Dansa

Winter – a time for reflection – so I have decided to post some old logs of previous cruises
Perhaps some inspiration to get all those fitting outs jobs tackled, little more than 5-6 weeks before a launch for the new season.
So here is :
North Irish Sea Cruise 2007
It had been a lousy summer and for weeks I had been studying the forecasts for a suitable time for my summer cruise. In the end there was nothing for it but just go and see what the weather would deal us. This summer Jon was coming with me.

Sat 28th July Menai Bridge – Port St Mary
Forecast W or SW 4-5 becoming cyclonic occasional rain sea state moderate to rough visibility moderate to good rain later

The wind was in the south so we hoisted the main with 1 reef and slipped the mooring under sail in the morning. At the end of the Straits there was a lot of white water in Puffin Sound so as we had plenty of water we exited over the sand bar by the NE entrance and rounding the tip of Puffin Island set a course for the Isle of Man. By now the wind had gone around to the West and picked up to about 20 knots, the sea was quite rough but the sun was out so we counted our blessings. By 3 in the afternoon we had made about 30 miles and could just make out the Isle of Man but the sky was clouding over and a little later we experienced a heavy downpour for about 30 minutes. 21.20 saw us safely alongside the harbour wall in Port St Mary, in good time to secure the boat and seek out some refreshing Manx ale, a just recompense for a bouncy trip.

Sun
It may not be many peoples ideal place they might say there is not much to do barely any shops and no fine restaurants but I love Port St Mary. Quiet and relaxing it is lovely to idle away the day here.

Mon 30th Port St Mary – Whitehaven
Forecast Irish Sea – NW backing SW 3-4 occ 5 at first fair
An early start to catch the tide and round Dreswick Point before the overfalls started. By 9 we were already well past Douglas and off Laxey. The wind seemed to be increasing so I put another reef in the main. The sea state hadn’t been bad up to this point but off Maughold Head it got much worse, a truly horrible sea and the wind up another notch, 30 knots now. I had hoped that the wind would have gone around SW as forecast but it stubbornly remained NW. After beating into Ramsey Bay we picked up visitors mooring of the end of the old Pier but it was not comfortable. A change of plan was in order so I got my thinking cap on and studied charts, pilots and tide tables. The upshot was that 16.40 saw us slip the mooring and set course for Whitehaven – we should get there just before high water around midnight ideal for locking into the Marina. The plan worked well apart from a slight hitch by me getting confused by a green light which wasn’t marked on my chart or mentioned in the pilot and I thought at first was the green at the harbour entrance. Still soon the error of my thinking was apparent and in the end no harm done rather one of those little signs that reminds you to be forever vigilant when out sailing.

Tuesday
A day to explore Whitehaven, sunny and warm but a windy day so quite glad to not out on the water.

Wed 1st Aug Whitehaven – Maryport
Forecast SW veering NW 3 or 4 occasionally 5 Rain and showers
I must confess I made a bit of a mess up in locking out from Whitehaven. I tried to go alongside starboard side in the lock and Dansa has a pronounced kick to port in reverse so with a bit to much way on needing too much reverse thrust combined with a swirling wind it had me almost sideways. Oh and don’t you feel such a fool when you get it wrong. Still only my pride damaged. Once outside we hoisted sail and laid a course for Maryport. It was an overcast day and soon it started raining and we found ourselves enveloped in mist. Time to turn on the GPS I thought. When it came to turn shoreward for Maryport there was not a sight of the shore to be seen but eventually we could just make out the end of the pier marking the entrance and were soon in the outer harbour and then through the lock into the marina.
The rain barely let up all day and its quite a walk into the town so I am sure that we didn’t see it at its best. It has obviously suffered hard times since its heyday when it was a great exporting port for coal and iron. Must come back sometime in better weather

Thur 2nd Maryport – Kirkudbright
Forecast W or SW 3-4 backing S occasionally 5 later
High water just after midday saw us leaving Maryport. We sailed close-hauled down the coast until off Flimby. Here we shaped a course across the Solway Firth passing over Three Fathom Bank and passing south of the buoy marking the end of the proposed Robin Rigg wind farm. After a while we spotted Little Ross light house dead ahead and a little later anchored in the shelter off the north end of Little Ross Island. One couldn’t wish for a more peaceful and isolated spot.
My peace was disturbed however by the 6m shipping forecast which spoke of an active frontal system with SW7 expected. I decided it would be more prudent not to say comfortable to stay at Kirkudbright. In consequence 1am saw us weighing anchor to take the flood over the bar and up the river Dee. Fortunately the visibility was good and the way well lit but it felt narrow in parts as I cautiously felt my way up river. In just over the hour we were safely moored against the pontoon in Kirkudbright and we could turn in in a relaxed frame of mind.

