Ty Calch launching, Caernarfon

[citygent111]

Hi all, looking to use Chris at Ty Calch for tractor launches this summer.

Fletcher 19gts with 3-5 people on board so probably need 1m of water beneath us. Tractor can launch at all stages of the tide, but I'm wondering about leaving the Strait and heading out over Carrnarfon bar.

Caernarfon Harbourmaster says 3hrs either side of HW, but I know they have to take into account yachts with a fin keel etc.

Does anyone have experience in a motor boat with 1m draft?

Thanks

 

[TSB240]

We regularly sail out over the bar with a 1.7m draft. 40 foot fin keeler.
CHT are Conservative with their guidance and sticking to 3 hours either side of HW is sensible for less experienced to the area or if there is any swell running.

Following the bar bouy route and their instructions will give you plenty of water for your craft.

In calmer conditions and neap tides you could easily do the same route at or nearer low water.
A useful guide for depth is the drying wreck of the Grampian castle which is now marked by a yellow isolated danger mark.

Most locals know that if this wreck is just covered there is at least 3m of water in a direct line with it and the east cardinal off Llanddwyn and Pilots cove. This is a well used short cut saving considerable time and keeps you inside of the sand bank and any breaking swells with much flatter water than on the marked channel route. There is minimal difference in water depth and a safer route for smaller planing hulls rather than using the marked bar route.

For reference on the return from Llanddwyn if you keep to a line from the small tower and the left hand windmill on the airfield you will miss the wreck and safely rejoin the marked bar route before the Mussel Bank bouy at Belan Narrows.

 

[citygent111]

That is amazing TSB240 - thank you!

I will plot a route and share a screenshot - would you mind casting an eye over it to make sure I have got it right?

 

[citygent111]

 

[citygent111]

Hope that's clear enough!

I'm sure Chris (at Ty Calch) will be able to point us in the right direction, but good to get other opinions.

Our situation is that we will be launching there while we're staying in the area over the summer. The Mrs isn't happy that we can "officially" only launch at HW +/- 3hrs as it really restricts us, to the point where she's in a "we might as well sell the boat" frame of mind!! Aaargh!!

As I see it, with a 0.85m draft, so say 1m to be safe, and assuming no more than a 1 - 1.5m swell (to avoid bouncing off the bottom!), we could be ok with this route. Obviously I'm conscious of the wind forecast too. Even with 220hp, it's not a pleasant experience being thrown around!

Really, all I'm looking for is guidance/advice as to whether we can get from Ty Calch, over to Pilots Cove, then either up the Anglesey coast to Holy Island, or down the Llyn to, say Porth Dinllaen. And of course, having enough water under us to get back safely to Ty Calch!!

Really appreciate your help - thank you

 

[Seastoke]

Do you carry safety stuff ie radio life jacket , flares backup engine

 

[citygent111]

Yes, 2 x vhf, flares, lifejackets mandatory! But no back up engine.

 

[GrahamHR]

Enjoy yourself, it's a lovely area to use a boat in. We had a boat in Holyhead Marina, boat and marina now gone. One trip was to Nefyn, never made it ashore to the pub, but we saw loads of dolphins and an unidentified whale that dived just before us. Going back, along the coast to the North West before going North, Caernarvon bar was disconcerting; no matter how we steered away from it, it was still there to starboard !

 

[citygent111]

Enjoy yourself, it's a lovely area to use a boat in. We had a boat in Holyhead Marina, boat and marina now gone. One trip was to Nefyn, never made it ashore to the pub, but we saw loads of dolphins and an unidentified whale that dived just before us. Going back, along the coast to the North West before going North, Caernarvon bar was disconcerting; no matter how we steered away from it, it was still there to starboard !

Cheers Graham, yes it's such a shame about Holyhead marina :-(

We've done the coast of Anglesey for a couple of years now, until May we had a 4m rib, so draft want really an issue (except an incident near Pilots Cove with a single rock and a propeller!), but we never crossed the Bar as we used to launch from Rhosneigr beach, which we sadly can't do now.

I can handle this boat no problem, but it's a new stretch of water, and one with a fearsome reputation!!

 

[LBRodders]

Hi all, looking to use Chris at Ty Calch for tractor launches this summer.

Fletcher 19gts with 3-5 people on board so probably need 1m of water beneath us. Tractor can launch at all stages of the tide, but I'm wondering about leaving the Strait and heading out over Carrnarfon bar.

Caernarfon Harbourmaster says 3hrs either side of HW, but I know they have to take into account yachts with a fin keel etc.

Does anyone have experience in a motor boat with 1m draft?

Thanks

Yes, we had a 8m Fairline in the area for three seasons.

What you will find is the timings over the bar most likely wont be your limiting factor, the weather / wind / tide combination will.
With your draft, you will be able to easily push that 3hr window, and with experience judge it better each time.
With any sort of wind over tide you may find yourself not making too many friends amongst your crew, its a small boat after all. The bar can be pretty unforgiving and it can be for some distance.

Not sure of your experience but get confidence in your boat, launch, recovery etc prior to going on adventures, particulary with new comers to the game aboard. Turn right and use the straits, plenty of day out opportunities to cut your teeth. Find your and your boats limits in relative safety.

