Easter cruise to Swansea and Oxwich.

[Camelot]

Another excellent cruise, 13 boats joined us to head to Swansea:-

• Camelot
  
• Alana
  
• Chausey
  
• Coracle
  
• Lucy Too
  
• Sanibel
  
• Bright Flier
  
• Cassandra
  
• Katy
  
• Rungane
  
• Ardua
  
• Xanadu
  
• Summersalt
  

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Ishtar joined us sailing from Cardiff on Friday morning heading for Dale.

In Swansea, we found Howard Attwood waiting for us, with his beautiful new ketch.

When we reached Oxwich on Saturday evening we found Rob Wharton waiting for us on Portessa, and had a VHF exchange with Dave Case on Wyndsong who was leaving Oxwich bound for Cardiff.

A couple of boats decided to return to the comforts of Swansea Marina instead of anchoring for the night, when I left at 02:50 this morning all the boats that were there in the evening were still where they should be - so I assume there were no dramas!

[Camelot]

The wind on Friday morning was fairly light and from the East when we locked out at 0830, around 2 hours before HW. After the errors on the return trip from Portishead, I was determined not lose confidence and take the ultra safe route. So having done the sums, I made my mind up to go inside Sully Island. With that decision made I kept the engine on until I was well ahead of the others, wanting to find my own path through. Bright Flyer and Alana soon followed. The lesson learned is that this really makes a time saving, we overtook Ishtar, with our engine now off, despite them having left half an hour earlier. Ishtar is usually much faster than us.

With Sully Island behind us I set the gennekker (eventually), and for the first time ever it proved highly effective, flying alongside the genoa.

At Nash we again took the inside passage - another great time saver - after Angie got over her magnetic attraction to the East Nash Cardinal, which we missed by 10cm! The bell really gets going despite the flat sea when you do that!

Off Port Talbot we managed to talk Allan out of going there instead.

Our genekker/genoa combination took us all the way to Swansea, arriving about 20 mins before the first available lock.

The Swansea Yacht and Sub Aqua club was our destination for the evening, the band were good, and despite the food service being more than a little slow, a think a good night was had by all.

On Saturday morning we headed out to Three Cliffs Bay. There wasn't enough wind to sail when we left, though those arriving later reported 20knot winds suddenly arriving. The sun was again baking as we enjoyed the afternoon on the beach with a BBQ.

After a wet dinghy ride we headed across to Oxwich for the night, and stated our fishing competition - well I cast out and went to bed for 45mins - upon reeling in I discovered I'd caught absolutely nothing, but had lost my bait. Over the next hour 40 mins or so we managed 2 small dogfish. Matthew my 6 year old bringing in the second (though to be honest I wouldn't have caught the first if it wasn't for him spotting the rod nodding). So no fish for supper, had they been a decent size we'd have been tempted to try some rock salmon.

With a need to be back for work early on Monday, I left Oxwich just before 3am, managing to sail of my anchor to avoid waking anyone - Xanadu get a anchor light! I nearly hit you! Having nearly hit Chausey last year at Lundy in similar circumstances (Allan was on a mooring so anchoring light not strictly required) I am wondering about my night vision!

Sailing in the light North Easterly Camelot struggled to make more than 3.5knots through the water. But this allowed the family to sleep below. All went well until between Scarweather sands and Hugo Bank, where I met the Trinity House vessel Patricia, which was holding station for some reason. Anyway just as I was about to pass between the Patricia and the breaking waves of Scarweather sands the wind died completely, so the engine had to go on, waking everyone.

Shortly after this Angie noticed the carpet in the aft of the cabin sole was sodden. After a rapid pump out of the engine compartment (the only compartment without an auto bilge pump), we waited to see if the water would return - it did rapidly! The water was warm so it was an engine problem. I quickly got the covers off and discovered that the engine block cooling water drain valve had failed, allowing a good percentage of the cooling water flow to enter the boat. Tying a knot in the permanently attached drain tube provided an instant fix.

With a bit more swell than our outbound leg the Nash Passage was a little more concerning with clear breaking waves over Nash sands.

The rest of trip was uneventful, and we locked into Cardiff at 1115.

I'll add some photo's (including my fishing competition entries) once we work out which bag we put the camera in!

[ishtar]

Some more thoughts on that Huw. Firstly, it really did feel quite sad, heading off West as the rest of you headed for Swansea. Never mind, hopefully we'll see most of you down West at some point this year. I'll do a separate post on our pasage.

Secondly, your point about staying close in to shore.

We left at 08:00, with Cassandra and Summersalt. Sails up and away fairly quickly. Both of those yachts passed us with ease as we stayed outside the Ranie and they cut the corner(nearly high tide).