Fri 3rd, Sat , Sun
There was heavy rain and strong winds overnight so I was pleased to have sought shelter. The weather kept us here for the weekend, the forecasts told of S5-6 and 7 winds, but we were snug and happy and could take time to explore the town and surrounding area.

Mon 6th Kirkudbright – Peel
Forecast W veering NW 4-5 showers good
At last we could escape so 5.30 am start to catch the ebb. By Little Ross we hove too to take in the third reef and once out of shelter the sea was quite rough, a reflection on past days as well as the present. Nearing the Isle of Man it was apparent we would not weather the Point of Ayr with a good offing without tacking so tack we did. We were both a bit fed up with the constant rough seas as we beat down the West coast but gradually the wind and sea state eased. By Kirk Michel we shook out all the reefs. We were both thankful when eventually we tied up alongside in Peels inner harbour that eve and could restore our spirits with drafts of good Manx ale.

Tues 7th
A day in Peel

Weds 8th Peel – Strangford Lough
Forecast Variable becoming SW 3-4 mainly fair good
Leaving the harbour as soon as the tide allowed we set our course for Ireland. For once the wind was not too strong so we could set full main. Apart from altering course to pass behind a large north bound ship we had a quiet passage and enjoyed the conditions. We even trailed a fishing line and were rewarded by 4 fine mackerel so that was dinner taken care of. Arriving at the Strangford Clearwater buoy after a passage of 11 hours we caught the last of the flood through the narrows to anchor in Audley Roads before twilight set in.

Thurs 9th Strangford Lough
After a leisurely start we sailed the short distance to Killyleagh where we anchored. The tender was inflated and we rowed ashore landing at the slip by Killyleagh yacht club. From here we walked into town, which seemed prosperous enough, explored a little and bought some fresh provisions.
That afternoon we sailed north up the length of the lough and investigated White Rock Bay as an overnight stop but we found it very crowded and not well sheltered. So we rounded Sketrick Island and crept down the very narrow channel between that island and Rainey Island. Here we berthed on the pontoon in perfect shelter, alongside the old lightship where the Down Cruising Club have their headquarters. That evening we spent in Daft Eddie’s pub.

Fri 10th Strangford Lough – Port St Mary
Forecast S or SW 3-4 occasional rain occasionally poor
Timing our departure in the morning took some thought but I followed the advice of the pilot in that locals would leave Strangford Creek at 1 hour before high water. Adding 2 hours to allow to get back down the lough arrived at a civilised departure time of 8.54
Navigation back down the lough I found just as tricky as the preceding day. All the low islands look a bit samey and it is easy to lose ones bearings so concentration and careful attention was needed. Still all went according to plan and we arrived by the clearwater buoy as the tide turned. Here I reset the log and set a course for the Isle of Man. After an uneventful passage I was faced with a choice of route and I chose to pass between Chicken Rock and the Calf of Man, there were overfalls but the tide was in our favour and we were soon through. Not long after we tied up once more in Port St Mary

Sat 11th Port St Mary – Menai Bridge
Forecast Strong Wind warning S 3-5 increasing 4-5 occ 6 showers moderate/poor
It was not a good forecast for the passage back and the morning was grey and drizzling. I would have preferred to stay in my bunk but needs must so by 8 we were away. It did turn out to be an unpleasant passage, wet and windy and nearing Anglesey the wind headed us forcing to tack many times but eventually it was over and just before 11 that eve we were back on the mooring, our summer cruise over.

Posted at 7:17 PM, Jun. 1, 2009
Sat 23rd May
A long weekend so I decided to take a few days holiday and turn it to a week. Enough time for a trip over to Ireland.
The forecast of SW F5 put me off from exiting the Menai Straits out over Caernarfon Bar. So instead I headed for the Northern coast of Anglesey where it would be a more sheltered. Running out towards Puffin Sound under genoa alone it certainly didn’t feel as forecast and at times we were just ghosting along in a gentle breeze. Nevertheless I took the precaution of putting in one reef when I hoisted the main once clear of the sound.
Not long after I hove to to take in a second reef as the wind picked up and that felt a better balance. I was pleased to have changed my plan and head northwards around the island rather than south. Dansa was storming along and Point Lynas arrived fairly quickly. Here the coast takes a change of direction and the sea is often more troubled. Dansa was now hard on the wind which seemed to have increased a notch, bashing into the waves and the lee rail often awash. I go sailing for fun I thought, this was borderline in the enjoyment stakes. I certainly didn’t fancy pushing on around Carmel Head to Holyhead so instead I settled on putting in to Porth Wen. One of my favourite anchorages this. There were quite a few boats already at anchor but plenty of room for little old Dansa, inshore of most of the bigger boats.
Now I am sure we all at some time make a pigs ear of things, me included, but it is somehow gratifying to watch others make a hash of things. This is what happened later as I sat relaxing in the sun in the cockpit and watched a later arrival. Nice shiny boat equipped with all the gadgets, electric winch and all, but took about 5 attempts to drop the hook in a suitable spot, they spent ages going around in circles.

