Family Cruise 2004

Narrated by Colin Lambert, Jim Cruise & Michael Swarbrick

Tuesday 22^nd of July

Colin - Glasson Sailing Club is stirring: something’s in the air, Yes, it’s got to be the Annual Family Cruise!

Myself, Yacht Phoenix, Rice Pudding IX and Rolean launch and prepare to wait in the dock, others are already there, including Nyoka, Dennis Marsden’s new boat.

Friday 23^rd July

Just after high water, and by chance we have seen various laws of physics being re-demonstrated, for instance, Geoff in Pebbles has experienced the law of ‘caoral symmetry breaking’ which was first tested by physicists in Serne, Geneva, using a multi-billion pound machine. In Geoff’s case he decided to connect his steering gear the wrong way round, thereby discovering that turning one way is not the same as turning the other and he narrowly missed colliding with the Jetty!

We have seen Esmerelda involved in Newton’s third law which states that to every action there is a reaction – that is unless your launching trailer is not strong enough to take the reaction in which case it, er, collapses… as for ourselves on Phoenix as more and more and more gear is loaded we thoroughly tested Archimedes’s principle which states that the mass of the floating object will displace its own weight in water, that is of course unless one of the glands can’t take the strain in which case the result is a severe leak!

Michael - Put gear on board Rice Pudding IX with help from Jaja and Sue. I was able to stow my gear before Norman could see how much I was bringing. Norman's ok but some skippers perpetually moan about the amount of gear that you bring on board, "Look I've only got one bag" they say. They forget that most of their gear is already on board, life jacket, oil skins, boots, deck shoes, food, camera, books etc.

Rice Pudding IX was in the dock ready for tomorrow's early departure. Hopes were high, as the forecast seemed good. Toggenberg had already locked down. Moonshine and Phoenix were rafted alongside and Pebbles and Esmerelda, motored in to join her. We were rafted alongside Wyrewind and further up the dock were Nyoka, Strider and Two Shoes. Wilf, Salvador, was going to go with Toggenberg as his crew had been taken ill.

Sea Otter was preparing to leave her mooring, leaving for Piel to avoid the early start in the morning.

Several boats left the dock, Drumlin, Andy and Lorna MacNab, amongst them.

Back to the club for tea and relaxation where we learned that Tom and Irene, the Salty Fiddlers, were now in Fishguard, well on their way to meeting us in Caernarfon.

Colin - It’s Friday night and we are all gathered, the various boat problems appear to have been fixed. We have been promised winds of 2’s-3’s (earlier in the week) with a nice high pressure over the Irish Sea for our voyage down to Conwy but the predicted high pressure is slowly moving south and the actual forecast for tomorrow is 3’s - 4’s… further to a chat with Dave on Toggenberg it seems the forecast has got slightly worse and a 5 has now appeared…

So finally, I get the Family on board our boat (despite threats of mutiny and divorce) they are all in bed now and dreaming of tomorrow's voyage, I’m also dreaming of it but considering bolt holes in case this force 5 does develop.

Michael - I boarded at 2100 hours, meanwhile John had put his gear on board, minimal because he'd travelled down by public transport and it was all he could carry. Sue and Jaja waved goodbye. On their way back to the club, they were staying on the Tamarisk for a long weekend, I discovered a child's bodywarmer, left no doubt by one of Norman's grandchildren who were over from the Cayman Islands and had been on the boat since we loaded up. Sue and Jaja came back to fetch it and we said more goodbyes.

Norman and John boarded some time later, I had been asleep but I'm a light sleeper. The Commodore always said he liked me as crew because he could sleep soundly, I was such a bad sleeper that he knew if anything went wrong I'd be awake.

Saturday 24^th July

We planned to rise at 0400 hours but were rudely awakened by the cockler, who, for reasons unknown, started her engines up at 0300 hours.

Colin - I get up at 3.30 am and decide that we are not going to go after all - what I had been looking for were ‘silk-like’ seas and a force 5 is almost certain to put the family off joining the cruise next year. Esmerelda is rafted up next to me, they are gung-ho and are certainly on their way, as are some of the others. I go back to bed.

Michael - We roused ourselves and motored out of the dock at around 0400 hours, Wyrewind following us out. Pebbles, Esmerelda and Moonshine had already left.

Approaching No. 9 buoy, looking back, Wyrewind seemed to have stopped? Norman called her up to find out that her engine had failed, a loud noise. She just managed to limp alongside the club jetty. We were later to find out that it was the exhaust that had cracked. However as soon as Michael Waddington, he had planned to sail single-handed, had got her sorted out he took off for warmer climes.

Pebbles called up saying she was heading for Fleetwood as it was too rough for them against the wind. Moonshine replied that she was carrying on for a while. Moonshine was crewed by Peter and Daniel Johnson, Pebbles by Jeff and Linda Walker.

River Dance joined in the conversations saying that she was already well down Lune Deeps and was finding that the conditions were not too bad. Alan and Denise Fleetwood were on River Dance with their daughter and son-in-law Gary Foster and their children.

Rice Pudding was motoring at about two knots, leaving the lighthouse behind, crew: Norman Whewell, John Howell and Michael Swarbrick. Ahead and just in sight was Fingal apparently under sail with Justin Denham, his brother and five year old niece. They were heading for Piel for the weekend.

Round about No. 4 we unfurled the foresail and tacked on into the Heysham Channel but not before I, on the helm, had lost my woolly hat! Norman ordered the crew to turn round and retrieve the hat, which we did in a remarkably short time, I on the helm, John hanging over the side of the sponson and Norman giving directions/guidance.

Moonshine radioed that she was going into Fleetwood. Pebbles and Moonshine eventually tied up on the waiting pontoon outside Wyre Dock, the dock being closed by the time they arrived.

We, Rice Pudding, decided to push on to Danger Patch and then decide whether to carry on or not. River Dance still saying conditions were tolerable, mind you River Dance is a 42' cruiser.

Arriving at Danger Patch we set course for Halfway Shoal ! Passing this information on to River Dance, Esmerelda joined in to say they were carrying on motoring to Conwy, at the moment in sight of River Dance.

Still motoring with the Genoa out we eventually arrived at Piel, much to my relief. I was beginning to feel really out of sorts by the time we arrived at Halfway Shoal, obviously not 'match fit'.

We picked up Rice Pudding's mooring and noticed Sea Otter on a nearby Glasson mooring. Moments later Fingal, who had sailed all the way across, arrived and picked up another Glasson mooring, the first one as you approach.

Breakfast and then the relief of sleep. We called up River Dance who said conditions were not improving, as we'd hoped based on the forecast, but they were motoring on. Conditions outside at the time were not conducive to venturing out on deck so more rest and relaxation below.

Colin - We enjoy a nice breakfast round at the club, though feeling a little unhappy at not actually going.

By Saturday lunchtime we hear the news that the predicted force 5 has become a 5-6 and boats have been scattered to Piel Island and the waiting Pontoon at Fleetwood. However, two boats have decided to carry on, they are River Dance at 42’and the much smaller boat the 22’ Esmerelda, a wooden Catamaran.

Michael - Eventually River Dance arrived safely in Conwy - mobile phone to Alan Fleetwood. Alan said they hadn't had contact with Esmerelda since about 1400 hours.

1800 hours approximately, heard May Day messages from Holyhead Coastguard. Esmerelda had May Day-ed saying her hulls were both taking in water. Esmerelda is a 22' Hirondelle catamaran.

Rig protection Vessel Ajax altered course and was asked by Coastguard to stand by. The Coastguard said the crew of Esmerelda appeared to be ok but they, the Coastguard, would be grateful if Ajax would stand by until the helicopter arrived on the scene.

