Passage Planning Falmouth - Conway

bantam_dave21

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Hiya

as a North Sea dweller I need some help.
new boat based in Falmouth and looking to relocate it.

170 miles fuel range so need at least one stop. Fairly sussed on the run in to deganwy.

Any advice please? Roadblocks, things to consider?
 
I have done that trip a few times and BrucK`s plan is perfectly viable. Personally, if your cruising speed is around 20kts or you don`t mind extended hours at sea, I would cut out Padstow because of its access being approx 2 hours either side of high water. That will also reduce the total distance.
 
I have done that trip a few times and BrucK`s plan is perfectly viable. Personally, if your cruising speed is around 20kts or you don`t mind extended hours at sea, I would cut out Padstow because of its access being approx 2 hours either side of high water. That will also reduce the total distance.

I agree with this. I would also add that Neyland is a great place to refuel without the same tidal restrictions as Milford Haven (and only a few miles further).

Pete
 
Hi everyone thanks for the responses.

mid thought the same ref Padstow, the bar at Caernarfon Will bed tress enough for me, Padstow appears equally as problematic. I can achieve around 16kn comfortable around 3k revs which produces around 32litres/he consumption per engine. 20kn is probably a push. Was keen to consider dropping one of the stops.

will look up neyland also

Thanks
 
With a 170 mile fuel range I feel Falmouth fuel pontoon to Neyland fuel pontoon at 147 nm (169 mile) is pushing the envelope a little too hard. I do however agree Padstow is not the most convenient of stops for fuel.
 
The range is what I need to consider 170 is worst case/full power. If I can keep around 16kn I’ll save almost 20litres/hour per engine.

thanks again everyone
 
My biggest wake up call on range came from a relatively short hop from Caernarfon to Pwllheli on full tanks. It was rough weather and strong tides and I consumed near twice the fuel anticipated based off similar distance trips and that one previously. You need to plan in contingency stops and bailouts. This is not meant to argue against Idamay who is a seasoned cruiser or Halcyon who are, well, the premier yacht delivery outfit here, their rep precedes them. It would actually be a wise idea to employ them if you have any qualms or experience issues. I just like to play cautious and when so much cant be controlled but fuel can, I tend to be ultra conservative on fuel estimates and range.
 
BruceK is quite right to be conservative on fuel consumption. I assumed you built in at least 20% margin in your consumption figure and you expect to better the 170 mile range by lowering your cruising speed. If you aim to get to Lands End around low water slack you should get some helpful tide for the first 40 miles or so. From there on you probably won`t get much help from the tide, it being mostly across your path. In reasonable conditions you should reach Neyland, which would also be my choice for refuelling, without worrying too much about fuel.
 
I would pay attention to skomer island after milford and then we have the Bishops and Clerks, i went round these at the wrong time and it wasn't good.
Can any one advise on skolmer, ramsey sound and the bitches ?
what boat you doing it in ?
when are you doing it ? (the gate is broke at deganwy)
 
I agree about using the tides to gain a few knots and save fuel. Also, if you need to stretch your range then look at putting in to Newlyn and top up yours tanks there. It would add about 10 miles to the journey around Lands End but effectively add 40 plus miles to your range.
 
I did venture through Ramsey Sound on one of my passages south. I got the timing of slack water slightly wrong and regretted it! There was a thunder storm with accompanying squalls and it was not a nice place to be. I have never ventured back although I am sure it would be very scenic in the right conditions. The various races around Skomer, Skokholm and the Bishops and Clerks are best tackled at slack water or at least wind with tide.
 
This is why I will no longer follow you unless your good Admiral is monitoring and in control of your Sat Nav. Even your Sat Nav doesn't understand you ?
 
I don’t understand why you don’t explore all places on the way around , it’s an opportunity for a great cruise.
 
You could do what seastoke said
It would be nice
Did it in a Princes 35 some years ago
Falmouth Neyland Pwllheli Deganwy
Falmouth to Neyland was the hardest
Due to weather and it was ‘new territory’ for me then
Range on the vessel was purported to be 200 miles with a safe margin of reserve
I remember we took two 20 gal tubs just in case
Didn’t use them
Right now with the virus/ lockdowns/ seasonal weather etc
I would transport her by road
 
I agree with this. I would also add that Neyland is a great place to refuel without the same tidal restrictions as Milford Haven (and only a few miles further).

Pete
Neyland is a fair way up the estuary from Milford and is a Sh*t hole. I built the houses in the marina and went to college there lol. ? Ironically, when they shut the college in Neyland and built a new one in Haverfordwest, I built that too lol. I also built the extension on the grammar school I went to lol.
 
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If for some reason you do end up that way go to Lawrenny, there is a great pub there to take the tender too.
 
Neyland is a fair way up the estuary from Milford and is a Sh*t hole.

A friend has a Yacht in Neyland Marina . We stayed with them for a weekend and thought the marina to be quite pleasant spot but must admit we didn't explore the village very far.


Navigation wise I understand the open sea outside Milford Haven is unfriendly if the wind has any thing near Southwest in it which is of course most of the time.
 
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