As we stayed out along the coast from Barry to Aberthaw and Nash, many of the 08:30 lock out boats passed us too. It's fairly clear to me that on a passage such as this, the inner route, when approaching high tide, can save well in excess of 1/2 hour, maybe as much as an hour by the time you reach Nash Point. I stayed out deliberately after initially thinking to go in, just to see how much difference it made.

Great to see all the CYC boats out as well, with the coloured chutes flying. I did get a few snaps, but pretty distant. I'll put them up when I get a chance. Hopefully there will be some shots from others soon.

I'll up date the "Sailing Destinations 2011" chart this morning. Can someone check the chart and confirm the names for Swansea and Oxwich? Thanks.

M.

[sheila]

Apr 24, 2011 18:28:03 GMT Camelot said:

Another excellent cruise, 12 boats joined us to head to Swansea:-

• Camelot
  
• Alana
  
• Chausey
  
• Coracle
  
• Lucy Too
  
• Sanibel
  
• Bright Flier
  
• Cassandra
  
• Katy
  
• Rungane
  
• Ardua
  
• Xanadu
  

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Ishtar joined us sailing from Cardiff on Friday morning heading for Dale.

In Swansea, we found Howard Attwood waiting for us, with his beautiful new ketch.

When we reached Oxwich on Saturday evening we found Rob Wharton waiting for us on Portessa, and had a VHF exchange with Dave Case on Wyndsong who was leaving Oxwich bound for Cardiff.

A couple of boats decided to return to the comforts of Swansea Marina instead of anchoring for the night, when I left at 02:50 this morning all the boats that were there in the evening were still where they should be - so I assume there were no dramas![/quote]

Huw, you forgot Tony on Summer Salt! He also went to the Swansea YC (but Xanadu didn't) if you are awarding the points for BBC

[allan]

Another great weekend. I went to Tenby on Sunday, with Sanibel, Katy and Bright flyer. Bright flyer and Chausey picked up harbour authority moorings. Sanibel had picked up a piece of plastic sack on their prop so could only do 3kts as she motored in and rafted onto Bright flyer. Katy arrived a little later and anchored off the lifeboat station. The sail over had been great for me with flat seas and good winds. I had planned to head right in to the coast before I tacked so I locked the wheel, unfortunately I nodded off in the cockpit and Chausey decided to hove to and wake me up so I tacked early.
In the evening I offered to take Sarah, Tilly and Martin ashore but being "lazy" didn't get the engine out of the locker. We all paddled in and stayed quite dry for our visit to Tenby sailing club. We were joined by Sanibel and Katy where we drunk them out of Doom Bar although we only had a couple so I think it was others who had done the real work. The trip back to the boats was "ineteresting" well a bloody long way into the wind. After dropping off the Bright flyer crew, I decided I could paddle across rather than row, wrong! I nearly ended back in the bar.
On Monday I woke up to a nice wind and I left at 0930 for Watermouth. As I got the sails up the wind dropped to nothing so I restarted the motor and cooked breakfast. As the wind filled in I was able to get the cruising chute up and started to goose wing across to England. I soon got bored and decided to head up the channel. I got to off Oxwich befor the wind dropped to nothing, just in time for lunch. Across the bottom of Swansea bay the breeze kept coming and going. Later I had a phone call from Martin saying Bright flyer had strong winds on their run into the Haven. At that point I was attacked by hundreds of small flies which settled on Chausey for a free ride. I heard the coastguard calling Tony on Summersalt but getting no reply. As the wind filled in off Scar sands I dropped the chute and opened the genoa. As the sun stated to go down Porthcawl ILB came out and put a man onboard to ask if I had seen Tony. I phoned a couple people who may have his mobile but didn't have his number. After they left, I had a great sail up past Aberthaw and Rhoose. I then heard the CG talking to Tony, who was safe in Mumbles. As I approach Barry, the wind started to increase and veer. I managed to tack just inside the Rannie and headed toward the pier where I took the sails down and called the Barrage to ask for a lock in and make sure it was OK to do my ropes and fenders in the outer harbour. I was reading 26kts and thought it would be more comfortable. When they replied they asked me to tow a CBYC boat into the lock as they were anchored in the outer harbour with engine problems. I took their rope and we went through the lock and onto CBYC where they drifted onto the visitors pontoon. I tied Chausey up at 0200hrs which I thought was not bad for 100% sail from Tenby, although the neap tides helped.
Thanks to Huw for planning the trip, some of the best sailing so far this year.
Allan

[sheila]

As was said, we followed Camelot & Bright Flyer inside of Sully Island. Who should be standing outside his caravan when we came through but our good friend Max who took a photo of Alana. We had a lovely chat on the phone - thanks Max!

