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Post by duncanhall on Apr 9, 2012 9:25:52 GMT
We set out on the 7am lockout from Cardiff intending to do the full trip. It was a cold but beautiful morning  The cameras came out to photograph the scene  Initially the wind was slack with beautiful light.  Eventually the more intrepid gave consideration how best to proceed.  And a pleasant sail was had by many  We then settled down to a calm evening at Oswich Bay  However checking the forecast the next morning we found heavy rain forecast for Monday and decided that the best course of action was to go to Watchet. Entering just after the gate opened at around 5:40 was challenging with the powerful spring tide. Just before we came in there had been a few collisions. After a good meal in the Star we left at 8 the following morning to return to Cardiff by 12:15. |
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Post by Cardiff Yacht Club on Apr 9, 2012 13:19:19 GMT
Duncan, thanks very much for taking the time to post this. It's great that people do this, and I really appreciate it. I hope you don't mind the fact that I've moved it to the Sailing chat section - I'm trying to keep the logs section for longer term voyages, rather than trip reports.
Glad to hear you had a good time, and arrived back safely. I'll add our report shortly.
Admin.
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ishtar
Member of CYC 
Ishtar
The original Ishtar
Posts: 970
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Post by ishtar on Apr 9, 2012 14:53:26 GMT
OK, to add to Duncan's posts..... In a packed lock at 06:30, Friday:  That sunrise, again:  Sui:  Xanadu:  and some fella who kept shouting Starboard at us when he'd have been better off trimming his genoa.......  |
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ishtar
Member of CYC
Ishtar
The original Ishtar
Posts: 970
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Post by ishtar on Apr 9, 2012 14:57:14 GMT
A very special lady who did a (nearly) 50 mile passage with me below all day, AND anchored the boat on her own for the first time.....  Evening drinks aboard Chausey at Oxwich, where the fayre on offer was treated with surprise, joy and suspicion, all at the same time:  Vince, trying to avoid the papparazzi:  |
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ishtar
Member of CYC
Ishtar
The original Ishtar
Posts: 970
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Post by ishtar on Apr 9, 2012 15:01:55 GMT
The skippers of Chausey and Ishtar  Sunset, Oxwich  Like Ardua, Ishtar splintered off from the main group on Saturday, and headed for Dale. Whilst punching the tide at Linney head, an old problem resurfaced, and we, again, ran the engine from a jerry can:  I won't go into details, and what we did to solve the problem here, but if anyone who does use their engine, and doesn't just sail everywhere is interested, I'll explain...... Anyway, we reached Milford, and set off up the Cleddau:  |
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ishtar
Member of CYC
Ishtar
The original Ishtar
Posts: 970
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Post by ishtar on Apr 9, 2012 15:04:18 GMT
By 19:00 we were secure on our mooring, although the flood tide, even 15 miles up the river, was still fierce:  Settled, open the wine.......  |
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Fred
Member of CYC
Runagane
Posts: 274
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Post by Fred on Apr 9, 2012 16:10:43 GMT
Looks like I missed a good trip but I have sorted out my mooring at Angle Bay
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Post by Cardiff Yacht Club on Apr 9, 2012 17:28:41 GMT
We must meet up this year, Fred. let me know when you go down - we'll come over one neap.
