Routing down the East side of the Irish Sea

[webcraft]

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Planning to head for the Scillies and on to Spain at the beginning of next month. It's a route I have done before, and my preferred routing is:

Ardglass to Howth 64nm
Howth to Kilmore Quay 101nm
Kilmore Quay to Scillies 140nm

This gives two overnight sails.

However, it looks as though Ireland (Republic) may not be open to visiting yachts from the UK, , so I have been looking at unfamiliar routes down the East side.

Ardglass to Holyhead 80nm
Holyhead to Milford Haven 115nm (Going through Ramsay Sound)
Milford Haven to Scillies 130nm (avoiding Lands End TSS)

This route is approximately 20 - 30 miles longer and seems to have a lot more hazards, particularly on the approach to Milford Haven - St David's Head, Skomer Island. There also seem to be far fewer / no ports of refuge if it all goes pear shaped.

I have never sailed through this particular patch of water though, so perhaps it is not as bad as it looks?

Any Irish Sea veterans care to comment? In truth, I would rather stick to the Irish coast even if it means anchoring for the odd overnight, but not sure if we would be chased out of anchorages if Covid rules were still in force.

- W

 

[Graham376]

We used to do it in one leg from Conwy to St Mary's. From Holyhead, easy trip staying outside the Smalls light or, if you want to split it, duck into Fishguard.

 

[webcraft]

We used to do it in one leg from Conwy to St Mary's. From Holyhead, easy trip staying outside the Smalls light or, if you want to split it, duck into Fishguard.

.
Holyhead to the Scillies looks to be about 270nm - very doable with a decent forecast. Thanks.

Still hoping Ireland opens up at the end of the month though.

- W

 

[Gwylan]

.
Planning to head for the Scillies and on to Spain at the beginning of next month. It's a route I have done before, and my preferred routing is:

Ardglass to Howth 64nm
Howth to Kilmore Quay 101nm
Kilmore Quay to Scillies 140nm

This gives two overnight sails.

However, it looks as though Ireland (Republic) may not be open to visiting yachts from the UK, , so I have been looking at unfamiliar routes down the East side.

Ardglass to Holyhead 80nm
Holyhead to Milford Haven 115nm (Going through Ramsay Sound)
Milford Haven to Scillies 130nm (avoiding Lands End TSS)

This route is approximately 20 - 30 miles longer and seems to have a lot more hazards, particularly on the approach to Milford Haven - St David's Head, Skomer Island. There also seem to be far fewer / no ports of refuge if it all goes pear shaped.

I have never sailed through this particular patch of water though, so perhaps it is not as bad as it looks?

Any Irish Sea veterans care to comment? In truth, I would rather stick to the Irish coast even if it means anchoring for the odd overnight, but not sure if we would be chased out of anchorages if Covid rules were still in force.

- W

Timing your arrival at Ramsay to get through is a challenge.
Save all the faff of Milford and getting the tide in and out.
Why not stop in Lower Fishguard? There were visitor buoys in 2017.
Could anchor there anyway.

As you say, your options are limited if things go off in any way on either side of the Irish Sea.

 

[geem]

Pick your weather and go direct. We just returned from Cork to Holyhead direct. 26 hrs. Going direct would save the detour to Milford Haven and the associated tidal gates that slow you down.

 

[Skylark]

My last trip from Holyhead to Ardglass was one of my most memorable sails. Engine on for no more than 20 minutes, otherwise beam reaching with cruising chute in a F4. Even had warm sunshine.

There are a lot of tidal gates on the Eastern side of the Irish Sea that require careful planning. From the north, aim to arrive at HH at LW. If you’re a bit late, the flood can sweep the unwary towards The Skerries.

I’ve never done “approx 100 mile” south from HH. I’ve done “day sails” but these would slow your progress. HH to Bardsey works to get through Bardsey Sound. Then to Fishguard (there is/was a Firing Range along the coast). Then through Ramsey and Jack Sounds (you don’t want to get these timings wrong) into Dale/MH.

I’ve done it a couple of other times, once Falmouth to Clyde non stop and once Holyhead to Vigo but both with more than 2 crew. Quite straightforward in the middle but there can be traffic and fog during the spring and autumn.

West coast is preferable.

 

[Skylark]

Pick your weather and go direct. We just returned from Cork to Holyhead direct. 26 hrs. Going direct would save the detour to Milford Haven and the associated tidal gates that slow you down.

Was HH your port of departure in/around 2013/14?

Sorry for thread drift ?

 

[geem]

It was! Since Holyhead marina has gone, we sailed on to Glasson.