Llandudno lifeboat was also launched.

The winchman reported that there was no immediate danger and that the crew, David Burton, skipper, and Dermott Lapin, were managing to keep the water level down. We got the impression that the helicopter had lowered a pump but as you know this wasn't the case. The coastguard said it was ok for the helicopter to leave now but the helicopter crew said they would prefer to hover around until their fuel got low or until they had another call. We seemed to lose touch with the communications around this time but you already will have read Esmerelda's own account of what actually happened.

Later in the evening the skipper of Rice Pudding called Sea Otter and invited them over for drinks, Sea Otter's dinghy was already inflated and serviceable. Now were Rice Pudding's motives as hospitable as they seemed? There were no signs of life on Fingal.

Alan and Susan Round, crew of Sea Otter, came across for drinks and then ferried us across to the Ship, no need to get our dinghy out yet!

After the famed pie, peas, red cabbage and a few drinks we returned to the boat in shifts. I was first and washing my pee bottle out in the sea it somehow slipped through my fingers and was out of sight, dark, before I could recover it. Despite a search by Alan and Susan we were unable to find it.

Norman called up Holyhead Coastguard, explained who we were, and asked for information about Esmerelda? All was reported to be under control, the Llandudno lifeboat was towing them into Conwy.

Text message from the Salty Fiddlers, they were in Porth Dinllaen after a heroic twelve-hour voyage from Fishguard.

Sunday 25^th July

In an unusual spirit of bonhomie I texted home and several boats wishing everyone a good morning. I got replies from Sue, Toggenberg and Vember in Scotland.

We heard the sad news from River Dance that Esmerelda had been beached at Deganwy.

We asked the Coastguard for a forecast - SW F 6-7 veering W and easing later. We decided to wait until Monday morning before striking out for Conwy. It was blowing force 7 at the time but the forecast looked good for tomorrow: SW 5 - 6 occasionally 7, veering NW 3 - 4.

We hadn't had a bad night but the other boats had found it somewhat choppy.

Colin - We learn on Sunday that the predicted force 5 turned out to be a 6-7, certainly gusts of force 7 were recorded at the Crosby weather station. The winds were so strong around Glasson that I couldn’t take ‘Phoenix’ back onto her trailer in order to check on my leak and had to leave her at the club jetty.

The weather forecast showing improvement (3-4’s on Monday, 2-3’s on Tuesday) we decide along with Toggenberg, Nyoka, and Penny Diamond - John Broadhead’s new boat, to leave for Conwy on Tuesday.

Michael - 1200 hours. Fingal wanted to set off for Glasson but decided to wait until the wind eased. Seanna and dBase II left the anchorage.

We had cheese and biscuits for lunch, a meal that filled us adequately several lunch times over the holiday.

We drew lots for who was to peel the spuds for tea. I was the unlucky winner but somehow John ended up peeling them. Norman was to blow up the dinghy and John let it down but Alan and Susan kindly eliminated the need to do this.

Around 1600 hours Dave Crowther informed us that Esmerelda had beached at Llandudno when it was being towed round to Conwy. She had been dragged over rocks and had sunk. As you know this wasn't quite the case. Below is a photograph provided by Andy and Lorna MacNab of her, at the moment, last resting-place.

Alan took us ashore again for a drink and a change of scenery. Not drinking at this stage I wandered over to the castle. Drumlin and Fingal's crews were there so a pleasant interlude followed basking in the weak sunshine.

The shipping forecast at 1755 hours was: Irish Sea W 4-5 decreasing 3

Alan and Susan had the famous pies and peas before returning us to our boat where Norman 'cooked' Wilson Stewed Steak for our dinner.

As we planned an early start tomorrow, around 0900 hours, well early for Rice Pudding, we retired early to bed, or rather, bunk.

Monday 26^th July

Jim - We got under way on Strider at 0530 hours and set off for Conwy in company with Two Shoes. Other boats joined us as the day wore on.

Michael - It was sunny first thing but it had clouded over by the time we left the mooring at 0815 hours. Sea Otter and Drumlin were already well on their way.

Drumlin was bound for the new marina at Deganwy where they had booked in for a month. Their plan was to sail out of Deganwy over the holiday and beyond.

Once clear of the moorings we hoisted the main and spinnaker and sailed away. Going down the channel the spinnaker blew out, the clew plus a metre of cloth had parted company with the rest of the sail ! Bang, literally, went our passage plan as we could not now maintain the necessary speed under sail alone.

Rice Pudding has an asymmetrical spinnaker which sometime are called Gennikers?

Moonshine and Pebbles had left Fleetwood at 0500 hours and were well ahead of Two Shoes and Strider who had left Glasson.

Toggenberg, whose insurance restricts her from sailing if a force 5 is mentioned in the forecast, Nyoka and Phoenix, still in the dock, were intending leaving tomorrow. A barbecue was planned at the club for the afternoon so whether that influenced the others we'll never know.

Where where Suzi and Wyrewind?

There were good views all round as we left Lightning Knoll but now there nothing to see beyond the horizon.

1245 hours. I was on watch, Norman and John were resting below. Autohelm on motor sailing. There was a sail on the port beam in the distance.

We overheard that Pebbles' engine was heating up but it didn't become a problem.

Colin - We held an impromptu barbecue, where John, Nyoka, showed off his impression of the Naked Chef.

Michael - 1645 hours. Moonshine and Pebbles were out of sight or at least couldn't be identified. They were the first into Conwy. Two Shoes, Drumlin and Rice Pudding were all converging on to Conwy No. 2 buoy. Strider was some way behind. Sea Otter was a further two hours behind. Sea Otter may have been fishing?

It was still overcast but marginally brighter, the sea was now slight.

1700 hours. We were again being buzzed by military aircraft, third time.

We got a reasonable berth but a long way from the facilities. The others were all, in my opinion, badly done to. They had been all rafted up to the boatlift jetty which could only be accessed down a precarious ladder, which itself was almost out of reach when the sill was raised.

Jim - We were all in Conwy by late afternoon / early evening. Berthing space in the marina was evidently in short supply as we were told to raft-up to the boat-hoist pontoon, which we did in company with Two Shoes, Pebbles, Moonshine and Sea Otter. We went to the Mulberry pub in the evening and met up with Dave and Dermott who told us about the loss of Esmeralda.

Michael - Dave and Dermot came to visit us in the evening and told us of their experiences. Dave's written it up as you may have all read. The forward compartments of the hulls had filled with water causing the boat to go through the waves rather than over them. Eventually they started to laminate. Esmerelda was beached on the rocks at the point where the road round Great Orme's Head meets the Deganwy road.

I spoke to Sue on the mobile and she said that Suzis weren't coming and that Wyrewind had jetted away to Spain! We subsequently learned that the senior Suzis had had an offer of a flotilla cruise in the Mediterranean and had used up their holiday entitlement so couldn't come.

By the time we'd fed and watered it was getting late so I stayed on the boat. Norman and John went of for a shower and came back via the Mulberry, the pub on the marina, and later via River Dance, tumbling back on the boat later still.

Tuesday 27^th July

Colin - We are tucked up in bed by 10.30p.m and ready for the real start to our family holiday.

Four boats in all are set for a 7.00a.m departure after being awoken by the promised 5.00a.m alarm call of Dave Crowther sounding his horn as he drives by the dock on his way to work!

Westerly 3, decreasing variable 2, has been delivered by mother nature.

Michael - Up at 0700 hours and showered. It was drizzling.