Anchorage at Porth Wen aka Brickworks Bay

Sunday 24th May
It was a peaceful night at anchor in Porth Wen. By morning the wind had eased so I motored out the hook and under engine punched the tide towards Carmel Head. The plan was to arrive there at slack water so avoiding all the the swirls and waves. By Wylfa there was enough wind to hoist the sails and make progress. I had to put a tack in by Harry Furloungs buoy but otherwise I could just lay the right course. There was just a hint of turbulence rounding Carmel Head and from here I could hold a course for the Langdon Ridge buoy, this would be a suitable departure point for course plotting across the Irish Sea. Unfortunately the wind was SW and to make the course I wanted, for Wicklow, Dansa was hard on the wind and there was just enough of a sea running to make things a little bumpy.
After a while I revised my plans, by easing my course some degrees more westwards the motion was easier so now the destination was Dun Laghoire. WIth the windwane set up I was free from steering duties so could spend my time relaxing, making cups of tea, eating, watching out for shipping, particularly the fast ferries, and listening to the radio.
Later I discovered a disadvantage to this last activity. When I switched off the radio and moved it from the cockpit seat the compass needle swung back to its true reading. Oops! I had had the radio too near the steering compass so had been steering about 5 degrees off course. By now however I has spotted the twin tall towers which mark Dublin from afar and there too was the Kish tower. The tide had also turned Northwards now which helped push me back on course.

Past the Kish tower the course was hard on the wind to clear South Burford and then one more I could ease off and head for Dun Laghoire. I spied a yatch anchored in Scotsman Bay and I studied it closely through the binoculars to see if it was rolling. But no, as I drew closer the waves disappeared and it looked calm in the bay. Decision taken I handed the sails and motored in and anchored. Time now to relax with some well earned dinner washed down with a glass of wine.

Posted at 4:02 PM, Apr. 16, 2009
Easter 2009
Maundy Thursday
Launched, force 7 winds so not much fun picking up the mooring on my own.
Friday
It dawned wet, but by the time the tide was right it had cleared up. I spent the afternoon sailing across Red Wharf Bay and getting to grips with how the windvane self steering worked. Later in what had turned into a lovely evening I anchored at Moelfre.
Saturday
I was up with the dawn and since the forecast was favourable set off for the Isle of Man. At times the wind was a little light, not quite the 3-4 they had promised so progress wasn’t rapid. However the self steering gear was working so I let that take the strain. We were moored alongside in Port St Mary well before dusk and later took some welcome refreshment of Okalls bitter.
Sunday
The tide was right at Midday for passing through Calf sound and thereafter a run, mainly gooosewinged up the west coast.

Calf Sound – Isle of Man

I made Peel in good time to be able to enter the inner harbour, and rafted up alongside. Peel is one of my favorite places and for anyone who has not been there I advise them to go.
Monday
The smokehouse was open so delicious kippers were bought. In my opinion the 3 best places for kippers around the UK are Peel, Craistor and Whitby. Once the tide permitted, just after midday I was away. Back down to the Calf on Man and then giving a wide clearance to Chicken Rock to avoid the turbulence and overfalls. Gradually the wind which had been round 15 knots gusting to 20 died down until eventually just before darkness fell it was down to 3-4 knots, and I thought they had said force 3-4 . Oh well time to motor, I had hope that the wind would pick up again but it never did. Back at Angelesy the tide had turned against me so I anchored for what remained of the night at Moelfre. No sooner that I got the hook down than the heavens opened so I was pleased with my decision.
Tuesday
The weather was fine but no wind still so I motored across Red Wharf Bay and with the young flood under my keel passed up the Straits and so back to Dansa’s mooring. All in all not a bad little trip to kick of the sailing season.