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Post by vikingsmb on Apr 9, 2012 18:19:16 GMT
Excellent pictures of that cruise, I need to hurry up and buy a yacht, or hopefully get more involved with cruising with you lot  , I'm jealous now.....  |
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Post by Sui on Apr 10, 2012 9:45:38 GMT
a short report, sans pics (as I keep forgetting to charge the battery!), of Easter trip. Good sail to Oxwich, despite losing wind in Swansea bay - I tacked to the Scarweather south, than a line across to Scar West, before northing to a position above Oxwich (with the intention of sailing slightly down to it). However, I lost the wind and had to motor - so, I got close in to all the little bays between Mumbles and Oxwich for a look-see; very pleasant. As usual (hrrrmph!), I came in last to Oxwich, and gave a masterful display of how to anchor (no, seriously! it was my third time anchoring, each one holding straight away; I have a 12kg Kobra II Delta, whooaaa!). Viv did the tendering, with some bits/bobs aboard Chausey, before retiring for the evening. I decided to weigh anchor under sail, which went very well, and set off 15 mins before everyone else for Burry Port. A cracking sail over, with another experience of perfect balance - wind, tide, sail set without a hand on tiller for at least 15 mins; I'm getting to know my little boat. Bit lumpy in Rhossili to wait out the tide before entering Burry Port, so most sailed around for a while. I noticed High Spirits heaving-to very well. I planned to sail up the middle-channel, as it's incredibly easy to tack on a j-u-n-k. However, the wind had other ideas, so I followed everyone else up the South Channel, bumping and furrowing along the way, before dropping the hook outside Burry Port. Others will tell the tale of the newest club prize, 'the most engine breakdowns in one trip". The HM @ Burry Port contacted the CYC Fleet on CH16 (no information anywhere about a standard channel), and we all entered en masse. The marina personnel did a great job of directing us all to our berths, albeit somewhat frantically, as they were expecting 6 with 10 showing up, one under tow (well done Allan, we won't mention the other boat Camelot). They also didn't have enough fobs, so I had to wait around in the pub drinking that auld beer until someone was ready to go back to their berth. Burry is a nice little place, with a train station very near the marina, and coop close by. "Slipped lines' (thanks Viv) at 07.30, and took the South Channel again, heading past Burry Holm via Worms Head towards Watermouth. One of my 'pleasures' sailing Sui is to attempt a course-to-steer and bearing for long tacks to a destination, so set myself for Watermouth from Worms Head. There was some controversy on the way over to Engerland, with three boats apparently set on confuddling the fleet by flying my colours on the spinnaker thingies - don't they know I've the only blue sail in the channel!!! When I reached the Engrish coast, I couldn't see Watermouth, but could see in the distance some masts. Thought I really got it wrong for my bearing, so started motoring. With the tide against me, I stayed perfectly still! After 40 mins, still berating myself for getting it so wrong, I decided that I'll anchor off Coombe Martin bay. As I turning, I noticed a boat in a cove, and discovered that I had got my directions right, and spent 40mins outside Watermouth wondering where it was!! Bright Flyer joined later, letting me know that there were fore/aft lines on the buoys (I had tied a line to the buoy handle). A sedate evening on board, listening later to the wonderful sounds of an ebbing tide as I dried out Sui for the first time - just the one 'bonk!' before she settled. Weather forecast for the next day was not encouraging, with 5-7 gusting gale 8, rough to very rough, rain. However, I'm more inclined towards that weather, as I learn so much. Left at 06.30 Monday, to catch a couple of hours of tide, before sailing against it. Three panels was enough on a run (at last!!!!) to get 8 to 9 knots, and was outside Minehead in no time. From here, I tacked across, under the full 7 panels. Outside Barry, after a gust of 7 spun me around, I decided to sail the j-u-n-k sail backwards, by allowing it to swing 180 degrees, and did this from Barry to past Sully Island (the telltales were forward). I got 3 knots, against the tide. Just before the Rainey, I experienced a gust of 8, and with all 7 panels up, Sui's bow was buried under water for several minutes - I wondered if she would allow water in somewhere, or if it would bury the entire boat into the brown. I decided not to find out, so spilt the wind and reduced sail; it gets messy without downhauls. Sailed under three panels to Penarth, again with a period without hand on tiller (during which time I managed to put out all warps and fenders) - I was impressing myself and enjoying the 2 knots in this very low water sans hands. Barrage control allowed me straight in, after I reshaped some mud on the entrance, and I was a happy sailor tying up on the pontoon. Although wet and tired, I had managed to get close to my 8 hour speculation, ending up at around 9.5 eventually. Dave and Morwena kindly allowed me to consume some Guinness, where a skeleton Easter fleet exchanged tales of derring do from the trip. Another good weekend, three on the trot (Portishead, Porlock/Mumbles, Oxwich/Burry Port/Watermouth). Sui is sailing well, lots to do (the list is getting longer), good company, and interesting conditions. The fleet is really developing, and I'm enjoying sailing at last! PS - MAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNN ;D ;D ;D turn off that auto correct!!!! He's replacing every instance of 'j-u-n-k' (without the dashes) with 'joke'  |
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Post by Cardiff Yacht Club on Apr 10, 2012 10:01:33 GMT
I've sorted the junk/joke thing.