Norman went of in search of a sail repairer and eventually contacted a man in Port Dinorwig and arranged for us to take the sail to him on Thursday once we were in Caernarfon.

Meanwhile Norman had spotted a weak point in the stitching on the leech of the mainsail. Norman persuaded Mick, Two Shoes, to have a go at repairing the sail. Two Shoes' crew was Mick Clough and Linda Harris, amongst other skills, sowers. A Kevlar self adhesive tape was bought from the chandlers and efforts were made to sew it into place.

John and I walked into Conwy whilst Mick and Norman laboured away.

Jim - We spent today in Conwy, looking around the town and shopping.

Michael - Amongst other supplies we were short of teaspoons so I said I'd get some, Mick said they were too. Mick and Linda had had soft-boiled eggs for breakfast and they'd had to keep passing their onlt teaspoon backwards and forwards between them. So we got them some as well.

The other five boats had been moored on the lifting pontoon all day!

Jeff and Linda came to visit us in the morning. Andy and Lorna came to visit just after lunch, cheese and biscuits, whilst Mick was still endeavouring to repair the sail. By this time Mick was getting anxious that his crew might mutiny.

Penny Diamond, Phoenix, Toggenberg and Nyoka had left Glasson and were on their way towards us. Penny Diamond is John Broadhead's boat and he was bound for his mooring in the river Conwy. He has a property in Deganwy. Phoenix's crew was Colin, Karen, Faye and James Lambert. Toggenberg had Dave, Chris, Vicky Booth and her boyfriend Tom on board. Wilf had been unable to make it because his wife had injured her hand. Nyoka was sailed by Dennis Marsden, John Critchley and Ian Hutchinson.

I texted Dave on Toggenberg "how r u doin" and got the following reply " We are 20 miles off Puffin Island, 5 knots plus. Dennis nearby, Big John and Colin both 5 miles ahead, love Vicky." 1405 hours.

Over the VHF came "We're in the Glasson Bermuda Triangle" said Dennis. Nyoka's engine had packed up, just stopped. Just like last year's cruise but a different boat but in the same place, well as near as makes no difference. If you remember Pebbles had similar problems this year and last in the 'Glasson Triangle'.

Toggenberg's destination was Port Penrhyn, as had been Nyoka's, so, like last year, Toggenberg towed them in but this time to Port Penrhyn. Nyoka's crewed managed to get the engine going again but decided to keep the umbilical chord to Toggenberg, Chris is a midwife.

Meanwhile Penny Diamond and Phoenix were navigating the inshore passage to Conwy. They saw poor Esmerelda abandoned on the rocks.

Phoenix was allocated a berth near the fuel pontoon, after Norman had requested that they have a proper berth on account of their children.

Colin - Looking forward to joining the rest of the Glasson Sailing Club entourage, arriving at 6.00p.m to a warm reception with Jeff, Norman, John and Michael there ready to take our lines and turn the boat around for us, so now it’s off to the Conwy Sailing Club.

Michael - Norman and John also went to the Sailing Club in Conwy for the evening. Alcohol still hadn't passed my lips.

The plan was to leave for Caernarfon in the morning.

Wednesday 28^th July

Up early and showered. Again!

Colin - It’s a misty morning with sunshine, Wednesday 28th July, we are under engine departing Conwy in company of Pebbles, we are intending to go up towards Puffin Island and into the Menai Straits and then down to the Menai Bridge, where Jeff has promised us there is a nice floating jetty waiting for us.

Michael - We prepared to leave and motored round to the pontoon near the entrance to fill up with water, again, we were consuming lots of water? About 0920 hours.

Pebbles, Moonshine and Phoenix had already left. Penny Diamond was sailing up and down outside the marina - she was out for a day sail with us. Sea Otter had moved on to the outside pontoon. Two Shoes was still inside.

We motored out, raised the main and unfurled the Genoa. Penny Diamond sailed alongside. she was going back in a couple of hours and then John was going cycle down to Caernarfon later.

Sadly there was not enough wind to sail and it was cloudy and misty.

We motored out to Fairway Buoy and set course for Puffin Island. It was our intention to go to Caernarfon but to make the trip more interesting we planned to sail round Puffin Island and through the narrows.

Moonshine, Phoenix and Pebbles were ahead of us. They were now on their way to Menai.

Colin - The Esmerelda story is unfolding and sadly we have heard that looters have been stealing from the wreck, which at the moment seems impossible to prevent.

Apparently the Lifeboat men who attended were at a small wedding when the call from Esmerelda came, most of the congregation including the Groom were made up of the Lifeboat crew, fortunately the Groom remained behind to finish the ceremony!

Phoenix, Pebbles and Moonshine were all at the end of Puffin Island, there were hundreds of Cormorants, and thousands of other seabirds, seals basking on the rocks and in the water, in the distance there is the disused Monastery. It is interesting that the Kids seem far less interested in seeing the real wildlife and the thousands of seabirds, perhaps since they see so much via the TV. and the internet the real thing doesn’t seem so exciting.

Dennis calls us from Penrhyn.

Michael - Over the VHF we learned that Nyoka was "Knee deep in gas oil" systematically going through the fuel system trying to locate the fault which they had concluded was the fuel supply. Nyoka suggested that Moonshine, Phoenix and Pebbles should go into Port Penrhyn and join them but as the water was disappearing from the port fast they decided to continue down to the bridge.

Nyoka wanted to delay going through the Swellies till tomorrow, there must be a good pub near the quay, which meant that Toggenberg was obliged to stay there too.

Norman pointed us to the narrows to circumnavigate Puffin clockwise but as we approached we decide that there wasn't enough water left so we headed for the northern tip. There were lots of cormorants in the water. As we rounded we spotted one seal, Moonshine and Pebbles had seen several, and lots of birds through the mist.

I'd helmed so far and Norman took over then somehow as it started to rain poor John ended up being the one getting wet.

Strider and Two Shoes were behind us, now up to where the cormorants where, fishing. Sea Otter, intending to join them, was still outside the marina. Mick was doing well, reeling the fish in but Hazel was not having much success. Strider's crew was Jim Cruise and Hazel Bradley. I suspect we were all missing Strider's Vicki-Lyn who was tragically killed in a road accident earlier this year. I was, she was a young person who had the happy knack of making everyone she came into contact with feel that they were special.

Jim - We sailed across to Puffin Island and anchored just off to do some fishing. Two Shoes anchored nearby. Whilst at anchor we were visited by the biggest and tamest seal I have ever seen? He seemed to want to get into the boat with us. Perhaps he was used to people fishing there and was expecting free hand outs. Later we weighed anchor and motored up the straits.

Michael - Around buoy B8 the rain eased of although it still looked black towards Conwy.

More VHF. Nyoka had discovered that her fuel tank was full of lots of things beside diesel so she'd procured a temporary tank and new pipes etc. from Dickies and was now hopeful of becoming operational again.

Phoenix would have liked to go into Port Penrhyn but considered that there wasn't enough water so pressed on to Telford's bridge. Pebbles and Phoenix eventually moored alongside Bangor University's Survey Vessel but Moonshine, with only Peter on board, was ghosting on, tacking down to the bridge with only his Genoa unfurled.

Colin - We moor up to the ‘Fisheries Protection’ vessel The Prince Maddock at Menau Bridge Pier, rafted up with Pebbles and Moonshine. Other boats are still on Puffin Island catching plenty of fish and I have christened my ‘Asda’ ten-pound fishing rod and caught my first Mackerel.

Michael - 1300 hours. Two Shoes was catching lots of mackerel and dogfish and starting to sail slowly towards Menai trawling for bass. Sea Otter was now close by Two Shoes and Strider also fishing. We picked up a mooring at Beaumaris and had lunch, French onion soup, and then we all had a sleep. No sign of summer yet!