We passed Huw at one point on the way

Waiting for the lock at Swansea

Locking in at Swansea



Later in Swansea YC




I think everyone had a great time in the club, in spite of the long wait for the food.
I met the lady rear or vice commodore in the loo later, and she was very apologetic about the wait, but explained that they were working in a brand new kitchen for the first time, and had also been inundated with visitors. I told her how many boats we were and about our club cruise generally, and the BBC - she was quite impressed.

[sheila]

The following morning we locked out at about 10.30 and motored out to the lovely mill pond. Chausey & Bright Flyer must have come out on the next lock: they caught up with us and soon a nice bit of wind came up and we had a good sail over to Three Cliffs Bay. Chausey won!


Later we moved over to Oxwich and after getting settled some people got their dinghies and kayaks out and went ashore.

Martyn & Sarah and Tilly came and joined us on board Alana on their way back. They had picked some mussels from the beach so we cooked them - delicious!

They got more than two, but this was just to try them before cooking them all!

We don't know what Tilly found so interesting tucked inside Martyn's fleece!

Later Bill & Mary came by, so they joined us too

and finally we did not want to leave Allan out, so Martyn kindly went to fetch him

We had quite a little party on board, and even later, after having been ashore to the pub for a meal, Julian (Katy) dropped Matt Williams off with us as he was unable to continue west with him as he had to be back for work.

[sheila]

Sunday morning we upped anchor at about 8.00 and decided to head for Watermouth. Once again we had very variable winds, pretty good for the first hour or so but then dropping away to nothing and then picking up again later. We made Watermouth at around 14.00. After an hour or so while we were chopping and changing mooring buoys looking for the deepest spot, Vince and Matt inflated the dinghy as we desperately had to go ashore because we had no water left. We found the yacht club was just closing, but they very kindly let us in and we told them about our BB challenge and so they took our picture for the record.

[sheila]

After we'd been to the club, we walked up the hill to the Watermouth Inn & Restaurant, where we had a couple of drinks and were invited to join the Easter egg rolling competition. 20p for an egg and winner takes all! Needless to say, none of us won! We walked back to the Harbourmaster's office where we were able to fill our water bottles, and then had to row back against the wind and tide to the boat. We enjoyed a lovely meal cooked by me, and watched a bit of a video we'd brought along, but by 9.00 pm all three of us were totally cream crakered so we just had an early night. Being a bit worried as to what time we would start to hit bottom in the morning I set my mobile alarm for 4.00 am - but it didn't go off. We'd had an awful night's sleep with the surge from the incoming tide, and it was nto until about 2.00 am when things started to calm dcwn and I think we all managed to actually sleep properly, only to be awakened at 4.45 by the first hit on the bottom. You've never seen three people leap into action from their slumber so quickly!
Having left Watermouth we had a brilliant dawn sail, but as the morning drew on the wind dropped and we ended up motoring the rest of the way home, locking in at Cardiff at 13.15. I think we were the first back except for Lucy Too, who had come back on Sunday in order to be able to open the bar for us on Monday. Hooray for them! A perfect end to a great weekend.

[ishtar]

Lovely pictures and a great account Sheila, Allan too. Does anyone know why the coastguard were looking for Tony? Was he ok?

[allan]

Tony is fine. I heard the CG half of a conversation with him. Stealth told me today that they had left Oxwich together after Tony had engine problems but lost touch near Nash. When Tony didn't appear outside the barrage Stealth asked the CG if they relay a message to Tony. As they didn't get a reply on CH16 the machine went into overtime and the RNLI etc. were involved. Tony was in Mumbles and I assume he will sort his engine before he heads back to Cardiff.
Allan

[Camelot]

Apr 26, 2011 6:26:20 GMT sheila said:

Huw, you forgot Tony on Summer Salt! He also went to the Swansea YC (but Xanadu didn't) if you are awarding the points for BBC

Have added Summersalt above. Will be sorting the BB points this evening.

[ishtar]

Glad to hear Tony is fine. It's a pity though, I hope it doesn't put him off.

Who won the fishing comp?

[Camelot]

Apr 27, 2011 8:48:34 GMT ishtar said:

Who won the fishing comp?

Nobody has won yet:-

Photos must be posted here on the forum, on this thread, by 3rd May. The competition will be judged after this date (at Brian's convenience). This will allow plenty of time for photos to be uploaded after the festivities of the two consecutive bank holiday weekends.

The rest of the rules are entirely up to Brian (including whether or not beach cultivated mussels count!).

I've now added everyones Blue Book points, see:- greyreef.co.uk/bluebook/FullList.asp

Let me know if you done any trips I don't know of.

