First trip to Wales.Tips please.

[standfirmrasta]

Hi
Weather permitting!!!! am planning an overnight trip from N.Devon to Wales next Saturday.
Leaving on the ebb Sat morning and returning on the flood Sun eve.
I reckon we will be close to Welsh Coast at about low tide ,any suggestions of where we might end up for the following?

1) Diesel
2)Berth/mooring
3)Ablutions
4) /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gifand food

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Andy

 

[Mike_S]

Cardiff Bay ? Everything you're after is available, plus it's the Food & Drink festival in the bay, coupled with the BCYA meeting. You'll be able to get in the barrage at any time. Have a look on the Bristol Channel forum for details of the BCYA meeting, there's some helpful souls on there for information as well.

 

[lovezoo]

Swansea Marina would also fit the bill, but there can be lock closures around low tide. I would also suggest that if you do try and get in around low tide, you follow someone else in as it can be tricky. More info:

http://www.swanseamarina.org.uk

 

[Jinks]

More information please as I'm a little confused by your timings and which way you're thinking of going (Milford or further East?). Swansea is no more than 40 miles from Lundy - I do it in under two hours cruising at 20 knots - and will give you everything you need in terms of supplies. The town is an easy walk from the Marina with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

What sort of boat do you have and what speed do you cruise at?

There may be a lock closure on Saturday in Swansea (lockmaster's decision) but there definitely will be on Sunday between 12:15 and 15:15 so that shouldn't bother you. This link marina will take you to the Marina handbook with pilotage notes, radio frequencies, lock details, town plans etc.

Cardiff Bay is an excellent venue with all the amenities right by the visitors moorings (pay and display) so you may well decide that it's a better option. I suppose it's about another 90 minutes to 2 hours or so from Swansea assuming 20 knots. Be wary if you're arriving or leaving at the bottom of the tide as, although the lock is open 24/7, low water can be very low just outside the lock.

 

[standfirmrasta]

Thanks
Yes I had hoped to go somewhere like Swansea or east of.
Our high tide here Sat morning the 14th is 06.26 not so differnt from you,had planned to leave around 08.30 so would arrive at about 11 ish I guess,I havent done any chart work yet (weather you know!!!)
The boat is an Ocqueteau 645 and I cruise at 18kts given good conditions.
Do I understand that the lock at Swansea will be closed to all on Sat 14th?
Andy

 

[Jinks]

They won't make a decision on whether to close the lock until low tide on Saturday. If there's enough water it will stay open or it may close for a short time around the bottom of the tide. If you time it to get there at least an hour before or after low water you should be OK.

 

[Mike_S]

If you are thinking of coming up to Cardiff then it may be worth you dropping an email to the BCYA, it'll get you a free overnight mooring at Mermaid Quay as part of the rally & international food & drink festival that's on.

admin@baymarineinsurance.co.uk

 

[dynamic]

Milford Haven offers two marinas, and shelter. Fuel at both,and toilet facilities. Im told Padstow is a good stopover on the Cornish coast, with facilities.

 

[standfirmrasta]

Thanks to all.
We will go to Swansea but which forcast do I believe?
Most say not much wind but as for sun and rain there could be both in abundance or either!!!
Plan to scout the Gower before heading into Swansea PM
Andy