Posted at 4:02 PM, Apr. 1, 2009
It feels like it has been a long winter, a long time with the boat hauled out on the hard at the boat yard. The past couple of weekends I have been busy fitting out for the season. Surprising the weather has been fine and not too cold, that always makes the jobs easier. Besides the annual chore of antifouling and general overhaul of all the gear, I have had 2 fairly big jobs. Towards the end of last season the shaft gland had started a very slow but insidious drip so I have been fitting a new propshaft and stern gland. Fortunately on the Sadler 25, because of the offset stern tube you can draw the propshaft past the rudder, without having to disturb that. The worst part of the job is climbing into the rear locker to gain access to the bolts. That you have to do by lying sort of upside down and reaching through an access hatch in the locker side. No wonder they called mechanics grease monkeys – some simian qualities would help with the job. The other big job has been fitting a windvane self steering system. Again needing to climb into the rear locker to bolt the frame onto the transom . So I have spent rather a lot of time crunched up in said rear locker. I have come to the conclusion that I am not as flexible as I once was. Still one more day will see all done and the boat and I will be ready for launch. Lift in booked just before Easter. It will feel great to be able to get sailing again.

Posted at 7:32 PM, Jun. 10, 2008
Saturday
At last a reasonable forecast. Still Northerly winds but at least just F3 – 4 and seas state slight. With Northerlies, it seemed sensible to head to the South Coast of Anglesey. To catch the tide through the Swellies an early start was necessary so I was off as soon as I had caught the early morning shipping forecaste. There was little breeze so it was a case of motoring to Caernarfon and then out over the bar. This proved a pleasant change from usual – a calm sea and no chop. Once clear I hoisted full sail the breeze was very light NW so to head for Borth Wen at Rhoscolyn I would need to tack along the coast but no matter I had all day. The weather was a little hazy at first but later the sun burnt it off and I had a lovely relaxing sail. Lunchtime found me at anchor at Rhoscolyn, a lovely spot that is just a little spoiled by its popularity with the speedboat brigade. 
A plan had been forming in my mind, instead of going back in over the Bar why don’t I sail right around the Island. Checking time and tide I worked out to catch the last of the flood around the Stacks and overnight in Holyhead. So 5pm saw me underway again and tacking towards the Stacks.

North and South Stack Angelsey

Rounding S Stack the wind was dying and by N Stack I was becalmed, so on with the motor for the last couple of miles. I picked up a vacant mooring by the Holyhead sailing club and sat in the cockpit with a G&T on what was a beautiful evening. 

Sunday
Rounding Carmel Head is one of the crucial points on passage from Holyhead to Puffin Island. It is advised to arrive at Carmel head at Low water slack so mimimising any tide race, standing waves or turbulance and then you can carry a fair tide all the way along the North Coast. That would have meant a 3 am start, with light winds it wasnt likely to be very rough or as swirly as it can be so instead I planned a later start meaning to carry the last of the flood around. OK for the rest of the passage I would have a foul tide but I thought that an acceptable compromise. 
Clear of the harbour there was little wind but I hoisted the sails and cut the engine anyway. My faith was rewarded by a strengthening breeze so I began tacking out across Holyhead bay. For a change this time I decided to take the middle passage around Carmel head, that is pass between the Head and The Skerries but then pass between Coal Rock and West Mouse, one of 3 rocky islets just off the coast. The main danger is the unmarked Platters rocks. In good visibility a transit of North and South Stacks keeps one clear, trouble was the visibility was not so good but I could just see the flash on South Stack light so a clearing bearing on that had to suffice. 
By the time I was passing Middle Mouse the tide had turned against me but now I was on a close reach and the visibility was improving. The next stage to pass Point Lynas took rather a long time as I suspected it would. Dansa could steer herself with my low tech low cost self steering working – a bungee controlling the tiller that is, which left me free to brew up and get food. 
Crossing Red Wharf Bay the wind increased 18 -19 knots across the deck – almost on the point of changing down from the no 2 genoa but it was just managable and we were zipping through the water at 6 knots, a heady speed for little old Dansa. Through Puffin Sound and we had the luxury of the wind from behind so we had a fast run goose-winged down the Straits and back to the mooring. 
87 miles not a bad weekend.

Posted at 6:47 PM, Apr. 28, 2008
In view of the forecast it was touch and go whether I went to the boat or not, but I would only have fretted at home so I went. Excitement was provided by riding out to Dansa in the dinghy in the dark, a wet and bumpy ride, nevertheless succesfully accomplished and I was soon able to snuggle down in my bunk with a bedtime cuppa.