[sheila]

Huw, Vince & I & Alan & Sue (Sequel) are going off sailing in Greece on Sunday. Can this count as a Club cruise?!! LOL

[ishtar]

I was trying to think what that picture of Sheila, Vince and Matt reminded me of. Then I remembered......

[sheila]

I must remember to wear my scarf!

[duncanhall]

A great trip I took a few photos.
Locked out at 9am

We took the wide route and lost a good half an hour as a consequence.

We then discovered our spinnaker was packed tangled and spent hours sorting it out!
On entering Swansea it was good to be described as an armada!
heres one at dusk in the bay when we were all at anchor.

Leaving swansea late on Saturday was a treat as we had up to 22kn of wind!

We Left early (5:30am) on Sunday to catch the tide but found Camalot already gone. but a sleepy fleet remained

Had a fine sail to start with but the wind soon stopped and we motored back to Cardiff and we locked in at 13:45

[Camelot]

We've finally found our camera!

So here are some pictures from the weekend:-

Bright Flyer, Lucy Too and Ardua (I think) in the background.


Alana with her Spinnaker up, somewhere off Scarweather sands.


Sanibel


Xanadu showing off, overtaking almost the whole 'armada' having left 1/2 hour later!


The Tawe lock in Swansea - full of CYC boats.

[Camelot]

Matthew, my youngest getting into holiday mode!


Three Cliffs Bay






The fleet anchored in Oxwich for the night

[Camelot]

And finally our pathetic fishing competition entries:-

My little dogfish


Matthew's Dogfish:-



I gotta admit that it was Matthew who spotted my rod nodding for my catch too! He's really getting into his fishing now after his three cod a few weeks back - he'll tell anyone who'll listen that he's the best fisherman in the world!

We didn't cook them as they were a bit on the small side, though Matthew did want to eat his one anyway and use the skin to sand Camelot's woodwork!

[Matt]

So funny Martin :-)

Had a great time, thank you Julian (Katy) and Vince and Sheila (Alana) for having me aboard and great hospitality, Huw for organising the trip. Many happy memories.

Matt

[Romantica]

Thanks to Huw and everyone else for a great week end- even down to the weather.
We also locked out at 08:30 on Friday morning we kept outside Sully Island and made our way out to the inside of the Raine buoy. At this point I decided to attempt to deploy the Cruising Chute that had been in the locker since we bought the boat. To our surprise the chute was lifted and all seemed well after a couple of line adjustments.

We were mid-way between the main body of the fleet and Ishtar who were the furthest boat from the shore.
To our surprise all of the fleet cut through the Nash point Channel, which meant that there was only Ishtar and ourselves outside the Nash sands and Scarweather sands. There were a couple of spots of rain and the sea mist seemed to drop upon us, all was going well as we sailed past West Scar buoy. We still had our Cruising Chute and half our Main out and on Auto pilot.
I decided to change the course and set sail into Swansea Bay and the approach to Swansea Fairway, as I did there was a wind change and a couple of gusts of 20 knots range, the angle of the deck changed quite dramatically. We soon ditched the auto pilot and by majority rule, the Cruising Chute was soon back in its bag. Which I was well pleased with on a couple of levels. The fact I deployed it and managed to release it and return it to its bag without getting it wet. Brill.
A good night was had by all at the Swansea Mariner Club house on the Friday night with live Music entertainment and a couple of beers. Thanks to my crew for putting up with my snoring – I’m blaming the Taffy’s apple Juice.

[Romantica]

Here are Coracle's entries for the Fishing Competition.





Two baby Dog fish.
Both returned unharmed except for a pierced lip.
I think I need to go back to Chrissy for more Fishing tips

[Romantica]

We left Oxwich Bay on Sunday approx 12:45 – by that time there was only 3 CYC boats left in the bay. We motor sailed across Swansea bay and decided to take the inner Nash passage home to vary the return trip. We did knock the engine off at one point and the wind dropped to nothing. So the engine was restarted and we carried on motor sailing.
The return trip was uneventful and we were soon passing Nash point, where we were set upon by a mass of midges. Thankfully they dispersed as quickly as they arrived



We carried on along the coast where we witnessed the sun setting over Sully Island.



We entered the 20:45 lock, where we met Howard and his son, who had joined in the club trip as well as bringing their boat back to Cardiff from West Wales.

[Cardiff Yacht Club]

Fantastic pictures and accounts by all. Many thanks for posting. This really is turning into a very good advert for sailing with Cardiff Yacht Club. Cheers.

[Deleted]

First photo of our trip ::)more to come

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Here is another

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And another

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thre must be an easier way than this!

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