With the rising tide we decided to call into Port Penrhyn to see Toggenberg and Nyoka.

On the way in we collected a small submerged buoy round the propeller.

As we chugged down to the bridge, very little wind which was against us, we noticed that Toggenberg and Nyoka had decided to follow the fleet. We'd told them that the Royal Welsh Yacht Club was providing a 'welcome' for us. We followed Sea Otter when she started to go towards the bridge through the Swellies. Sea Otter is familiar with these waters and could judge from the waters when it was the right time to start, it was a little ahead of the pilot's recommended time.

We motored on past Lord Nelson's statue, Plas Newlyn, Port Dinorwig and Plas Menai. Approaching Victoria Dock we winched one sponson in and had a few anxious moments as a large powerboat charged past us creating waves that could have capsized us. Toggenberg later reported that his engine was surging as he approached the dock and they had had a few anxious moments too but all was well in the end.

Safely inside the dock we rafted alongside Nyoka who had passed us on the way down, in fact there was only Toggenberg behind us. Salty Fiddler and River Dance were there to welcome us, Salty Fiddler on passage from France, River Dance had left Conwy the day before.

By this time my heels and left toes had gone black and my ankle and foot had swollen up. My shin, the original injury was still swollen. I'd promised Sue, on the mobile, that I'd show my leg to Lyn and ask if it was still ok? Both Lyn and Karen decided I should go to A & E next day. We had four nurses, one of them a midwife, on the cruise so we were well equipped to deal with medical problems.

We all drifted towards the Royal Welsh Yacht Club, who had laid on sandwiches, free, for us and enjoyed their hospitality. Some of you may recall reading about the hospitality of the Royal Welsh Yacht Club in one of the boating magazines last autumn. We have had similar treatment on all three cruises that we've made to North Wales. We can all unreservedly recommend them.

Thursday 29^th July

Up early, showered and 0740 hours was waiting for the bus to the nearest A&E hospital at Bangor. I was really lucky. I was the only person in the waiting room. I was treated very well and seriously and after an X-ray was told not to worry, it may take time but everything was ok. The doctor recommended Neurofen to combat the inflation.

I got back on the bus only to alight a few stops later at Port Dinorwig to meet Norman and John who were bringing the spinnaker to be repaired.

While I was waiting I walked along the dock and shore and found a shop to sell me a bottle of water. I'm quite 'anxious' about water. As long as I drink about 2 litres a day it seems to keep all my problems at bay. Like most of you have a taste for beer I've developed a taste for evian.

Norman and John arrived and the Salty Fiddlers, Tom and Irene Riley, were with them. We took the sail to the loft, actually the 'stitcher', Jean, on her way to work met us at the bus stop and drove us to the loft. The sailmaker and the stitcher discussed the damage and decided upon a way to tackle the repair. They would let us know when it was ready for collection , Jean was well into the repair before we left.

We had an early lunch in the Captain's Table ( I think it was called something like that), part of the new port buildings' complex.

We wandered round along the quays and Norman couldn't contain himself so he went to check progress. It would be ready for the next bus but one. The Salty fiddlers and I caught the next bus back to Victoria dock. The bus stop was near the Safeway store where I bought some Neurofen.

Norman and John returned with the sail and the repair was excellent. It was impossible to tell where the tear had been except for a small reinforcement strip near the leech of the sail.

Norman and John walked round the quay to Toggenberg to arrange John's passage back home, in Chris's car. Vicky and Tom had to be in Manchester by 1230 hours on Saturday so as John had to be back home by weekend it all worked in very well, John got the train back to Arnside from Manchester. John is on the committee at Arnside Sailing Club and he's going to be our pilot into Arnside when we finally get round to going. Actually at the time of writing this he's just joined Glasson as well.

The weather had picked up by now, we'd had some rain but things were looking up. The Pebbles were out shopping.

We were entertained, somewhat informally throughout the afternoon by Lyn on the guitar and Colin playing his flute, not together. Colin was the most persistent, playing in between light spells of rain.

Irene was most disparaging about Norman's hair so he agreed to have it cut. Irene performed the task and left Rice Pudding covered in Norman's hairs. We all agreed he looked much better, younger even.

Meanwhile Ian climbed the hill overlooking the town and Alan sourced a new oil pressure switch.

We did some shopping to replenish our stores and re-filled our 5 litre petrol containers at Safeways.

Most of us had our evening meal at Wetherspoons. A free pint with the curry was the attraction for the others. Not my type of eating place but I was pleasantly surprised by the lovely vegetarian meal they served.

Afterwards we walked round the outside of the castle along the quay in the inner harbour. I was unfortunate enough to be targeted by one of the seagulls, still they say muck for luck.

We spent the rest of the evening at the Royal Welsh Yacht Club. Les, the steward took some of us on to the roof and gave us an interesting history lesson about the club's premises, which are set in one of the Caernarfon town wall towers. He said as children they had been able to walk along the town walls like you can at Conwy but all the walls were closed now.

I can't remember the history of the towers now but one of them was the ward tower (sorry if I've got this all wrong) It was the garrison latrines and they used the tower to hang up all their clothes. The ammonia from the urine rose up and killed off all the bugs in them.

Norman, in his capacity as Rear Commodore Cruising held a meeting about the future plans. The forecast was too windy and in the wrong direction over the weekend to get to Porth Dinllaen so that was abandoned. Most of us agreed to go to Abermenai in the morning. Moonshine had to wait for his crew, who would only arrive on Saturday morning, and Pebbles had some unsatisfactory shopping to return. River Dance planned to return home on Saturday morning.

As the alcohol flowed stories were revealed. Jeff was happily shaving away in the showers/toilets when a lady entered. Jeff said "I think you're in the wrong showers". She replied "One of us is". It was Jeff! He'd been talking away to someone in one of the cubicles - it was Faye - now he understood why they didn't talk back.

Soirée on River dance again, Gary playing his guitar, which was bought on the advice of one of Dire Straits musicians. Sadly they were a bit noisy but they didn't disturb me, a light sleeper.

Friday 30^th July

Up early again, me that is, the others were fast asleep after their early morning revelries.

Nyoka was also staying in Caernarfon for another day but the River Dancers reconsidered and sailed to Abermenai in Strider, River Dance being a fin-keeler made it more difficult to anchor near the shore, most boats dry out.

Norman was summoned to report to the Dockmaster. John and I filled up with water whilst he went off to pay our dues and he was surprised to be reprimanded for the noise they had created last night! Oops. One of the other boats had complained.

Toggenberg was first away and anchored in the spot she had surveyed last year. Salty Fiddler, Two Shoes, Sea Otter, Phoenix and Strider all left before us. Rice Pudding motored out of the dock and fitted the repaired spinnaker. We sailed to Abermenai on the spinnaker alone, tacking to and fro across the Straits. Phoenix had found a spot where she would stay afloat and Rice Pudding also, which wasn't difficult for us as we only took eighteen inches. We dropped anchor and relaxed before going ashore at 1300 hours as agreed. All the others took the ground.

John blew the dinghy up and we went ashore complete with barbecue and food. We all lined up behind the dunes in a lovely sunny spot and lit our barbecues.

After pork sausages and baps we drew lots for the boules. The games got under way, a straight forward knockout tournament, eight teams. As the games progressed the competition became more intense and many were disappointed. By the time we'd reached the final the opposing teams were hurling insults at each other. All good fun but is there 'many a true word said in jest'? Unscathed the Salty Fiddlers emerged as winners.