Saturday

The wind was howling in the rigging with a F5 – 7 forecaste. Departure and a decision was put off to later. I’d wait until the tide turned. A good excuse to relax and drink tea – nothing wrong with a little idlenesss after a hard week at work.

In the afternoon the wind had moderated a little so I slipped the mooring and with reefed sails beat down towards Menai Bridge then ran down to Beaumaris before tacking back to the mooring. It was wind against tide, but although the wind had eased considerably I judged it still stronger than the tide so I picked up the mooring by running to it under jib alone and then under bare poles.

Sunday 

The day broke with heavy rain and a flat calm, so an early start was postponed. When the rain stopped I slipped the mooring and motored away in plenty of time to be through Puffin Sound before the tide turned. The clouds were low and mist masked all views -although it didnt hinder my pilotage it acted as a reminder for me to switch on the GPS and ensure that all the Straits bouys were in as waypoints in their correct positions. Through the Sound and by Dinmor there was just the hint of a breeze so full sail was hoisted. The sea was flat so what little breeze there was sent us along at a dizzying 2 knots. Still had no-where special to go, just enjoy the wide sea and the peace. Visibilty was not great but it was so quiet that sounds were carrying from afar. I could just hear far off the mournfull fog horns of ships in the channel to or from Liverpool but I was close enough inshore not to have to worry about them. I could just relax in the cockpit with a cup of tea and a slab of fruit cake.

Later when Carreg Onnen was about abeam the breeze left but I drifted awhile content, the tide had turned and was taking me gently back towards the Sound, no rush, I had plenty of time. Later under engine I was heading down the Straits and the mist had closed in some more, but you could still see a half mile or so. A jet skier saw me and came across and asked me the way to Conway Marina. He said he had come across to Puffin Island but then the mist had come down. No he didn’t have a compass, nor chart. It was not far short of high water so I said his best chance was to cross over to the mainland shore, pointing out the way and then turn left and follow it.
 He shot off, I watched bemused as he headed for the Angelsey shore…
Back at the mooring and the mist lifted, the sun shone and there was a perfect sailing breeze, a beautiful evening, but it was time to pack up and head home. On the beach deflating the dinghy some other yachties were packing up too. Nice weather now they said, Yes do you think it is mocking us?

Posted at 7:49 PM, Apr. 10, 2008
Sat 5th April 

With Northerly winds forecast the only way was to go through the Swellies and stay within the Straits. Accordingly HW slack in the morning saw us pass under the Bridges. Once clear I hoisted the main but tensioning the halyard saw the Main descend in a rush with the halyard shackle remaining at the top of the mast. Oh damm! or words to that effect, the skipper hadn’t fastened the shackle properly. A trip up the mast was the only solution but I decided to pick up a mooring at Port Dinorwic before doing it. About to dig out the jumars, W surprised me by volunteering, so with her harnessed up and sitting comfortably on the bosuns chair I manfully ground on the winch and way hey and up she rose.



Retrieving the halyard

Halyard recovered it was time for lunch.
An update on the forecast spoke of F7 occ 8 so instead of sailing to the anchorage at Aber Menai I opted to stay put. Later it did indeed blow up accompanied with sheets of rain and sleet and turned into a nasty night.

Sun 6th

The morning was bright and clear but the cockpit was covered in ice which I had to scrape off brrr! The trip back to the mooring was enlivened by heavy snow.

Snow passing through the Swellies



This left the foredeck a little treacherous with a layer of slush when it came to pick up Dansa’s mooring.

 Leaving Dansa snugged down on her mooring we drove home, plenty of snow on the Snake pass. Oh the joys of snow in spring.

Posted at 1:12 PM, Apr. 8, 2008
Thurs 3rd April

I always look forward to boat launch with a little trepidation. The date is set, you just never know what the weather will be like. This time at least the forecast for Friday was reasonable. We arrived at the boat late Thursday with still a couple of jobs to do before being ready for launch. First job get the kettle on for a cuppa – only no gas, switch the bottles – ah second bottle empty. Tealess till the chandelry opens in the morning. Still on with the jobs, fit the batteries, fit water pump impeller, connect pipes, the rest can wait till the morning.


Friday 4th

First light and time bend on the main, reeve reefing penants, rig mainsheet tackle, fit jackstays, rig genoa cars and a number of other jobs all to get seaworthy and shipshape.

