Cymraeg 
2017 Cruising Events
All 2017 Cruising Events and News will be published here - if you want contribute - please contact us.
CONGRATULATIONS TOM & LOUISE
On Saturday night, November the 4th. Tom and Louise "Northwestern" invited our cruising members to their 'Engagement Party'. I bet you can guess from the pictures what the theme was - yes quite right "Pirates."
Chatting and dancing the night away on two deck levels. The local firework displays added to this exciting atmosphere. As one can say the party went with a "bang".
They certainly know how to throw a party and everyone got involved in the whole atmosphere.
We wish them both the very best for the future in health,happiness and prosperity.
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BOAT TO BOAT NOVEMBER the 4th, 2017
Our end of season 'Boat to Boat' ended the Cruising Season with a great atmosphere, full of laughs and friends joining in the fun.
All participants were allocated two different boats to visit and we had to avoid hailstone showers whilst moving from 'Boat to Boat' only to be greeted with a warm welcome which made it very worth while. Many thanks to the host boats, without their hospitality this social would not be possible.
Twenty six participants shared their stories and their intentions for next year. Two hours of wonderful socialising leaving a feeling of looking forward to good cruising in 2018 and maybe nice weather to enable us to cruise these beautiful waters, fingers crossed.
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Sitting on the boat in 71 mph gusts with the marina staff working full pelt checking boats reminds us of how fortunate we are being at Pwllheli being looked after by the marina personel.Also thinking about the great season we have had Cruising and Socialising .
BOAT TO BOAT.
Now looking ahead to 'What's next' in 'Cruising' and of course the 'Boat to Boat' ending our season.
Yes, Saturday November the 4th, 4 o'clock until 6 o'clock. For ones that have just joined us and are not familiar with this social, the two hours are split into two where you are allocated a first boat for this 1st session to meat up with new and old friends, you bring your own drinks and glasses so that the host boat only provides a 'meeting place'. Then Bohdan goes round with his hooter after approx 50 mins to say ''all off, time to go to your next allocated boat".
As you can imagine it is important that we get the numbers of participants involved to enable us to accommodate people on the 'Host Boats' and without 'Host Boats' volunteering, this social would NOT be possible. We shall meet at the Plas Menai Room next to the office at 4p.m to instruct which boat you shall be visiting.
Please can you inform us by Sunday the 22nd of October IF you intend participating, how many, and IF you would like to be a 'Host Boat' (You do not have to be a 'Host Boat'to be involved).
REQUEST BY SAILING CLUB FOR CRUISING PICTURES FOR THE ANNUAL CALENDAR.
An urgent request for those of you that have got high resolution photos of 'boats on the water' for us to forward to the organisers and printers of the annual calendar. It would be good for ' Cruising ' (Power and Sail) to be represented. If you have any that you think suitable please can you send them by return so that a 'montage' can be created.
Regards,
Ruth & Bohdan
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MID SEPTEMBER CRUISE -September 15th-17th.
The intention was setting off on the Friday but the weather was not favourable with an onshore 3 metre swell at Aberystwyth entrance and heavy gusts. Therefore we all met at Plas Heli for 'Early Doors' - socialising and dining.
Eight boats cruised to Aberystwyth on the Saturday. Early start on a mirror sea but unfortunately no wind. We made good time to our destination although one of the boats came into difficulty but another boat soon came to assist and offered support. The beauty of cruising in company.
Once at Aberystwyth a 'Meet and Greet' at 'The Pier' so that everyone could join socialising and some being introduced to the group for the first time. Thirteen of us dining at 'The Fountain'. As Emrys said "The best gammon steak I have ever tasted', the food was as glorious as usual.
We sailed back on the Sunday, some called at SCYC, Abersoch on the way back to Pwllheli.
We had a fabulous sail back, and this was the 'icing on the cake.'
A 'full on' cruise but great to welcome new members and seeing everyone enjoying themselves. Let's hope there's another chance before the end of the season.
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CHIARLI, JESTER, DIGNITY'S IRISH - JAUNT
Three power boats powering across the Irish Sea 'Cruising in Company'.
When the three were going across others were coming home and passing each other communicating over the VHF in the middle of the Irish Sea. Some homeward bound whilst others starting their cruise. On that day the sea was like silk and the Power Boats powered to their destination whilst the Sailing Boats returning home did not have wind to sail. Can't please everybody. The 'Trader' " Northwestern" made its way individually to celebrate the Bank Holiday, a maiden voyage for the new owners. It is amazing how many of us share the Irish Sea at the same time.
Malahide, a destination not to forget, although navigation has to be pretty good as this is an Estuary, with a bank across. This did not stop the three power musketeers, and why should it. They visited the usual eateries,or Guiness providers, and had good weather to eat outdoors in the sunshine. BBQ on the bathing platform with chef John 'Chiarli' was a must.
A noticable feature in Malahide Estuary is the old dredger.
Greystones, yet again another favourite. Great voyage.
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ANOTHER TRIP TO ABERYSTWYTH, THE MAGNET OF CARDIGAN BAY
Another trip to Aberystwyth. A couple of boats arrived Aberystwyth via Barmouth but all meeting to enjoy a social together before returning.
There is always something to do in Aberystwyth including a 'Sing Along' with a brass band.