It had been a lovely sunny afternoon. From time to time people wandered off exploring the peninsula, Colin to move Phoenix closer to the shore at low water, Alan thought we had dragged because we were now closer to Colin, he hadn't seen Colin move. The peninsula is covered in lush flora - cornflowers, tom thumbs, ragged robin, sea thistles and many many more, which I couldn't put names too. There didn't appear to be many birds but there were swallows.

As the happy afternoon drew to a close Vicky, Faye and James went into the water. Hazel followed and so did I. Cold but not too cold. I'd had a paddle before deciding to undress, no swimming shorts but I wore my coloured underwear, which I hoped looked ok. Hazel 'encouraged' (under pain of death) James to swim which he managed to do with Colin encouraging as well. Colin had joined us but not before he'd put his wetsuit on - first time since he and Karen had sailed their Enterprise many years ago.

The River Dancers said their goodbyes and as we planned to stay another day, they left their remaining Barbecue food with Norman. They sailed back to Caernarfon with the Striders.

Jim - On the way back across the straits to Caernarvon Hazel slipped down the companionway steps and hurt her leg.

Michael - Eventually we went back to the boat. John cooked River Dance's liver and onions for him and me and Norman cooked their burgers for us all. Ate too much - often do this - perhaps I got too cold swimming.

Heard on the VHF - Two Shoes asked Pebbles, still in Caernarfon, to get Lyn a TV from Woolworth's before they came tomorrow.

The Rice Puddings were all in their bunks by 2215 hours !!

Saturday 31^st July

Weather forecast 0500 UTC 24 hours W becoming V3 later, slight or smooth - next 24 hours SE 3 V later 3 or 4, slight or smooth.

The Rice Puddings were up early, even Norman. John was leaving today, it was the end of his holiday but he had holidays in the Solway and Mediterranean to come over the next few weeks.

We picked up Chris, Vicky and Tom from Toggenberg and took them and John to Caernarfon. It was overcast but there were signs that it would improve. We dropped them off at the slip on the harbour wall and set off back.

Norman said do you fancy Port Dinllaen? Call the Coastguard and get a local forecast. Westerly 4 becoming V 3 or less; tomorrow SE or less later.

We called up Toggenberg and asked David if he'd like a sail with us? Sadly he had to decline because he couldn't leave Toggenberg on her own, also the dinghy was trapped under her, Sea Otter had spotted this earlier. Norman then called round all the boats, the ones in Caernarfon also, but everyone wanted to stay in Abermenai. Pebbles, Moonshine and Nyoka were coming over today. Strider couldn't come, poor Hazel had fallen down the companion way last night and badly damaged her leg.

We set off alone into the unknown. Actually it had now become a lovely day so there was no fear and trepidation just enthusiasm for a good sail at last. It was just after High Water, around 1030 hours. We motored out over the Caernarfon Bar, now a peaceful innocent looking stretch of water. We were among a fleet of sailing boats and several high powered motor cruisers.

Once away from the sandbanks we hoisted the main and spinnaker. Creamed along at 8 - 9 knots but slightly east of our required course. After a while we dropped the spinnaker and unfurled the Genoa, which allowed us to make good our course. Had early lunch, cheese and biscuits.

Gradually we overhauled all the boats ahead of us and arrived at Porth Dinllaen. We chose the wrong approach but we'd nothing else to do and the sun was still shining. We had to push against the tide for the final half mile slipping back to fourth in the 'race'.

We picked up a mooring and relaxed in the sun but soon we had to seek the shade.

We had tea at about 1730, salmon salad but we couldn't find any tomatoes. I washed up the day's pots and Norman scrubbed the boat down.

Since settling on the mooring we had been plagued by speed boats, sports boats, jet skis and motorised dinghies zipping up and down a few coming to look at this strange flying machine (it's referred to as the 'Flying Bedstead' around the Club) and finding amusement, probably the name. Not quite the idyllic anchorage I'd been told about. A beach in full swing of the holiday season. Didn't manage to get in the water for a swim.

At 1920 hours we decided not to go ashore. The shore was packed and rowdy and Norman couldn't face the prospect of costly warm beer in plastic glasses, £2.50 a pint last year. I was more than happy to stay on board.

More VHF messages. Salty Fiddler, Nyoka and one other boat were going back to Caernarfon tonight. We heard a forecast from Holyhead Coastguard V 3 or less, mainly fair, good, so we could sleep easy or so we thought.

We settled in our bunks and Norman found a Welsh Radio 4 station with folk type music. He thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. It was good but he kept waking me up to say was I sure I didn't mind the radio on. I was out of sight in the forepeak.

Sunday 1^st August

Colin - It’s Sunday, which happens to be my 23rd Wedding Anniversary!

Everyone is now back in Caernarfon apart from ‘Toggenberg’ who is still at Abermenai, Norman has just come back from Port Dinllaen, ‘Strider’s’ crew has gone off to hospital to have a suspected broken leg mended.

The high-pressure system is still with us, hot, Mediterranean weather continuing. We are looking forward to an expedition to ‘Wetherspoons’ followed by a visit to the Royal Welsh Yacht Club, hosted by Les, and we are off to Port Dinorwig tomorrow.

Jim - Hazel's leg was swollen and painful so we took a taxi to Bangor Hospital. They x-rayed her leg and found it wasn?t broken but the muscles were damaged. They put on a plaster cast and gave her a pair of crutches. Her injuries didn?t prevent her hobbling to the Royal Welsh in the evening.

Michael - August already, were was the summer going?

We had had a quiet night but all the boats around us were lying to the tide and we were lying across it, held there by the wind. The bucket, our sea anchor, didn't seem to be working. We settled very close to a small sailing cruiser and the Skipper was concerned that we might come together. However we shortened our scope and lived to tell the tale.

We were up early, 0630 hours, and away by 0715 hours. There wasn't much wind. We sailed on main and spinnaker for about eighty minutes but then switched the motor on and motored all the way to Caernarfon Victoria Dock.

Toggenberg was the only boat left at Abermenai and Norman asked David if he wanted to borrow me to get her to Caernarfon but he said thanks but he was looking forward to meditating all on his own, or words to that effect. He'd already made plans for assistance tomorrow morning, Ian of Nyoka would go across to help.

Nearly all the boats wanted to go to Port Dinorwig tomorrow, Monday, so Norman contacted the marina and arranged for us all to go, except Sea Otter who wanted to press on to Red Wharf Bay. Salty Fiddler then decided that she would follow Sea Otter through the Swellies and carry on to Glasson. Irene needed to be home on Friday to attend her brother's funeral.

When we had taken the sail to the sailmakers at Port Dinorwig I'd casually asked the Dockmaster if they accommodated visitors. Of course he said, surprised by my question. I then said we've got ten boats in Caernarfon I suppose that's too many. No he scoffed we had thirty Irish boats here recently, we kept them all in the lock, it is much better that way, friendly. Of course I had told this story to the others so I suppose it was that that decided them all to try it out on the way back. Because we expected to be kept in the lock Norman told the Dockmaster we had someone who couldn't manage without a ladder, there were no ladders in the lock, and the Dockmaster said, indignantly, that of course we can manage, we're a marina.

We had a lazy afternoon with more shopping at Safeways; fuel, bread, water, cheese etc. It was noticeable that the Safeways plastic bags, which were supplied last week, had now been replace by Morrison's bags.

Hazel had been to Bangor A&E. Her leg was badly bruised and her leg muscles damaged. they had set her leg in a cast, plaster front but gauze back, to prevent further damage.

Colin - Norman and Mick reckon she has now got plaster on it crutches and a parrot!