Cheers for the report.
If someone can tell me which boats went where after Louise and I left on Saturday, I'll update the chart.
Cheers.
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Post by Sui on Apr 10, 2012 10:10:13 GMT
;D  Sheila will be the one who knows - Volition, Hidden Secret, Bright Flyer to Ilfracombe - Sui to Watermouth (Bright Flyer arrived later) - some to Oxwich, then Cardiff (others straight to Cardiff?) I've sorted the junk/joke thing. Cheers for the report. If someone can tell me which boats went where after Louise and I left on Saturday, I'll update the chart. Cheers. |
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Fred
Member of CYC
Runagane
Posts: 274
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Post by Fred on Apr 10, 2012 12:34:45 GMT
We must meet up this year, Fred. let me know when you go down - we'll come over one neap. Look forward to seeing both at Angle |
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Post by allan on Apr 10, 2012 13:10:24 GMT
We locked out alone at 0630 and sailed all the way to Oxwich, not loads of wind but enough and plenty of tide. After anchoring and taking the dog ashore we invited anyone who wanted onto Chausey. It was great to get together.
Saturday we accidentally sailed off the anchor and took the last of the tide to Worms head. After a bit of poodling around we went into the estuary and anchored waiting for the tide.
The night in Burry port yacht club was all too short but great fun. By the morning Chausey had shrunk to 8m! We set off for Cardiff on Sunday, sailing from just outside the harbour to Penarth.
The guy who took our money at Burry said the fact that 10 boats had arrived on the same tide would be the talk of the town! CYC RULES!
I will add some photos later.
Thanks to Sheila and Huw for organising the cruise and to all who made the effort to come. Where to next?
Allan
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Post by tigertim on Apr 10, 2012 15:28:29 GMT
;D Sheila will be the one who knows - Volition, Hidden Secret, Bright Flyer to Ilfracombe - Sui to Watermouth (Bright Flyer arrived later) - some to Oxwich, then Cardiff (others straight to Cardiff?) I've sorted the junk/joke thing. ilfracombe webcam showed boats at anchor Sunday evening Cheers for the report. If someone can tell me which boats went where after Louise and I left on Saturday, I'll update the chart. Cheers. |
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Post by tigertim on Apr 10, 2012 15:36:54 GMT
;D Sheila will be the one who knows - Volition, Hidden Secret, Bright Flyer to Ilfracombe - Sui to Watermouth (Bright Flyer arrived later) - some to Oxwich, then Cardiff (others straight to Cardiff?) I've sorted the junk/joke thing. Ilfacombe web cam showed boats on visiters moorings Sunday evening Cheers for the report. If someone can tell me which boats went where after Louise and I left on Saturday, I'll update the chart. Cheers. |
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Post by allan on Apr 10, 2012 18:20:46 GMT
Tigertim,
Are we supposed to understand your posts?
Allan
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Xanadu
Member of CYC
Posts: 90
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Post by Xanadu on Apr 10, 2012 19:21:48 GMT
Arrived at the club Thursday evening for a couple of pints. Loaded the kit and went to bed about 11:30 after deciding on the 6:30 lock out and setting my alarm for 5:30.
