notorious place for weather changes. Ive sailed the swellies a couple of times from Beaumaris to Caenarfon and back but I do not have much experience around the rest of the Island.

Historically its the tides that have put us off the Welsh coast as once you are out generally you have to be out most of the day. This is why we have spent much time in Scotland, especially when the children were younger.

I think whether we go clockwise or anti clockwise will be a decision made on the day. Ive teed up my crew (my son Simeon) for a long day either way!

Regards

Simon

[Julian Fisher]

Hi Charles,
As you know, Simon and I had a chat about this and we do seem to have to wait to see what the weather will be doing. According to the Pilot, Caernarfon Bar, especially, can be a very nasty place and there is not much shelter up the West coast.
To give you some specifics, taking Friday 28th as an example.

Clockwise. Cross Caernarfon Bar 0905 ( 1 1/2 before HW Dover)
Adverse tide up the West coast, weaker inshore
South Stack say 1435 (HW Dover +4 - 5)
Slack water in Holyhead Bay.

Anti clockwise. Arrive Swellies 0805 (2 1/2 before HW Dover)
Initially weak adverse tide then( from 11.00 ish) strong favourable tide to:
Carmel Head/ Skerries 1405 - 1535 (HW Dover + 3 1/2 - 5 )
Slack water in Holyhead Bay

So, that's 30 ish miles in 6 -7 hours with a lift from the tide most of the way.

What do you think?

[erbster]

Well, I bow to the knowledge of you both. North Wales in general and Anglesey in particular have a reputation for challenging tidal gates and overfalls. I think there might be significant swell at Carnarvon with the recent SWerlies. I will be happy to follow the fleet as I have little experience of making passage in this area.

I will have a crew (Aimee, my older daughter) and expect to launch on Wednesday; the forecast for Thu and Fri look ok at the moment. Happy to have a pootle on Thu, prior to to our big voyage on Fri.

[erbster]

I've got a flat battery on my tow vehicle, so I won't be launching today- I'll be there with you guys tomorrow.
I rang PD and he said the latest for a launch is 11.30am, so it will be a pretty early start for us.

[Simon Head]

I am going to be there around 15:30. Ive arranged with Sam a tractor launch about 7PM

Looks a bit windy around Anglesey tomorrow, especially later on!

See you later

Simon

[Dennis]

Hello gentlemen

I have been following this thread with envy.

I expect to see lots of photos of your exploits, posted in the gallery section soon.

Have fun.

[erbster]

Thanks Dennis.
It's a proper adventure. I've posted some pics in the FB page. More to follow.
I hope you can join us next year.

[Simon Head]

Hi Everyone

I have done a little write up with some pictures.

See:

http://www.inspiration19.com/2015-circu ... -anglesey/

I am currently updating this with some picture sets- this should be done by the end of the week.

Kind regards

Simon

[erbster]

Well done taking some pics in some quite big seas!
I have to confess my blog is not quite up to date. Back in work mode....