Michael - Many of us went to Wetherspoons again for our evening meal, vegetarian moussaka again, delicious.

After a walk round the inner harbour again we went up on to the yacht club roof to watch the sun go down. I'd started to consume alcohol now, two halves of Guinness.

Back on boat at midnight.

Monday 2^nd August

A little rain first thing but glorious sun afterwards. Up early, showered and after breakfast went across to Safeway to get evian for rest of trip. Eight litres, eight kilograms, equal to the weight I'd lost over the last two months. I was staggered by the amount that I'd been carrying round over the previous months, staggering too under its weight by the time I got back to the boat!

Sea Otter and Salty Fiddler left as soon as the gate opened.

Colin - Tom and Irene on Salty Fiddler set off to go through the ‘Swellies’ and then on to Fleetwood in order to attend a funeral.

Michael - Nyoka left next and joined up with Toggenberg . Two Shoes was close behind. Toggenberg lead the three of them into Port Dinorwig. The rest of us were dragging our feet. On the VHF we were urged to get to Port Dinorwig as soon as possible, the Dockmaster was anxious to get us in.

Rice Pudding motored up with the Genoa unfurled. As we arrived at Port Dinorwig it looked like the gap between the gates wasn't wide enough. After a few anxious moment we inched in (doesn't sound right - millimetred in) with only millimetres, well about 200, to spare on either side of the sponsons. As it seemed imperative that we get in because of the Dockmaster's request we'd opted to go straight in without bringing the sponsons in. There was more confusion as we entered, a young man on the side was shouting were we the boat for the outer harbour, which we couldn't understand at first.

We could now see why they were anxious to get us in. The lock had been open at both ends but now they were losing water so the inner gate was being closed. The rest of us would have to lock through.

Moonshine, who had sailed up, was next in followed by Pebbles, Strider a little way behind. When Strider came in the mystery was solved. The young man was delegated to pilot them into the outer harbour were it was thought it would be easier for Hazel to disembark. So the Striders were separated from the rest of us but they were quite happy.

We were given a berth on the north wall but soon had to move because the berth owner returned unexpectedly, a big Grand Banks type boat, Zambuka. We rafted alongside White Rose, another posh motor cruiser - she was blue coloured?

Toggenberg was nicely berthed alongside but it was Jace II's berth and she had also returned unexpectedly. Jace II's skipper was irate "I've paid £3500 for a berth that I can't use". This unexpected hostility was soon smoothed over, who could resist Chris's charm? Jeff and I agreed. In a few minutes they were quite good friends and everything worked out.

We had our staple lunch, cheese and biscuits, and bread because we were in port. I had my first half glass of wine, which left me squiffy so it became my last half glass of wine. More for Norman.

It rained a little after lunch, it had clouded over and felt thundery. We slept most of the time after lunch but eventually roused ourselves for a walk. We strolled round the sea wall looking for Strider, who we found dried out in the outer harbour but quite happy, well as happy as they could be with Hazel's plastered leg. They made us a cup of tea and we chatted for a while.

Managed to get a couple of swipe cards, needed for late and early visits to the shower complex. The facilities were obviously fairly new and as such were very good. Also got some yearbooks.

We had a posh dinner on board. Norman rigged up the cockpit table, a clever design using the one-piece washboard. Salmon salad.

By now news was coming in that Sea Otter was at Red Wharf Bay but the Salty Fiddlers were heading back to Beaumaris. They had only made eight miles in four hours so had given up their attempt to get to Glasson, the seas and wind were too much for them.

Colin - Some of us had a convivial evening at a restaurant and met up at the pub later in the evening.

Jim - We arrived in Port Dinorwig along with the other boats. I'd never been there before and I thought it a charming place. It has some similarities to Glasson in that a former industrial canal joins the tidal water via a sea lock. There is no fresh water basin like at Glasson, instead the boats moor in the dock itself or in the canal. There are also some drying pontoons outside the dock and we were directed to one of these to make it easier for Hazel to get on and off the boat.

Michael - Later we walked round the quays again to the pub opposite the moorings, west of the drying harbour, where we all assembled and watched the sunset sipping our drinks, I'd moved on to shandies by now, two pints!

Jim - There are three pubs in the village and we all met up in one of these for the evening. We spent an idyllic couple of hours sitting on a low wall outside the pub, sipping our drinks and watching evening settle over the straits.

Michael - Most crews wanted to stay another day if they could, all except the Rice Puddings, who perhaps because they'd spent some time here before with the spinnaker, had itchy feet. however they decided to stay with the fleet as it was a family cruise after all.

I'd taken a couple of novels to read but didn't open them, passed the quiet times doing crosswords.

Tuesday 3^rd August

Up early again, I'm a poor sleeper, had shower by 0730 hours and spent time doing a crossword while the skipper slept on.

Colin - Force 6’s are forecast for today so Tom and Irene have decided to leave their boat in Beaumaris and go by land to the funeral. The rest of us are spending the day in Port Dinorwig, one or two are going off to Llandudno. We are in a very nice harbour, with good shower facilities and good restaurants.

Moonshine went of to Pwllheli (to check out the prices for the former Butlins).

Michael - There was no discernible wind, it was dull and trying to rain. We confirmed our decision to stay and got permission for us all to stay from the Dockmaster.

After breakfast and between showers we walked with the Two Shoes along the quay away from the Straits and then back along the opposite side and out along the shore towards the Swellies. Had several attempts, some successful, to skim stones along the water.

Long goodbyes were said to the Jace IIs.

Soup, bread and cheese for lunch, again. Afterwards, whilst it was raining softly, we listened to the radio again, this time to Anthony Blunt's story, very interesting.

David and Chris had cycled to see the Swellies at low water, well that was their plan. David had spent some time in the morning making two bicycles out of the three they had on board to be able to do it.

Jim - We took the bus to Llandudno for the day. When we got back we got a mobile phone message from the others asking us to join them in the pub ? a different pub this time ? the Halfway House. There was some confusion over the directions to the pub and we hobbled round a full tour of the village before we found the right one.

Michael - Peter and Ann ventured to Pwllheli to look at a Hunter 32 - just looking. Jeff and Linda went shopping to Llandudno, no mean feat as they spent hours on buses.

After tea we all tried another pub, this one on the main road in the village.

Colin - Here the highlight of the day was a birthday card for Ian and an ensemble rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" Ian is a year older than he was last year, 54? Apparently Norman was married when Ian was born….

Michael - We didn't stay long because Manchester United was on in every room. Of course there was confusion which pub we should actually have met in. We ended up in the Halfway House nearer the marina.

Wednesday 4^th August

Jim - By now it was becoming apparent that the cast on Hazel?s leg wasn't doing her much good. It was chaffing her flesh and the plaster itself was starting to break up at the bottom. We went back to Bangor hospital and they replaced the plaster cast with an open-fronted plastic one which was much better. We stayed in Port Dinorwic an extra day because we had missed the tide and anyway we liked the place.

Michael - The Dockmaster was relieved that most of us were going because he had a lot of boats returning, no problem really, we just might have had to move further up beyond the bridge.

Now was the parting of the ways for us all as there were three separate destinations planned. We all assembled in the lock. As Moonshine and Pebbles were rafted alongside Toggenberg, Toggenberg was the last to enter. Pebbles was the first on the south wall. Moonshine rafted alongside. Rice Pudding, in narrow mode, was next with Phoenix alongside. Two Shoes had Nyoka alongside and then the juggling started to get Toggenberg in. What a struggle but we all packed in.