This time we were the first boat in so 9 am came and we were in the slings and being launched. No leaks , engine starts up fine so away from the launch dock and tie alongside the fuelling berth. Into the chandelery and disaster – they have no gaz!. By this time I am gasping for tea. You might gather that this year I am a little more unprepared and disorganised than is usual. We motor away and across the Straits, fortunately the “Prince Madoc” is not berthed alongside St Georges Pier so I am able to tie up alongside here. Whilst Wendy goes to Evans the Ironmongers to get Gaz I finish of a few more jobs like fitting the wind generator and rigging the spraydodgers. Wendy arrives back with gaz so tea at last – with bacon butties. We can take it easy for a while and do so. In the afternoon we go for a little sail, not far as I don’t want to fight the tide. Then it’s back to the mooring – freshly relaid this morning.

Posted at 1:27 PM, May. 14, 2007
Sat 12th & Sun 13th May

The forecast was not really too favourable but went to the boat anyway. Largely because Paul, who keeps his boat on NE coast had arranged to come with me this weekend. The chop that was running on Friday night as the light faded was a good test for the new tender – it passed with flying colours, but passing all the moored boats none had a tender hanging off the back- was no-one else going sailing this weekend ?

Next morning we were greeted with a Southerly F3 so we were soon off running up the Straits under main and no3. Out through Puffin Sound and the sea was a little lumpy with what seemed a residual swell from the north, but nothing too troubling and although there was a lot of West in the wind we could set a course for Point Lynas just free of close-hauled. With 10-15 knots of wind we were romping along at 5+ knots. Such good progress was not to last and short of the Point found us struggling with 4 knots of wind – time to change up the headsail. That done we eased around the headland, the race was quiet but soon were all but becalmed again and drifting off Amlwch and East Mouse, pleasant enough but going nowhere fast. On then with the engine and we motored.  Predictably the wind soon came back but dead on the nose now and we were within sight of Porth Wen so into here we went and anchored apposite the abandoned brickworks. These do little to detract from the prettyness of the bay and it is one of my favorite anchorages along this coast. A late lunch was in order followed by a cat nap stretched out on the cockpit seats,with thoughts of  “Ah this is the life”.

Old brickworks – Porth Wen

Later practicalities returned, Sundays forecast was for the wind to go around to the NE and strengthen with rain arriving midday or early afternoon. To return to the mooring on Sunday with the tide meant either a departure at about 3am or 3pm, neither was appealing. The alternative was to leave late afternoon  and anchor closer to home. Accordingly at 5 we hoisted the main and sailed out the anchor. A beam reach gave us a fast passage along the coast and we soon rounded  Point Lynas. The wind seemed to be picking up , 25 knots over the deck with gusts up to 30 and beyond mmm! time for a reef in the main. At any rate we were soon back at Moelfre but just across the bay Traeth Bychan offered better shelter from the South so here we dropped the hook and a careful study of transits ensured we were well set.
Stuffed pasta shells , home made sauce (Lloyd Grossman eat your heart out!) a side salad with French dressing washed down with an acceptable bottle of Australian red saw to our bodily needs and we turned in content.

The morning dawned still fine and at least at 5.30 its light, a listen to the shipping forcaste and we are off, once again sailing out the anchor. With just a light breeze, still southerly despite a  E or NE forecast?, it was gentle progress but we had the sea to ourselves and very relaxing.

Paul on Dansa

The wind kept playing games, it would drop to 2 or 3 knots and as our speed dropped below 2 knots, we would think
time to motor but then the wind would build again 7-8 knots and we would slip along nicely on the flat sea  only for the wind to sneakily  and almost impercetably to die away again. Just short of Puffin Sound the wind died altogether and so on with the motor  with no guilt feelings – hey after all I own a sailing boat not a motor boat!
Back on the mooring it remained just to tidy up, leave the boat ship-shape and ride back to the slip in the dinghy. Rain what rain?
Who says it always rains in North Wales.

New sails – Back on the water
Posted at 11:58 AM, Apr. 25, 2007
At last Dansa is back on the water. It has felt a long hard haul but now all work has been completed and the mast stepped rigging set up and the new sails bent on. It was so windless that evening in the dock that I was able to hoist both sails and take a photo. Never seen Dansa with sails up apart from the view from deck or cockpit so it was quite interesting.

New rig new sails in Port Dinorwic

Next day I locked out of the dock and  I caught the tide to pass through the Swellies and to the northern end of the Straits. Time for a test sail and see how the sails set. Mmm they looked good, closehauled and all telltales on the main flying. I can now look forward to the summer sailing.

Telltales all a flying