Swansea

[sighmoon]

We're thinking of moving the boat to Swansea.

Since we bought her, we've sailed out of Dale, which has been superb: blue water, uncrowded anchorages, dramatic scenery, amazing wildlife, etc etc. The boat has been on a swinging mooring, which I love as I can sail on and off, and never need to start the engine at all. I even enjoy rowing out to the boat.

But, it's not ideal. We live in London, and the last bit of the journey is a slog down small roads, stuck behind tractors and trucks. Once we get there, it can take me an hour and a half to load the boat up with gear and people for a weekend. I sail with my wife and toddler son, and if the wind is in the East, it's a bit too bumpy to get toddler on board at the mooring. I'm wondering if being able to step aboard from the dock would be better for everyone, and might even enable me to sailing with just my son when my wife's away. So I'm starting to wonder if Swansea marina is a better bet.

Any thoughts? Anybody got any experience of Swansea?

 

[alant]

Used to live near there & had a swinging mooring in Oystermouth.

Good sailing - Gower Coast beaches for day sail, usually up-hill there & downhill back. Tides must be worked.

Better train service than to Pembroke, if you prefer not to drive. Time difference is incredible.

 

[graham]

Once you leave the locks at Swansea your out into the bay with little shelter in some wind directions. Gower coast is beautifull but once again very weather dependant.

What about Milford Haven Marina? it would knock a bit off the journey toDale and you could load the boat in minutes.

 

[Anwen]

We moved from Plymouth to Swansea last summer, as we live in South Wales. Having the boat close by is very convenient, although it means that we don't sleep on board anymore :-(.

We are still learning about sailing from Swansea, but as the post above says, you need to work the tides to get anywhere. If you have a fin keel with normal draft, there will be times around low water when you won't be able to lock out due to lack of water in the channel from the lock past the breakwater into the bay.

One thing which you will miss from Dale is being able to sail in the Haven if it is a bit bumpy on the open sea. Swansea Bay isn't that sheltered. BUT it is nearer, the marina is a good one, and the Gower is lovely. Padstow isn't too far either, or you can go down to Cardiff for the weekend if the fancy takes you.

 

[alant]

"What about Milford Haven Marina? it would knock a bit off the journey toDale and you could load the boat in minutes."

Unless you are in the lower basin, it is too tide dependant.

 

[graham]

[ QUOTE ]
Unless you are in the lower basin, it is too tide dependant.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes I had forgotten about that. Last year I went into Milford Marina paid for a berth for the night then realised I couldnt leave as early as I wished so locked out again and went down to Dale.It wasnt a complete waste as we got petrol and food from Tescos before leaving.

PS I think you may be confusing MH marina with Neyland?? In Neyland the lower basin is accesable all the time the upper part for about half tide I think? Milford Haven Marina is in the FishingDock. With tidal Lock gate access.

 

[Csail]

How about Milford YC, very cheap

 

[alant]

"PS I think you may be confusing MH marina with Neyland??"

Your right I was. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[kds]

What about Cardiff ? Marina or two sailing clubs with pontoon access. The locks are easy and there is some shelter once out, with plenty of places to go. If eally bad - stay inside the barrage. Obviously - tides need working.
Ken
Ken