The gate was closed behind us and the outer gate opened in front of us. Having rigged the sponsons out we joined the fleet on passage to the Swellies. There was a lot of weed in the Straits and we wove about trying to avoid it, all concerned that we might get fouled up just as we got into the Swellies. We were advised to go a little earlier that the pilot books guide so that we got the last of the tide through the Swellies and all the way up to Beaumaris. This was good advice. There was only about 1 knot of tide with us, I think we were a little later than planned?

At Bangor Toggenberg, Nyoka and Moonshine peeled off into Port Penrhyn. The rest of us continuing up the channel. We spotted Salty Fiddler anchored on the shore at Gallows Point, on the Beaumaris side. We called up Tom and he said he was quite happy waiting for Irene to return from the funeral.

Phoenix and Two Shoes sailed away to Conwy; Rice Pudding and Pebbles ploughed on towards the Narrows. There was hardly any wind so we were all motoring and the sea was slight. Out came the cheese and biscuits again.

A bit choppy leaving the lighthouse to port and it didn't improve once we got outside and turned to port for Red Wharf Bay. We made several unsuccessful attempts to contact the Sea Otters. We later learned that they had tried to contact us too.

Visibility wasn't all that good but we could see the shore. Eventually we picked out Castell Mawr and found the channel buoys. Just head for the campsite to the left of the rock. There's a 'pass either side' red and white buoy at the entrance now. If there's not much water when you arrive follow the moorings to port once the channel buoys end.

Alan came to meet us in his dinghy and guided us to a mooring. Pebbles was a few minutes behind us and Alan did the same for him. The weather was improving, a little hazy sun now. We settled ok as the tide receded.

We walked across to the pub to meet Alan and Susan who had gone ashore to dine. Jeff and Linda were having an early night and leaving on the early morning tide. We got back and spent a while sitting on Sea Otter's dinghy until the tide reached us.

Thursday 5^th August

Pebbles was still there next to us, they had thought better of the early start.

The public toilets near the pub leave a lot to be desired. They say you can tell a nation by its public toilets, well Dictator Blair should think about that.

Messed around waiting for the tide. I wandered up and down the sands picking a few shells for Jaja. It was a pleasant morning but it was a bit hazy.

The tide reached us at 1200 hours and we were afloat at 1225 hours. We cast of just about 1300 hours, Pebbles had already left and was about 2 cables ahead. It was a little misty with hazy sun from time to time.

All the other boats, with the exception of Salty Fiddler, were now on their way to Conwy where Phoenix had arranged berths for them all, it appears Hazel had had a few words before we left last week.

Jim - We left Port Dinorwig and motored through the Swellies and along the straits to Conwy, where Colin off Phoenix had arranged berthing for all the boats, including the Port Penrhyn and Red Wharf Bay contingents. We also found Rolean in Conwy, she had suffered engine trouble but was now OK. We dined at the Mulberry with Dennis and Ian off Nyoka later we all adjourned to the bar. This was to be the last night that we were all to be together In a large group.

Michael - Rolean was with Phoenix in Conwy waiting for them/us. Now Rolean has a tale to tell.

Rolean had left Glasson later than us with Derek Todd and wife, 'considerably younger', Caroline on board. Caroline was making an effort to like sailing. They left Glasson and sailed to Piel where Derek discovered he'd had a fuel leak. The leak was from the fuel pump and injector leak-off pipes. Derek cured this by piping the fuel into a five-litre container. However once they left Piel they found that the container filled up in no time, so soon they were swimming in diesel and they hadn't even reached the 'Glasson Triangle'. As they passed through the triangle the sea got very choppy and they had a rough time approaching Anglesey and needless to say Caroline is now never going to set foot on a boat again. That's actually only a few of the misfortunes that overtook them.

We sailed on towards Glasson in the mist, now getting thicker as we had got a few miles out. The VHF was very busy at this time because a couple of the local boats, fishing boats - sea angler touristy boats, were discussing the things that you normally talk about in the pub with a pint in your hand, local scandal and cars etc. He opened up by saying to his mate "Guess what? When I switched on this morning the first word I heard was ******* Rice Pudding! and then went into one of their conversations. Norman waited over a quarter of an hour before he could get a message to one of our fleet. We do talk a lot but it's usually passage matters. Well this skipper started moaning about these ****** pleasure sailors. So, Norman was on the helm now, I picked up the mike and made some polite comments about the VHF was supposed to be used for passage information only. He went ballistic! The language was rather bad. A while later amongst other things he complained about us being close together and transmitting on high power. His mate, sounding rather sheepish, said he was on high power too and it turned out that the abuser was on high power also. Well we'd soon be out of their area and they could carry on gossiping until next summer. We use channel 77 which seems to be free round Glasson but it's obviously used by the local fishermen round Anglesey.

1530 hours. We could see blue sky above us but visibility at sea level was poor. We seemed to be in a real sea mist.

Sometime in the afternoon we saw a Sea Cat pass ahead of us. Later Jeff radioed could we see the large tanker in front of us. We answered it was behind us, to Jeff's amusement. Those were the only things we saw from Red Wharf Bay to Lightning Knoll, visibility was so bad.

1600 hours. Motor sailing with main and spinnaker up sheeted inboard, 9 to 11 knots. Wind from the northwest, which is contrary to the SE forecast.

1630 hours. Skipper on deck. Wind increasing. Motor off and spinnaker back outboard, 10 - 11 knots.

1815 hours. Spinnaker down, Genoa out, speed still 10 - 11 knots. Becoming more overcast, rain soon?

1825 hours. Started to rain. Pebbles just had a hailstorm!

1902 hours. Two gannets nearby.

No more notes from this point, things started to get exciting. The visibility was worsening and we were approaching the area where we would encounter ships on their way to and from Heysham and Fleetwood. It was a bit nerve wracking. Both of us on watch, the skipper covering the starboard side and I the port side.

Then it really started to rain. Then we were in the middle of an electric storm! Couldn't see a thing except flashes of lightning, we even smelled one flash, a bit too close. We heard later that Pebbles had almost got knocked down. Jeff said to Linda "I wish we were closer to Rice Pudding, their mast is a lot taller than ours." Linda was a little concerned.

Fortunately the sea was slight so at least we had time to admire the flashes.

In the distance we could see some sort of light, Lightning Knoll? We couldn't hear the bell? Sea too calm punctuated by the thunder. It was Lightning Knoll and slowly we edged our way up the Barrow Channel, visibility was clearing now and the lightning lit up the buoys. Both of us were scanning the horizon all the time, except when we were getting the lights' characteristics from the plotter.

We approached the mooring, it was dark but the rain had stopped and the thunder had gone away. We picked out the buoy near Rice Pudding's mooring and held against the tide while Norman rigged up the bridal then we motored up in the direction of the mooring and were able to find it quite easily and tie up.

We went below and relaxed. Pebbles called up to register her progress, they were still at sea trying to judge their approach to arrive at Lune River No. 1 at the right time.

I think we had some food then sleep in the warm and dry.

Friday 6^th August

Jim - We spent a last day in Conwy, we shopped, went to a teapot museum and had an excellent chip shop meal. In the evening we met up at the Mulberry with the crews of the other boats still at Conwy, and planned our departure for tomorrow morning.

Colin - We had a very relaxing day in preparation for tomorrow.

We went over to see what was left of Esmerelda on the beach near to Llandudno, there was just the mast and sails lying next to the boat, virtually everything else had been stripped out.

Toggenberg and Moonshine sailed from Conway to Glasson. Moonshine had Jennifer as crew, I think it was her first long sea voyage?

We, that’s Phoenix, Strider, Two Shoes and Nyoka, are set for the final voyage home on Saturday to Glasson Sailing Club, virtually everyone else has left.

