What's Fishguard like?

[peterjb]

What\'s Fishguard like?

I'm planning a cruise of the Welsh coast and north Cornwall this summer. Fishguard would be really helpful as a staging post but both Reeds and the Lundy and Irish Sea Pilot are really off-putting. I can see that there will be little shelter from NNE to E. However, it also sounds as if there is no room to anchor where there will be shelter from the W to NNW. Can anyone advise me? I draw 1.9m. <span style="color:black"> </span>

 

[Landale]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

See See /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Sorry /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[whipper_snapper]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

It certainly never inspired me, I have been in perhaps 4 or 5 times. Once you are N of Ramsey sound the character of the coast changes and I would suggest you either stay S or go straight across Cardigan bay to N wales.

Milford Haven is a perfect place for R&R.

When going from Saundersfoot to Holyhead I once stopped off in Solva. It works very well for the tides, I can't rememberer exactly how it worked, but I seem to recall you have to sit out a low water. Solva mostly dries but there is a hole just inside where 2 or 3 average size boats can anchor to stay afloat and well sheltered from the W.

The one thing I do remember is that Fishguard harbourmaster always sounds on the VHF as if he has head in a bucket. Perhaps he does.

 

[Juggler7823]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

Although shelter can be poor, in good conditions it is a useful stopping over point. There are very few moorings and its difficult to see which are crab storage pots. If weather is bad its use should be questioned. If you are a bilge keeler you can go against the inside or end of the wall. Lots of boats do use this harbour. PM me if you want more info about coast.

 

[CET1]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

Used Fishgard twice now on our way to France from Cumbria.
Anchored under old castle next to the old port plenty of depth for our 1.85 keel. Was a little choppy when the 7 came through but the anchor never moved. Old town was interesting with some good pub's with food and shops, but mind the step hill. Library has free internet access so youcan access your favorite weather sites addresses and down load the weather charts. Managed to get shower in the sailing club but to gain entry you need to meet the right people. We found it very friendly. Interesting as it is one of the last places that we were invaded by the french. Diesel can be a problem as the local seller of red which is the local boat repair/ chandlery is behind the ferry terminal. So it is either a dingy ride and short walk or a very long walk. However a gentleman builder with a boat in the harbour gave us a lift up the hill. Will we use it again this year Yes.

 

[Speed]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

Anchored in the same area with 2.2m draft and was OK - holding was good
.
Alright for an overnight stop, as long as the wind is in the right quarter, although it would be very difficult to carry one tide to Milford or say Pwllheli in one go.

 

[vyv_cox]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

We have lots of experience of stopping at Fishguard. Shelter is OK in the prevailing wind but it can get choppy if the wind veers well to the north. Holding seems to be good everywhere. We have dried against the wall several times, where shelter is excellent. The yacht club has always been very welcoming.

Anchoring is also good in the next bay to the east, behind Dinas Head. There is a tiny bay there that will take a couple of boats at anchor - superb.

Further west, there were mooring buoys to the north of Skomer (my info is a little out of date now) and anchoring is OK to the south. This island should not be missed, it is possible to land and tour the island under supervision, it's a major nest site for various birds, especially puffins.

 

[BrendanS]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

If it helps, here are some pics of the Lower Town Harbour

Further out under the castle it's more exposed - you can see the masts in the harbour in background (taken from the castle)

And also from the Castle, open sea to the right, and the ferry terminal straight ahead

 

[MisterBen]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

I have the happiest memories of Fishguard as for many years it was the first stop on the annual cruise southbound from North Wales, and we felt the holiday had really begun.

Do visit. Firstly, it is an all-weather, all-tide refuge and there are not too many of those in West Wales. Secondly, shelter is perfectly good; in fine weather anchor off the Old Harbour, just about the position of the incoming yacht in No.4 of Brendan's excellent pics; in dirty weather pick up a local mooring (of which there always seemed to be a surplus) or anchor south of the ferry operations, where the breakwater provides good protection. Third, you are perfectly placed for getting to Strumble Head for the start of the S - going stream, whence 6 hours of bliss will whizz you to St David's, through Ramsey Sd, across St Bride's Bay and you are in Dale before you know it. And fourthly, it is an interesting neck of the woods with great coastal walking either way, and the natives are exceptionally helpful and friendly.

Hope this helps. Have a good trip. Ben.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

Have a look at this

We often stop there on our way down, prefer anchoring in the main harbour which has good holding and you can tuck up to the groyne if the wind is a bit hooly.

Well worth stopping there.

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

Yes - still 3 (or 4) free moorings in N haven Skomer - marked as day moorings but lots of people use them for an overnight (there is an eel grass bed that they don't want you anchoring in)- go in every Easter for the season. Generally well maintained I would say - and agree certainly not to be missed - but then I did work there !

 

[peterjb]

Re: What\'s Fishguard like?

Brilliant! Thank you all for your help. We'll certainly visit on our way south. (Will be returning north on the Irish side!!)