 

[Skylark]

It was! Since Holyhead marina has gone, we sailed on to Glasson.

Often wondered. IIRC, you were berthed in F19 or 21, Skylark was in F17 at the time. Congratulations on your achievement and welcome home.

 

[Halo]

If you have time why not enjoy visiting all the lovely and less visited places down the E side ? I went Conwy , Caernarfon , Pwelli , Aberystwyth, Fishguard, Milford, Scillies. You need to plan the tides and get an even break with the weather but you can always head offshore and do the long leg if it turns unsuitable for port hopping.

 

[webcraft]

Sadly Halo time is of the essence with a Biscay crossing in prospect, otherwise I would do that.

Still hoping to go down the Irish side and wondering if we would get chased out of anchorages if the ports are still closed.

Re. Holyhead marina - my understanding was that it had re-opened?

- W

 

[kof]

You live in NI? Wouldn't that give you free access to the Republic anyway - Not sure if that applies to yachts in the current climate.

Looks like there might be a further easing of restrictions in Ireland in the coming weeks so maybe by the time you leave, it will be an option for you again. I really doubt you would be chased out of any east coast harbour flying a UK flag.

I've done Dun Laoghaire to Camaret in one hop so making the Scillies would not be a big deal. You could even make some place like Abersoch on the east side and go from there.

 

[webcraft]

You live in NI? Wouldn't that give you free access to the Republic anyway - Not sure if that applies to yachts in the current climate.

Looks like there might be a further easing of restrictions in Ireland in the coming weeks so maybe by the time you leave, it will be an option for you again. I really doubt you would be chased out of any east coast harbour flying a UK flag.

I've done Dun Laoghaire to Camaret in one hop so making the Scillies would not be a big deal. You could even make some place like Abersoch on the east side and go from there.

Hi kof,

No, I live in Oban, but probably going to go as far as Ardglass whatever happens afterwards. Would priobably go to IoM then Holyhead but IoM is closed, so Ardglass is still looking good as a jumping off point.

Abersoch looks like just some rolly moorings, Holyhead would be better for an alongside berth ?


- W

 

[kof]

Holyhead would be better - Only reason I suggested Abersoch was it gets you south of the mess that is the Stack and Bardsey Island. From there you would have a relatively clear run down.

Hi kof,

No, I live in Oban, but probably going to go as far as Ardglass whatever happens afterwards. Would priobably go to IoM then Holyhead but IoM is closed, so Ardglass is still looking good as a jumping off point.

Abersoch looks like just some rolly moorings, Holyhead would be better for an alongside berth ?


- W

 

[kof]

I just asked Dun Laoghaire Marina. They are expecting some change on July 20th. Probably be a list of approved counties and they think maybe/perhaps Scotland will be on it.

Hi kof,

No, I live in Oban, but probably going to go as far as Ardglass whatever happens afterwards. Would priobably go to IoM then Holyhead but IoM is closed, so Ardglass is still looking good as a jumping off point.

Abersoch looks like just some rolly moorings, Holyhead would be better for an alongside berth ?


- W

 

[cherod]

.
Planning to head for the Scillies and on to Spain at the beginning of next month. It's a route I have done before, and my preferred routing is:

Ardglass to Howth 64nm
Howth to Kilmore Quay 101nm
Kilmore Quay to Scillies 140nm

This gives two overnight sails.

However, it looks as though Ireland (Republic) may not be open to visiting yachts from the UK, , so I have been looking at unfamiliar routes down the East side.

Ardglass to Holyhead 80nm
Holyhead to Milford Haven 115nm (Going through Ramsay Sound)
Milford Haven to Scillies 130nm (avoiding Lands End TSS)

This route is approximately 20 - 30 miles longer and seems to have a lot more hazards, particularly on the approach to Milford Haven - St David's Head, Skomer Island. There also seem to be far fewer / no ports of refuge if it all goes pear shaped.

I have never sailed through this particular patch of water though, so perhaps it is not as bad as it looks?

Any Irish Sea veterans care to comment? In truth, I would rather stick to the Irish coast even if it means anchoring for the odd overnight, but not sure if we would be chased out of anchorages if Covid rules were still in force.

- W

???? ,, just a matter of days ago you were voicing some serious concern and worry about some " Covid residual " kicking in ,, i am presuming that those concerns have come to nothing more than an unnecessary worry ,, have you been tested or are you just going anyway ??,, Spanish are going to love you if

 

[cherod]

.
Planning to head for the Scillies and on to Spain at the beginning of next month. It's a route I have done before, and my preferred routing is:

Ardglass to Howth 64nm
Howth to Kilmore Quay 101nm
Kilmore Quay to Scillies 140nm

This gives two overnight sails.

