South Wales Cruising

[Richard_Peevor]

A job interview pending in South Wales, Cardiff. Will relocate the family from Surrey. Boat is currently in The Solent (Mooring in Portsmouth Harbour, accessed from Gosport side). I am trying to decide re leaving boat there or moving it to Swansea or Cardiff. (we will live West of Cardiff).

The plus side of moving seems to be much cheaper mooring and I can probably afford to put it into a marina which I havent had before. The boat would then be within an hours drive and would get much more TLC.

I have two sorts of cruising - potentially longer trips with the boys. (seems like lots of options - Ireland, Wales, West Country). My main concern is local sailing with the family two kids under three..

What do people think of day sails in this area? What are the short hops like in this sea area? (We sail a fin keel 29' yacht drawing 1.7m.

Can anyone recommend a good pilot book to refer to for ideas?

Any personal experience of Swansea marina?

Any suggestions most appreciated.

Richard.

p.s Looking forward to the delivery if we do move her round!

 

[Richard_Peevor]

Oops - I have just noticed the Bristol Channel Forum, probably should have posted there - I wont double post in case I get shot by the forum big guns!

 

[Sneds]

Cardiff Bay is lovely, try Cardiff Bay Yacht Club or Penarth Quays Marina(£££) for mooring.
You can get out off Cardiff Bay at all states of tide and Portishead, Bristol, Watchet and Swansea are all a short hop away.
Come join us!

 

[wotayottie]

you have a pm

 

[Jinks]

I live almost half way between Swansea and Cardiff and after much deliberation chose to locate the boat in Swansea, primarily for the day options.

With the Gower coast a short distance away I feel there are far more attractive venues easily available. Facilities I would say are comparable although it's worth noting that Swansea is inaccessible for a few hours each month at LWS whereas Cardiff is technically open 24/7. Having said that, as you draw 1.7M, getting in or out of Cardiff at LWS could be a bit hairy for you.

You would certainly receive a warm welcome at Swansea, although I believe there is a waiting list for a berth at the moment, and I've no reason to think it would be any different in Cardiff or Penarth.

If I can offer any help at all in a practical sense the please don't hesitate to PM me. You may find this link Swansea useful for information on Swansea and its options. Good luck with the interview.

 

[fastjedi]

We live close to South Wales and have a four year old. After some experience sailing out of Neath / Cardiff / Chepstow I have no trouble at all recommending the South Coast!

We keep our boat at Dartmouth ... well worth another hour in the car in my opinion!

 

[Mike_S]

There are certainly spaces in Penarth Marina at the moment, CBYC I believe is now on a waiting list although as I walk through to our boat there are a couple of slots. Very friendly club though it has to be said for a newbie such as myself.

www.cbyc.co.uk and http://www.quaymarinas.com/marinas/penarth.asp?q=Penarth might be useful for you.

Swansea could open up more of the coastline to you though it has to be said.

Mike

 

[Jinks]

Not arguing with your recommendation but if you can do Dartmouth from S. Wales in an hour I'd be interested in a lift sometime /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[landaftaf]

mmmm - especially when the caravaners crawl along the route /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[kds]

Cardiff offers safe family sailing in the harbour. Swansea marina is a high density housing site. The Bristol Channel is challenging but great sailing - and not too many numpties like the ones who litter the South Coast.
Ken