Woke up at 6:05 and after a frantic rush just made the 6:30, and yes, the sunrise was spectacular. Motor-sailed up to the Ranie and had a great sail out into the channel and back into Oxwich Bay, motoring in the last couple of miles head to wind to arrive about 14:00. Settled down to cook the Sea Bass that I caught in Sainsburys the day before.
Had a lie-in and huge fry-up (thanks to my mother-in-law) then set of to Burryport , sailing off the anchor (engine ticking over just in case as first time) at 11:00, along with most of the rest of the fleet as announced the previous evening on Radio Chaucey. Great sail into the strengthening wind up to worms head and across Rossili Bay. I haven't been this far west before and was really impressed with the fantastic coastline.What a privilege to be able to see it from the vantage of a sailing yacht.
Now to decide how to get in to Burryport. Most of the fleet seemed to be heading for the South channel, but being different and as I was almost there anyway, I decided to give the mid channel a try. Bad move - as far as I can tell, it didn't exist (although I think Poppea managed to find it). I had just managed to get most of the sail down to reduce speed when we hit the bottom with quite a bang. Mad scramble to start the engine as the waves continued to push us onto the sand - bang, bang, bang! The engine didn't want to rev (too cold and not enough speed through the water) so for what felt like hours but was probably 5 minutes we sat still against the tide, wind and waves hitting the bottom again about every 30 seconds. It was quite scary and very disorienting - I couldn't work out which way to steer at first. Finally escaped and headed back to the South channel. Had a call from High Spirits. Andy decided it would be OK to follow us in as he draws less than us. Hit the beach again on the way in and was close to ending up a permanent feature on the lee shore. I'm a little worried as Xanadu seems to be letting in a little more water than before. Will be keeping an eye on it and suspect a lift out will be needed in the near future. Next time I go to Burryport I'll remember to fit the wheels.
After negotiating the rest of the channel we finally arrived outside Burryport Harbour where we anchored to await enough water to enter. At about 18:00 we motored in to find a very pleasant marina and a great welcome. Well done Burryport! We were given charge of the keys to the shower so my team set off to make use while I had a chat with Poppea moored next to us. Had supper and then joined the rest of the fleet in Burryport Yacht Club for more beer.
Next morning awoke to find more water than usual in the bilges and to discover that Xanadu, at 26 ft, was now one of the largest boats in the fleet. No idea how that happened! Left Burryport at 08:00, this time with plenty of water under the keel. Lovely reach across rossili bay, rounded Worms Head and then motor-sailed on a dead run to reach Oxwich at just before 12:00 where we stopped for our planned lunch break, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, again thanks to M-I-L. Quite surprised to find when we came to up-anchor that I had dropped the hook within about 20m of the wreck site - need to be more careful in future and definitely didn't risk sailing off this time. Caught sight of Poppea sailing by under cruising chute looking good - sorry, didn't have my camera with me. Spoke to Lyndon on 77 who was sure Xanadu would be catching him within half an hour. Have more faith, it was much longer than that and then only because I took a short cut over the tail end of Scarweather (that and my big spinnaker, Poppea by this time on much reefed Genoa only).
Thanks to Andy (High Spirits) for the concern that I might be needing the wheels again given how close I was to the breakers at Scarweather, and for the weather forecast relay which prompted me that it was time to drop the kite, something my crew had been discussing behind my back with some trepidation and that earned me congratulations when it all went perfectly to plan.
We continued on full sails with the wind now building steadily, showing 20 knts at times dead astern. Xanadu doesn't sail well on a dead run so we decided to head out on a broad reach from Aberthaw to the Breaksea Bouy and the back in again, keeping us on a broad reach. Hit 8.8 knts on the log, 11.5 over the ground at one point - exhilarating. Andy caught and overtook us taking the more direct dead run route and we locked in together at 19:00 (for the 19:15 lock). A truly great sail, for us Oxwich to Cardiff in 6 hours.
