Advice on Isle of Man to Padstow.

[Bettyblue]

I would like to sail from the Isle of Man to Padstow starting about 22nd August. I am not constrained by the length of time the trip might take. Before I begin to make plans, does anyone have any suggestions for ports of call and general passage planning advice? I would be particularly interested to know of any places to call in through the Cardigan bay area. The boat is a 10 metre Beneteau that has a draught of 1.75m There will be 2 people on board. I would prefer not to sail through the night, long daytime passages are not a problem. Thank you.

 

[seaesta]

Suggest IOM, Conwy, Menai, anchor of aberdaron, Fishguard , Milford Haven, Ilfracombe , Padstow. I did the reverse of this trip some years ago but went overnight from Milford haven to Aberdaron. Never been to fishguard myself. Great trip but watch tides in Menai, jack Sound, Bardsey Sound, Bristol Channel and ovefalls in various places especialy off Hartland Point

 

[Landale]

Pwllheli, Aberystwyth HW +/- 2.5, Porthmadog HW +/- ?? in order of accessability and facilities. After that Fishguard is nice Then Aberaeron +/- HW 1.5 Aberdovey, Barmouth finally Cardigan - (I'd forget that one really you could be stuck in there for weeks!)

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

Or how about: Ardglass, Dublin somewhere (Howth?), Wicklow, Milford (Dale / Neyland), Padstow.

Possibly Anchor off Lundy if the weather was nice - and Pembrokeshire Islands are worth a visit if weather and time permit.

Previous suggestions also sound OK - though I wouldn't go from Milford to Ilfracombe unless you actually wanted to go there - its a bit of a dogleg if you are going to Padstow

 

[roly_voya]

I have done this rout several times and there is a lot to be said for going over to the Irish side if the forcast is unsettled or predicts SW-W 5 or more. You are then sailing in flat water off a weather shore with accessible habours. Ardglass is great, garlingfor spectacular but get the tide right for entry and watch the anchorage dy the entrance, N side, some spectacular rocks emerge at low tide! Dont try Wexfordunless you grew up east coast ditch crawing). Comming back accross keep well south of the Smalles Lt as its easy to get set onto the Barrens and you really cant see them untill its to late.
Comming down the Welsh side things to watch. Make a map of all the transits and tape it to the cockpit if you a going through the Menai st and dont try exiting canarvon bar in anything significant fro S through W. Going round Anglesea and stopping at Hollyhead doesn't help as the overfalls N of anglesea ar equally bad. Pwlheli ia a good place to hole up if the weather goes off - only place before fishgaurd you can enter with a westerly swell running. In bad weather if you can sea Bardsy Island you are MUCH to close, in good weather go 400yrds off for spectacular tidal slay ride but remember ther are reef for 7miles SSW of the island
Any of the cardigan bay ports are worth a stop but the are all shallow with unstable bars that can break in anything over a 4. Barmouth estury is particularly stunning if to have a day to spare to take the dingy upriver or do the walk along the old railway line on the south side. Don't try Cardigan except in good weather with a local, it even frightens the Fishermen!! If you plan on Fishgaurd and want to do the insie rout through the sounds let me know and I can let you have my pilot notes. (PM me)

Have a good trip and call in for a cuppa if you get into Milford

 

[mortehoe]

At last - The voice of reason

Not "Well said," but "Very well said."

 

[Bettyblue]

Thanks to all who have posted me their suggestions, they are much appreciated.