Unfortunately Salty Fiddler is having engine problems and is still left in Beaumaris.

Michael - We rose at a respectable time and noticed that Columbus was nearby. We waved to Arnold, which confirmed it was us for him. It was a lovely morning and he rowed across for a chat.

Columbus left first setting out for Glasson between the tower and Sea 7 buoy. Rice Pudding followed a little later and we had a pleasant sail home.

Rice Pudding entered the dock first, Columbus following close behind.

Sue and Jaja were on their way to meet us and we eventually left for home and a shower …….

Saturday 7^th August

Jim - We left Conwy at 0400 hours in company with Two Shoes, Nyoka, Phoenix and Rolean. It was still dark as we motored from buoy to buoy along the channel and we were glad of the GPS. We took the short cut close inshore under the Great Orme, then we set course for the Shell Wharf buoy and it was just a case of keeping watch and trimming the autohelm for the next 8 hours or so. We were motoring or motor-sailing most of the time. Then it was Wyre Fairway, Lune No 1 and so home to Glasson.

Colin - On the journey from Conway to Glasson we saw a dolphin by the boat which was a very nice sight.

We arrived safely and are looking forward to next year's Family Cruise.

Tuesday 17^th August

Salty Fiddler also arrived safely at Glasson in the early hours with Alex Wilson nursing the poor old boat for the last leg of her epic journey.

Friday 3^rd September

Started work at Leyland Motors today, forty-eight years ago.

The most encouraging thing about the cruise was that only four boats, Esmerelda, Wyrewind, Rice Pudding and Nyoka, out of fourteen had all male crews and only two of them completed the cruise. It's great that so many women are joining in these events. I suppose the only disappointing thing was that there weren't many children with us, only Phoenix and River Dance had young children and Moonshine had teenagers.

In October's Practical Boat Owner, No. 454, there is an article about Cruising in company.

" … A shared experience in sailing can make for even greater cruising fun. … "

The Article ends with a Do's and Don'ts list for sociable sailing:

Do discuss plans beforehand, and be prepared to change them if the weather plays up
Do be prepared to compromise
Do make sure everyone else is happy if you are taking children / pets
Do accept any advice or help given with good grace
Don't be shy about discussing money. How often are you going to dine out? Will you have a kitty for barbecues, drinks, restaurant?
Don't insist everyone does the same thing. Not every one wants to go to a funfair or on a ten mile cliff top hike

Point 1 - discussions have already started on next year's cruise and will continue right up to the start of it. This year we agreed at the Cruiser Meeting in November to go to the Solway (see October's Sailing Today) but at the last moment we changed our plans and went back to North Wales, which we were able to do because of all our forward planning.

Point 2 - as you will have read we compromised at every junction.

Point 3 - we did this as well although we didn't have any pets, that would be interesting.

Point 4 - there was ample evidence of this although even accepted in good grace it wasn't always heeded.

Point 5 - when buying drinks etc. we kept the groups/kitties down to each boat so no one had to buy a 'large' round. Participants were free to dine amongst themselves or in the group.

Point 6 - as you will also have read we wandered off in all directions and met up again as and when necessary, some we never saw again but we enjoyed each other's company and were glad of their association.

I can confidently say that our cruises are well planned and organised, a lot of the credit must go to our leader Norman but when circumstances demand other leaders emerge, e.g. Colin ably took over the arrangements at Conwy on the return visit.

Back to Records Back to Racing Back to Homepage

Back to Records
Back to Racing
Back to Homepage

Click on photos for a bigger picture. Click on browser 'back' button to return to main document.

Photos by
Michael Swarbrick
unless stated underneath

The forepeak, Michael's 'cabin' for the holiday. John & Norman thought my footwear was amusing but I couldn't see why

Who could want a more scenic last resting place for their beloved boat.

Photo by Lorna MacNab

Rice Pudding nicely berthed at Conwy marina

Same position but viewed from other side.

Norman decending ladder to boat-lift pontoon and the other Glasson boats. On his way to persude Mick to repair the main.

The boats on the boat-lift pontoon. Strider, Sea Otter and Pebbles ont the outside. Two Shoes and Moonshine on the inside.

View taken from the boat lift runway

Norman's just made two pieces of wood to clamp patch on

Deciding what to do? John looks on and offers advice

Mick's sewing while Norman holds the sail stready

Phoenix arriving.

Karen, happy to be here at last eagerly waiting to pass the warps.

Jeff welcomes her with open arms, Phoenix that is.

Nearly there.

David, Vicky & Tom watching us creep into Penrhyn Harbour entrance

Toggenberg & Nyoka snuggled alonside the harbour wall

Norman feeling our way out of Port Penrhyn

Beaumaris from Port Penrhyn

The hillside to the west of Port Penrhyn. I liked the light on the grass.

John cycled down to watch us through the Swellies, on his motorbike, and take these photographs
photo by John Broadhead

Strider
photo by John Broadhead

Rice Pudding IX
photo by John Broadhead

Toggenberg
photo by John Broadhead

Two Shoes & Nyoka follow us into the Swellies

Oh no the Galsson fleet again!

The Swellies
photo by John Broadhead

Toggennberg catching us up.

Patterns on the water - treacherous currents?
photo by John Broadhead

photo by John Broadhead

Lin, Two Shoes, waving as they overtake us

Two Shoes

Nyoka & Toggenberg safely through the Swellies

Victoria Dock, Caernarfon

David & Chris chatting to Colin & James

James's turn to be in charge

River Dance

Another view of the fleet

An interesting Dutch boat

The way out of Victoria dock

Discussing our next moves in the Royal Welsh Yacht Club

From Porth Dinllaen looking back to Caernarfon

Porth Dinllaen

Panning to the right

Panning to the right even more

Panning to the headland at Porth Dinllaen

Back in Caernarfon. What are they all looking at?

It's someone up a mast. No it's not Peter, it's Colin this time. What's he doing?

Eating a banana of course. what else would you be doing after climbing up a tree?

Jeff & Linda enjoying the sun in Caernarfon

Daniel watching over Moonshine

More of Pebbles on the foredeck

Poor Hazel with her leg up, still in Victoria Dock Caernarfon

Jim looking on in sympathy

Lin, on Two Shoes, busy working on something

Dennis up to, or should I say down to, no good down th' 'atch

Alan working out how to splice the slab reefing on Sea Otter

Ian keeping out of the sun, just walked up the hill and back?

Jim & Hazel piloting Strider to Port Dinorwig

Port Dinorwig in the distance. entrance tothe right of the high pink building

Plas Menai, seat of learning familiar to some of you

Moonshine following us, Rice Pudding IX into the lock at Port Dinorwig

All hands on deck

Jennifer poised to throw the lines

Jennifer enjoying the arrival

Waitng for Pebbles to come in

Linda ready to moor

Deciding how to come alongside Toggenberg, who is already tied up

Jeff teaching Chris, Daniel & Peter knots?

Much to Linda's amusement

Popeye trying to sell diesel at a premium rate. We'll need a lot more than that says Chris

Rice Pudding in her correct berth

Nyoka in the foreground lookin out towards the Straits

Looking up the dock towards the top end. The sailmaker is at the top on the right. see photo below. Also note how calm it is. Port Dinorwig is really sheltered, it was blowing F6s round Great Orme's Head at this time

Rice Pudding nestled alongside the blue White rose

This is looking up the dock, as phot above, but below the lifting bridge. Rice Pudding is just visible in the foreground

The bridge raised to allow a yacht to pass out. When traffic passed over the bridge the noise was horrendous! Phoenix is in the right foreground, Nyoka behind her