Many thanks to all for such a great weekend. Hope all who carried on to Ilfracombe had a great time and that the trip back was not as bad as the forecast predicted.
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Post by Sui on Apr 10, 2012 20:04:14 GMT
Please do let us know what happened with the diesel problem - I'm interested!
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Post by vikingsmb on Apr 10, 2012 21:59:07 GMT
I would also like to know about the diesel problem mike.
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Post by duncanhall on Apr 11, 2012 7:03:56 GMT
Another vote for the diesel problem. I thought you had Marine 16 in the system so am surprised its back if indeed it is the bug.
Duncan
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Viv
Member of CYC
Posts: 430
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Post by Viv on Apr 11, 2012 7:30:52 GMT
Sheila will know!
Thursday night Hidden Secret & Bright Flyer went to Barry to get an early start.
Friday morning Chausey locked out alone, and 8 boats in the early lock,. Volition, Xanadu, Ishtar, Sui, High Spirits, Ardua, Coracle, Camelot. Poppea also came along later.
When we got to Oxwich we also found Cassandra to be there. So there were 13 of us in the Bay.
Saturday, Ishtar went on to Dale, and Ardua went back to Watchet. Cassandra was grounded.
10 boats went to Burry Port.
From there, Hidden Secret & Voliton went to Ilfracombe, with Bright Flyer stopping off there en route to Watermouth where they joined Sui.
Everyone else went home, although I don't know what Cassandra did.
I have some photos that I will post in due course.
Great weekend, thanks all.
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Post by Cardiff Yacht Club on Apr 11, 2012 7:57:21 GMT
Sheila will know! Thursday night Hidden Secret & Bright Flyer went to Barry to get an early start. Friday morning Chausey locked out alone, and 8 boats in the early lock,. Volition, Xanadu, Ishtar, Sui, High Spirits, Ardua, Coracle, Camelot. Poppea also came along later. When we got to Oxwich we also found Cassandra to be there. So there were 13 of us in the Bay. Saturday, Ishtar went on to Dale, and Ardua went back to Watchet. Cassandra was grounded. 10 boats went to Burry Port. From there, Hidden Secret & Voliton went to Ilfracombe, with Bright Flyer stopping off there en route to Watermouth where they joined Sui. Everyone else went home, although I don't know what Cassandra did. I have some photos that I will post in due course. Great weekend, thanks all. Thanks for that. Will update the chart, now. Admin |
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ishtar
Member of CYC
Ishtar
The original Ishtar
Posts: 970
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Post by ishtar on Apr 11, 2012 8:16:32 GMT
OK, diesel problem. We're paranoid, after breaking down three times last year. Louise changed all the fuel lines, new filters, we only use white diesel and we dose that with Marine16. When we reached St Gowan's shoals, the uncomfortable seas there threw Ishtar around a lot. The engine was going fine at about 3/4 throttle when we tried to round Linney head against what I reckon was nearly 4 knots of current (we could only make 1.25 knots). I increased the revs to about 85% throttle and, 5 minutes later the engine stopped. Louise sailed, going backwards, until I rigged the jerry can, and we got to Llangwm without further problem. I just knew the tank would be full of diesel bug, stirred up by the rough water off St Gowan's shoal, but when Louise removed the top of the tank and scraped around in there, all she found was good, clean fuel. The filter was blocked, however, as was the main rubber fuel hose feeding it, with these black lumps:  All became clear when Louise removed the main rubber fuel hose and we looked at it:   This hose was brand new in January. Louise bought it from a motor factor, sold as 'diesel fuel pipe'. It was soft and squashy, quite clearly breaking down and pretty much blocked with perished rubber. The hose attached to the engine, which came with it, had a different ISO number, and was stamped 'Marine grade'. Salt water degradation? Diesel degradation? Who knows. By the way. I won't name them, but Louise went to a very popular local chandlers yesterday, after phoning to see if they stocked marine grade fuel hose. The pipe they were selling was not stamped 'marine grade', and did not have the same ISO number as that supplied by Beta with the engine. She left it there. We've ordered all new hose, marine grade, and a spare set. Paranoid? Yep. |
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Habso
Member of CYC
Poppea
Posts: 29
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Post by Habso on Apr 11, 2012 9:15:05 GMT
As Sheila mentioned above, Poppea came along "later"... it was our intention to join the 6.30 lock, however our preparations for the best start caused a delay - I threw the bow and stern lines to tie up in the lock, up onto the roof before going to bed on Thursday night and unfortuntely, when closing the hatch for the night, these slipped off and jammed the hatch closed - with my dad and I inside. After wasting time trying to get it open, I climbed out through the forehatch and solved the problem, but missed the lock and came out on the 7am, missing the best of the tide to start.