However, it looks as though Ireland (Republic) may not be open to visiting yachts from the UK, , so I have been looking at unfamiliar routes down the East side.

Ardglass to Holyhead 80nm
Holyhead to Milford Haven 115nm (Going through Ramsay Sound)
Milford Haven to Scillies 130nm (avoiding Lands End TSS)

This route is approximately 20 - 30 miles longer and seems to have a lot more hazards, particularly on the approach to Milford Haven - St David's Head, Skomer Island. There also seem to be far fewer / no ports of refuge if it all goes pear shaped.

I have never sailed through this particular patch of water though, so perhaps it is not as bad as it looks?

Any Irish Sea veterans care to comment? In truth, I would rather stick to the Irish coast even if it means anchoring for the odd overnight, but not sure if we would be chased out of anchorages if Covid rules were still in force.

- W

mmmm, lucky you ,,, i would be glad to be doing either ..

 

[Skylark]

Wales is only now starting to open its doors to visitors so it would be wise to call all potential stop-off places ahead to check status.

Last I heard, Holyhead marina was offering very limited berthing options so give them a call to check what’s on offer. Geoff is the very helpful manager.

The sailing club may be able to offer a visitors mooring, best to phone and check.

The waters inside the the harbour are protected from all winds except easterly. Storm Emma was an easterly and the mayhem that followed looked like the aftermath of a Caribbean Hurricane.

Another option on the north shore of Anglesey may be Amlwch. Small fishing dock and parking for Liverpool pilot boats. Yachts are tolerated. Access is fairly straightforward once you believe that the wall will open to the entrance before you run into it.

Otherwise your options from Ardglass are limited and restricted. Conwy is probably out of your way and access isn’t great. Caernarfon or even Port Dinorwic are options but require you to enter the Menai, probably via the Caernarfon end. One has a cill, the other a lock. Pushing against a foul tide is no fun at all.

I prefer to have the pilot book but no doubt all tidal and weather windows can be found on-line.

 

[webcraft]

???? ,, just a matter of days ago you were voicing some serious concern and worry about some " Covid residual " kicking in ,, i am presuming that those concerns have come to nothing more than an unnecessary worry ,, have you been tested or are you just going anyway ??,, Spanish are going to love you if

.
I am pretty sure I had Covid-19 at the end of February, probably contracted on a flight back from Tenerife or from an overnight stay in an airport hotel. I do not think I have Covid-19 now, and I have no reason to think I have it now. I have none of the recognised symptoms.

What I have had is an unusual level of ongoing fatigue and widespread arthritic-type aches and pains. It seems to have peaked now and I am starting to get back to normal, but this came on weeks after I thought I had recovered. It seems this is quite common post-Covid, even with comparitively mild cases. It can come on weeks or months after you have recovered from the initial infection. Hence my description of it as a 'covid residual'.

It does not mean I am infectious or any kind of danger to anyone.

- W

 

[webcraft]

Wales is only now starting to open its doors to visitors so it would be wise to call all potential stop-off places ahead to check status.

Last I heard, Holyhead marina was offering very limited berthing options so give them a call to check what’s on offer. Geoff is the very helpful manager.

The sailing club may be able to offer a visitors mooring, best to phone and check.

The waters inside the the harbour are protected from all winds except easterly. Storm Emma was an easterly and the mayhem that followed looked like the aftermath of a Caribbean Hurricane.

Another option on the north shore of Anglesey may be Amlwch. Small fishing dock and parking for Liverpool pilot boats. Yachts are tolerated. Access is fairly straightforward once you believe that the wall will open to the entrance before you run into it.

Otherwise your options from Ardglass are limited and restricted. Conwy is probably out of your way and access isn’t great. Caernarfon or even Port Dinorwic are options but require you to enter the Menai, probably via the Caernarfon end. One has a cill, the other a lock. Pushing against a foul tide is no fun at all.

I prefer to have the pilot book but no doubt all tidal and weather windows can be found on-line.

Thanks Skylark. I think if we have to take the Eastern route then it will be Ardglass to Holyhead then non-stop to St Marys.

However - I have just heard from the Assistant Harbour master at an Irish port that overnight stays are OK but you can't get off the boat. (14 days quarantine required) . This situation may improve from the 20th when Ireland is due to enter its next phase. In the light of this I think we will be going down the Irish coast.

- W