The Ty Coch is a long way and can be exposed. As is Holy Island, or maybe even more so. For these trips, you are looking at perfect weather conditions in your boat, particulary loaded up. Don't underestimate them.

When the conditions are right, the area is absolutely fantastic. When they aren't, its absolutely horrendous in a small boat.

We have plenty of videos of our trips out in this area. Check them out to give you a feel.

 

[ridgy]

I crossed at pretty much bang on low water on Sunday June 11 so neapish and briefly touched bottom between C2 and C3 drawing 1.8m . There was plenty of water everywhere else. You could cross anytime you like except near LWS.
We also touched near C10 an hour later (if you were to turn right after launching).

 

[citygent111]

Thanks gang, that's really useful!

@LBRodders thanks for the video link! That'll waste away my afternoon instead of working

We are fairly experienced now I would say - we took that 4m rib out on it's last journey at Easter. Launched from Traeth Bychan and headed for Puffin Island. Once we hit the opening to Red Wharf Bay, with wind against tide - a crew decision was made, something along the lines of "f*ck this - lets go for an icecream instead!" I found the hardest part of boating is trailer launching. So stressful for something that should b straightforward.

Definitely not one to take the sea for granted though, I was a lifeguard for many years so have seen too well what nature is capable of.

You've sparked a curiosity though - turning right into the Strait, any recommendations for places to visit? We like to find a quiet bay, anchor up and swim/snorkel - or towing my lad in his ringo!

Many thanks all, this is really helpful!

 

[citygent111]

@LBRodders Loved your videos!! I've just binge watched your channel Can't wait for the wind to calm down - hopefully we'll get out over the next few days!

 

[LBRodders]

Thanks gang, that's really useful!

@LBRodders thanks for the video link! That'll waste away my afternoon instead of working

We are fairly experienced now I would say - we took that 4m rib out on it's last journey at Easter. Launched from Traeth Bychan and headed for Puffin Island. Once we hit the opening to Red Wharf Bay, with wind against tide - a crew decision was made, something along the lines of "f*ck this - lets go for an icecream instead!" I found the hardest part of boating is trailer launching. So stressful for something that should b straightforward.

Definitely not one to take the sea for granted though, I was a lifeguard for many years so have seen too well what nature is capable of.

You've sparked a curiosity though - turning right into the Strait, any recommendations for places to visit? We like to find a quiet bay, anchor up and swim/snorkel - or towing my lad in his ringo!

Many thanks all, this is really helpful!

There are a few areas to moor / anchor up, but you have to remember the tide rips through there and so that adds its own challenges.

Check an up to date chart or the Caernavon Harbour Master website for the restrictions, particulary speed. The fun police have impacted areas of the straits which will limit towing toys etc, so am not sure if its still possible.

But there are buoys at Port Dinorwic / Beaumaris / Menai bridge that you may be able to stop on unchallenged for a few hours.

Have a cruise up and down on the tide one day and have a look. It never looks the same on any two days!

 

[LBRodders]

@LBRodders Loved your videos!! I've just binge watched your channel Can't wait for the wind to calm down - hopefully we'll get out over the next few days!

Ha, no worries. I thought for a moment you were going to say 'cant wait for more videos'!

 

[ridgy]

The only recognised anchorage in the straits is Abermenai on the right before you exit the mouth to the bar but I wouldn't be swimming anywhere in the straits due to the tide.

I wouldn't think anywhere in the straits is great for towables due to how narrow it is and the high chance of meeting oncoming traffic.
For towables either Caernarfon bay, Red Wharf bay, Conwy bay, or Dutchman bank with a good rise of tide are the obvious places with the right wind direction/strength of course.

For snorkelling the rocky bays on the west coast e.g. Rhoscolyn, Trearddur, Trecastell, and Rhosneigr would be my first and probably only picks.

 

[citygent111]

The only recognised anchorage in the straits is Abermenai on the right before you exit the mouth to the bar but I wouldn't be swimming anywhere in the straits due to the tide.

I wouldn't think anywhere in the straits is great for towables due to how narrow it is and the high chance of meeting oncoming traffic.
For towables either Caernarfon bay, Red Wharf bay, Conwy bay, or Dutchman bank with a good rise of tide are the obvious places with the right wind direction/strength of course.

For snorkelling the rocky bays on the west coast e.g. Rhoscolyn, Trearddur, Trecastell, and Rhosneigr would be my first and probably only picks.

All makes sense ridgy, thank you

 

[citygent111]

Ha, no worries. I thought for a moment you were going to say 'cant wait for more videos'!

I'm guessing you sold up?

 

[ridgy]

If you don't already have this then you should get it:
Amazon.co.uk

 

[JOHNPEET]

Information regarding the speed limit zones and requirements for the registration of PWCs and Power boats can be found at the following links. My advice would be to stay with the neaps and avoid the springs if at all possible as the conditions between the two can vary a great deal for similar weather conditions. There are plenty of locations where you will see small boats at anchor - either for a spot of fishing or a bite to eat. Towable can be used away from the speed limit zones with due care and respect to the tidal conditions and other boat users. Swimming off the boat is safe at slack water or there are a few places where you can go ashore and swim off the beach.

Menai Strait Speed Limit Zones – Caernarfon Harbour Trust

Power driven craft/personal watercraft launching and registration