A Warm Invitation To Irish Mariners
from David Kershaw

During many very enjoyable trips across the water to Ireland I have admired, perhaps envied, the facilities available to the sailors there.   .

The splendid palaces overlooking Dun Laoghaire harbour through to the modern efficient clubs at Howth and Malahide and very many others do great credit to the present and past yachties of the Emerald Isle.

We have always been given the best of Irish hospitality both North and South and now want to show you the magnificence that is WALES.

I have to say that when the question of our friends sailing over to see us in North Wales is discussed, there has been a noticeable lack of enthusiasm.

Is it any wonder?  The charts of North Wales are littered with awesome names, guaranteed to strike terror into the bravest mariner.

Hell's Mouth Bay - Abrahams Bosom - the Swellies, are but three - and there are more!

These places were indeed dreaded 150 years ago when many a fine ship foundered with all hands hereabouts.  However, there is little to fear now, when good weather forecasts and well written sailing directions, together with reliable engines and electronic magic are available to all.

So why not come to see us,  you will be made very welcome !

It's but  60 Nm. to Holyhead with its good and safe HSC moorings.   Helpful club staff run a launch service daily in the summer.

Next day to Conwy Marina. This is one of the most rewarding sailing experiences I know.

Leave Holyhead Harbour one hour before local LW to arrive off Carmel Head on the slack.

Then following chart and sailing directions, you pass close to the cliffs under the little old church of St Badrigs (Welsh for Patrick - it is said he stayed here on his way to Ireland) then away down tide at great speed passing the three islets of West, Middle and East Mouse.

Call into Amlwch if you like, it's a port that commanded the world price of copper in the 1790's.

Pass Point Lynas and on to Puffin Island where the great views of the foothills of Snowdonia open.

After locating the Fairway buoy, enter the well marked channel to Conwy.

Take a sweep around the stunning harbour with its castle before finding a berth in the Marina (call VHF Ch 80).

The return journey passing Beaumaris and through the Menai Strait is fascinating.

Don't worry too much about the Swellies - the short stretch of water between Telford's road bridge and Stephenson's much modified road and rail bridge.   Just arrive at slack water high at 2 hours before HW Liverpool (Note: this is NOT at local high water!) and follow the directions.

Once safely through, there is a mile or two of tranquil, quiet water between well wooded banks on each side of the Strait.   See the great house of Plas Newydd to starboard  then onto Caernarfon with spectacular views of Edward's enormous Castle. (Note the Change bouy - South Cardinal - outside Caernarfon).

You can stay the night at the marina in the old slate dock here and take a drink at the Royal Welsh Yacht Club (nearly as old as the Royal Cork !) or run on, to anchor at Abermenai, a remote, peaceful, safe spot before judging your departure through the narrows to Caernarfon Bar and the open sea.

Then westward for home!

You'll be back I'm sure.

David Kershaw
March 2000