Weekend from Neyland March 11  – 13, report by skipper Ian Collins

Skipper: Ian Collins  ; Mate: Bob Buchanan  Crew: Emilia Langley-Bunce  , Phil Steele  and Alex Barry 

Boat: ‘ Kale1’  , Jeanneau SO 36i form Pembrokeshire Cruising, Yacht Haven Marina, Neyland

A windy weekend.

The trip down was in the fine old Welsh Winter tradition, wet and windy below grey skies. Leaving at midday we travelled amongst the usual Friday home-run of commuters as expected. But this trip had variety, from just before Carmarthen we trundled along seldom reaching 35 mph at the rear of a convoy of trucks carrying tanks which thankfully turned off a few miles outside of Pembroke.

Being as we were a little early, Phil and I had a drink and the arrival of the rest of the crew coincided with Kalel being available to board. It was somewhat late to start voyaging so a meal on board with a few drinks allowed time for a considered debate as to where and when on the morrow we would sail. A passage plan was agreed – out of the Marina. Turn Right.

Go to the mouth of the estuary and look at the sea from there. Then, reconsider what to do. This is a passage plan I have used previously and it’s nearly always proved its worth.

Neyland Marina is in a high sided creek facing South. Admirably protected from the weather, the exception being a strong blow from the South, and that’s exactly what we had. So with some excitement we left the mooring and set off down the little stream that is the entrance and exit to this attractive but occasionally challenging Marina.

We had no sooner waved the shore good-bye than we had the genoa rolled out and for the first time this year we were sailing. A good strong breeze, and at this point some sun as a bonus for getting away at 0830, saw us make good progress on headsail only up the length of the Haven. At the mouth of the estuary the sea made its presence felt as we rose up then slipped down, a not alarming motion, on the swell of 10 to 12 feet, the remnants of some unpleasantness farther out in the Atlantic. We tacked and turned riding the swells. Bored with that, and needing less motion to make the tea we then made way for the less troubled waters of Dale. At this time we were still sailing solely on the Genoa. This had been pulled in about a third to accommodate the strengthening wind. It would have been wise at this point, if the forecast had not been for even greater excerptions on the part of Notus the God of Southerly winds, to have raised the mainsail with two reefs and added additional stability. But to hell with it , we were heading home. For all that the trip back proved a good sail with much tacking and some gybing. Good practice with headsail only for helmsman and crew.

It was halfway home that Roland from Pembrokeshire Cruising called to say that a weather warning had just been received for a storm with winds up to 57 mph due at 1500 ( this was 1300+ so imminent was an understatement but luckily we were two thirds down the river to home). He also advised me to contact the harbourmaster who would arrange for staff to be on the pontoon to assist in berthing. We duly did as requested when we entered the creek but even though help is always appreciated, we made a reasonable and safe approach and tied safely to the pontoon just after 1430 having sailed for 6.5 hours doing 23.25 miles.

At 1500 the wind gave us it’s best shots. The boat shook and shuddered as the storm hit but with all hatches battened down and a few bottles opened up we cared little for its bad behaviour. The exception being when we made our way to Neyland Yacht Club ( OK so we took the car). A birthday party for a 45 year old member, some half tidy live music, decent beer and some very good food was worth the trip. Then to top that off, we came out and it had nearly stopped raining.

Sunday morning woke us with more of the same, giving lie to the saying “Better the day, better the deed”. By lunchtime common-sense dictated that we’d all be better off at home. So home we headed through occasional bouts of sun, rain, squalls and of course strong winds. We always live in hope more than expectation when sailing this early in the year, but we’ve all been a long time out the water and it was great to have some salt water and a boat beneath your feet and a sociable crew to share it with. Thank you all for what turned out a really good weekend.