We did, however, after motoring out to the Rannie, have a great sail all the way down to Oxwich, just motoring a bit to help escape the grasping clutches of Scarweather sands and then the last mile with the wind on the nose, arriving at just before 19.00 to a heartwarming cheer from many of our fellow cruisers who were aware that this was my first ever trip out of Cardiff Bay.
The trip to Burry Port was exciting for us as the wind picked up and showed my lack of experience coming around Worms Head with full Genoa and full Main, very over powered for the conditions, we took in all sail half way across Rhossili and motored in the last 2 miles, having no problem finding a suitable channel up the estuary, having initially taken the south channel, then crossing over into the mid channel part way.
In view of the weather forecast for Monday, and not wanting to be caught out, we motor-sailed most of the way back, experimenting with the cruising chute (another first for me) and when the wind came up, the genoa in various states of reef, comfortably making the 19.45 lock in.
Many thanks to everyone who was watching out for us and who gave advice to improve my sailing, enjoyment and, of course, safety. It was a huge comfort to know that on my first trip as anything other than ballast, and my dad's first ever experience of a sailing boat, we had plenty of friends not far away should anything go wrong. We had an absolutely fabulous time, in great company and can't wait to get out sailing again... where next? ;D
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Post by duncanhall on Apr 11, 2012 11:33:26 GMT
I wonder whether the problem you experienced was due to biodiesel as I recall reading that it can degrade fuel lines. I believe it is an issue with older engines. It may be helpful to ask Beta.
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ishtar
Member of CYC
Ishtar
The original Ishtar
Posts: 970
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Post by ishtar on Apr 11, 2012 18:16:57 GMT
I don't know, Duncan. The engine was new 2011, and has just passed 100Hrs. All the pipes were new, fresh, white diesel......
Believe me, there was a time on Saturday when you could have bought a boat very cheaply.
Except that Louise wouldn't have sold it, of course.
;D
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Post by Sui on Apr 11, 2012 19:46:32 GMT
I wondered where my liquourice went to - sorry about that Ishtar; any left? Looks yummy ;D ;D |
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ishtar
Member of CYC
Ishtar
The original Ishtar
Posts: 970
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Post by ishtar on Apr 12, 2012 18:14:41 GMT
OK, the proper stuff should have Iso 7840 A1 written on it. It may or may not say 'Marine' but Iso 7840 A1 is marine grade fuel hose.
Paschall, I can do you a good deal on liquorice. I have 10 metres of it - let me know what size to cut the pieces into........
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Fred
Member of CYC
Runagane
Posts: 274
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Post by Fred on Apr 12, 2012 20:46:09 GMT
OK, the proper stuff should have Iso 7840 A1 written on it. It may or may not say 'Marine' but Iso 7840 A1 is marine grade fuel hose. Paschall, I can do you a good deal on liquorice. I have 10 metres of it - let me know what size to cut the pieces into........  Fuel pipe on my boat fitted by British Hunter |
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, I'm jealous now..... 
