Interesting VHF exchange in the Menai Straits Today

auditdata

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 Oct 2009
Messages
303
Location
Chester
www.sephina.org
Overheard on 16 as I was launching my boat as a cruiser went thundering past Gallows point creating veritable waves that rocked me in the slings.
Anonymous 1, I presume in the moorings nearby "Will the cruiser in the Menai Straits slow down"
No reply
Anonymous 2 further up near The Gazelle, "Will the Cruiser XXX please slow down through the moorings"
Cruiser angrily "I didn't know there was a speed limit" (There isn't)
Anonymous 2 calmly "There are lots of things you don't know"
Cruiser silence
We all smiled.
:D
 
It's a menace, there are large numbers of powerboats mostly from Deganwy and Conwy creating large amounts of wash in the Strait, they don't care what problems it causes other boats.
 
It's a menace, there are large numbers of powerboats mostly from Deganwy and Conwy creating large amounts of wash in the Strait, they don't care what problems it causes other boats.

Agree. They are probably the same people in the Cheshire Tractors who think that the A55 is just for them and hound the local traffic by driving at high speed and up the back side of anyone in their way.
I had (secretly) hoped that the recession and high cost of fuel might see a reduction in these people from those marinas and their bad attitudes. Unfortunately, it seems the reasonable and fair people have suffered more.
 
Another reason for moving to Greece, Bob. Very few mobos in the Aegean.

Yes, that scenario just gets better all the time Vyv!

To be fair though, and to avoid any heated exchanges, we all know that MoBo's can't all be labelled like that. Its a minority really, usually those whose MoBo is just another posh car on water, driven as described above.
 
Yesterday the CHT rib was very busy at PD stopping large Mobos and ribs. Seems the sun brought out the more occasional users who perhaps dont understand that there actually is a speed limit on the Straits there!.

The previous weekend on a calm evening I was also quite taken back by the effect a large mobo had on us at mooring in Mermaids cove. His wash rippled across to us about 15 minutes after he transited the bar. It actually spilt my Gin and Tonic shocking!

Sorry guys but I have to say live and let live it has always been so from Beaumaris to MenaI!

Can you remember Miss Anglesey 2 Pochins family offshore boat. Now that used to rock the boats as it tested up and down the measured mile between the Gazelle and Gallows.....
 
Yes, that scenario just gets better all the time Vyv!

To be fair though, and to avoid any heated exchanges, we all know that MoBo's can't all be labelled like that. Its a minority really, usually those whose MoBo is just another posh car on water, driven as described above.

The problem is that it isn't a tiny minority and it's a regular thing. I've nearly been thrown out of my tender while boarding and a number of yachts have sustained damage while tied up at St George's pier at Menai bridge. What is annoying is that the open sea isn't too far away. I'm not one for rules and regulation, live and let live and so on but the mobo owners will have to start thinking about what they're doing.
 
The Menai Straits has some stunning views and we transit through probably about 4 times a year. (my picture is taken early morning, tied alongside Prince Madoc looking towards Bangor Pier). It's unusual not to have an issue with the wake of a passing motor vessel. Most annoying if I happen to be in the heads at the time :(

It's also a sad fact that many mobo drivers just don't realise the discomfort they cause to others. That said, the sea is big enough for us all and a little mutual courtesy goes a long way. I may think that they're a to55er but I'll usually smile and wave.

The vhf exchange in the OP sounds like it made a point.

As to the derogatory comments below, well, I hope you have a better day tomorrow.



Agree. They are probably the same people in the Cheshire Tractors who think that the A55 is just for them and hound the local traffic by driving at high speed and up the back side of anyone in their way.
I had (secretly) hoped that the recession and high cost of fuel might see a reduction in these people from those marinas and their bad attitudes. Unfortunately, it seems the reasonable and fair people have suffered more.
 
The Menai Straits has some stunning views and we transit through probably about 4 times a year. (my picture is taken early morning, tied alongside Prince Madoc looking towards Bangor Pier). It's unusual not to have an issue with the wake of a passing motor vessel. Most annoying if I happen to be in the heads at the time :(

It's also a sad fact that many mobo drivers just don't realise the discomfort they cause to others. That said, the sea is big enough for us all and a little mutual courtesy goes a long way. I may think that they're a to55er but I'll usually smile and wave.

The vhf exchange in the OP sounds like it made a point.

As to the derogatory comments below, well, I hope you have a better day tomorrow.

Dear davidjackson.
I'm sorry if you thought my comments were derogatory. If you lived, worked and attempted to commute in this area, as I have done most of my life, you would know what I mean. If you had also met many of the motor boats owners in the course of your work, as I have, also been rear ended on the A55 by one in hurry for his G&T at Deganwy Marina, you may begin to understand where I'm coming from. Its a matter of perspective with very little detective work needed.
I had a lovely day yesterday despite the weather, and apart from being on nights tonight, hope to have another one today. Thanks for the sentiment though, much appreciated.
 
The Menai Straits has some stunning views and we transit through probably about 4 times a year. (my picture is taken early morning, tied alongside Prince Madoc looking towards Bangor Pier). It's unusual not to have an issue with the wake of a passing motor vessel. Most annoying if I happen to be in the heads at the time :(

It's also a sad fact that many mobo drivers just don't realise the discomfort they cause to others. That said, the sea is big enough for us all and a little mutual courtesy goes a long way. I may think that they're a to55er but I'll usually smile and wave.

The vhf exchange in the OP sounds like it made a point.

As to the derogatory comments below, well, I hope you have a better day tomorrow.

I Skippered the Madoc, carrying out survey work in the Baltic & Norway.
It was owned by a Danish company, but still under red duster.
 
We came up the Straits and through the Swellies from Porthdinllaen to Holyhead on Sunday and amazed by the antics of the MOBO's going through at high speed and oblivious of other people. One person I met observed on Saturday a large MOBO going close to Swelly rock beacon at speed then dramatically slow down as his depth alarms went off :D
PS: I remember as a teenager fishing from a small boat in Puffin Sound when Miss Anglesey when hurtling by at high speed and was nearly swamped:mad:
 
Top