North & South Stacks - Anglesey

[winfarthing]

I am looking for guidance on the best ways, in different conditions, to round the above tidal races. So far, I've had a bashing in one or the other which ever way I try to play it. I can read the pilots etc but I'm looking for peoples experience of best times, distances off, routes etc in different conditions. We are based in Holyhead for the summer so its a regular 'obstacle'.

 

[Searush]

Just pack everything away & hold on tight!

It should just be a case of timing. They are not so far apart that a passage at close to high (or low) water should be too dificult. I have heard there is a passage past the worst of it very close inshore, but I don't like going that close to cliffs unless motoring, so I try to keep well outside, but I don't always succeed either.

 

[Kawasaki]

Searush is right.
You can go a close as you like inshore
When leaving Holyhead
Run at 258 'T'
2 miles to North Stack
At 53 19 45 N
04 40 85 W
Left hand down a bit to 213 't'
For about 2 1/2 miles ish
Which should get you to
53 17 49 N
04 43 45 W

Then 135 ish will get you down towards Llanddwyn without hitting the overfalls off of Rhoscolyn etc

Go at just before , say a half Hour before Hw Holyhead.

Or plan to arrive at the Stacks during the last hour of the Ebb.

Well ,anyway thats what I do with Me Mobo
Can't sail
Searush and Misterg have tried to teach me!!!

 

[LittleShip]

I am looking for guidance on the best ways, in different conditions, to round the above tidal races. So far, I've had a bashing in one or the other which ever way I try to play it. I can read the pilots etc but I'm looking for peoples experience of best times, distances off, routes etc in different conditions. We are based in Holyhead for the summer so its a regular 'obstacle'.

Sea rush and Kwacker are right about the inshore passage, but......

North Stack is the worst on the Ebb, both are reasonable on the flood close in.

I have watched the RNLI pass very close to the cliff face many times so I would suggest talking to them about a route passed the Stacks.

As you are now probably aware the easiest route is to go straight out for about 3 miles and then set a course for where you want to go.

Dont miss out on a trip into the Skerries lagoon on a calm day, trust me it superb.

Tom

 

[savageseadog]

It's OK, a bit splashy at times, nothing to worry about in reasonable weather. Try not to stem the tide though as you'll be there for ever and try not to go wind over tide. In general terms don't go with anything more than F5 (30ft boat) or F7 (40ft) unless you've been before. Pass close, very close,inshore, there is supposed to be an outlier off North Stack, to the North so possibly not too close there.