Milford Haven to Fishguard

 

There were fewer yachts at anchor in Dale than the last time we passed through - either because the need for a good sheltered anchorage wasn’t required or the Castlemartin Firing Range had taken out a few on their final approaches;). 

We had another late start in the morning so as to time our entry into the tidal gates at Jack and Ramsey Sounds as the stream turned northwards. So, in the dinghy we went to walk the third mate ashore. Once ashore we headed off on the north easterly path and quickly came across some perverts blocking the path with their tripods and enormous lenses mumbling something about “great tits”.

Back aboard Sulaire we made ready for our passage to Pwllheli - this time double checking we wouldn’t get shelled. As we approached Jack Sound the boat gained pace in a counter eddie but then began losing ground. I noticed a yacht in front had stuck close in to Skomer going through the sound so I did the same and we only lost a knot or so off our speed. The middle of the sound was clearly still going south, and strongly. I looked back at my calculations and it all appeared correct. Strange, the high pressure system must have delayed the north going tide. As we entered Ramsey sound an hour and a half later the tidal stream had firmly changed to north-going and we hurtled through at over 9 knots. The wind was on our tail and the two yachts in front raised their sails and cut their engines…race on! I kept the iron sail going, albeit at lower revs, hoisted main and genoa and slide past them. If you’ve got it, use it! Particularly if you’ve a dinner to cook followed by a trip ashore to replenish the stocks. Plus we would have glorious hot water heated by the engine for showers.

We pulled into the anchorage at Fishguard which is actually at the hamlet of Lower Town. We had visited Fishguard when driving around the area a few years ago and I was unimpressed but hadn’t realised there was another anchorage at Lower Town. Lovely, protected spot near the harbour that once homed a large herring fleet. We were in the company of 8 other yachts also making a passage stop for the night.  With plenty of room between us all we settled in for the night to the sound of kids giggling as they jumped off the harbour wall into the warm waters of Cardigan Bay…night…night!