BBQ on Quarry Beach August Bank Holiday Saturday.
You have to take advantage of the tides and weather to organise a BBQ on the Beach.
Thanks to Nan & Paul being proactive in organising the Bank Holiday Saturday BBQ.
People arrived by boats, one couple by car, to enjoy the whole experience. There is something quite special coming by sea. Hey! this is called 'adventure'. When you arrive and have forgotten something on the boat it is quite an upheaval, but amazingly you get by by sharing. Good harmless fun.
MCCONNELL CRUISE to IOM
A long haul cruise to the IOM as the weather wasn't playing ball, as usual. But once arrived at Peel this was time to relax and explore the Island.
Hiring a car was on the agenda to enable total exploration of the Island. Covering Peel, Douglas, Laxey, beautiful Castletown and Charles getting the chance to eat a mouthwatering licquore and black currant Manx Ice Cream. When you cruise this far you deserve treats.
Good timing for the Classic Motorbike Racing a great place to be whether a motorbike enthusiast or not, these bikes are a pleasing sight.
Another cruise off the 'bucket list'.
GREYSTONES / HOWTH REVISIT August 2017
A re-visit to Greystones, a lot of development. The new showers, laundrette, and a 1st floor restaurant overlooking the harbour well on the way. What a change in a couple of months. We knew we had to leave by the weekend as there was a 150 Racing Boat Regatta so off to Howth which was as attractive as ever with its live street music being heard over the harbour, the Rear Commodore welcoming us personally. Very busy, we were lucky to have a berth. Found a great eatery 'The Abbey Tavern' with yet again live music entertainment. It was interesting to see the hoist working all day until after 9p.m lifting boats in and out.
A visit to Arklow, believe it or not by train this time to see the developments there, with new pontoons in the fishing dock.
We had to keep an eye on the weather for a return journey and limited on time. Flat calm sea with no wind. Faced with the sea mist welcoming us through Bardsey, spooky seeing Alba coming like a ghost through the mist which soon shifted. 
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ABERYSTWYTH MARINA OPEN DAY / WEEKEND (12/8/2017)
Ten boats had made their way to Aberystwyth, some earlier than others to enjoy a longer break to meet friends etc.One boat had travelled from Ireland to join the group.One on passage home from Milford Haven.
Socialising on each others boats, going on the tram then appreciating the beautiful scenery from the top of Constitutional Hill, a trip on the bus to idyllic Aberaeron a visit to Aberystwyth Food Festival on Sunday attracted others.
Plenty of choices of eateries at Aberystwyth, somewhere to please a variety of taste buds.
'The Fountain' not only being the closest to the marina, and very popular, was delivering their usual pleasing standard of food.
Glad that 'Tally' managed to get to Aberystwyth in time for the Marinas' "Open Day" on the Saturday after a taxing day out at sea and a very early start. Could they smell the BBQ we wonder, enticing them over?
The Open Day went down a treat, the marina staff, as always, welcoming us. The BBQ, which was scrummy, was provided by the marina. An absolute treat and superbly organised. The complementary drinks were also very much appreciated. The marina reduced their fees to £10 a night for any size boat for that weekend, wowee! GREAT HOSPITALITY.
Nan 'Fidget' was attracted to the tractor that launches the RNLI Life Boat and was determined to sit inside it. The raffle was supporting the local life boat which was a great idea and Pwllheli Cruising were generous in donating prizes. A few of our Cruising members came home with an armful of Xmas Cards bought from the RNLI.........Xmas Cards in August! Great to support this wonderful organisation.
The marina had organised a live band 'Smokin' Guns' which were BRILLIANT. Covering all kinds of music and we had 'Dancing in the Street'.....not the song, literally dancing in the street. Everyone enjoying themselves.
A FAB TIME, hopefully to be repeated.
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04/08/2017
A cruising account by Chris on behalf of THE INTREPID EXPLORERS -
'Star Gazer,' 'Blue Jay' & 'Prada'.
We started off in Aberystwyth with the obligatory walk up constitution hill , crazy golf on prom ,frisbee golf on the top then back to the Fountain. Weather was great and we throughly enjoyed ourselvesOn Tuesday we headed for Milton Haven with perfect weather , the timings were spot on going through both sounds and we stopped at Dale waiting for the Tide to get in to Milford .Mark& Ellie were swimming in a lovely bay to wait with buoys and a pontoon to tie up to . We all booked into the 4.45 pm lock as free flow was 6 ish , what a mistake that was , they packed us in like sardines and now we can laugh about it but at the time it was awful . The weather has changed so there are worse places to be stuck , bus and train yards from marina , a good shopping centre and great restaurants .
We went to H/west on train then to Broad Haven by bus then on the Puffin to Nolton Haven where Ellie & Larraine spent nearly 2 hours riding horses on the beach .Another day we cycled to Neyland and back , Pembroke castle & town on the bus , where the guided tour of the castle was excellent..Bus again to Haverfordwest then on to Solva a beautiful little inlet where we sat catching crabs on the dock along with dozens of families.Our watering hole has been Marthas Vineyard ,service and food excellent ,lunch at Coco was a great success , breakfast at Foam and great little cafes surrounding the marina , not forgetting the Lord Nelson with their food deals that could beat Weatherspoons.
The shops are nice ,we've all had jewellery from Silverfish , there is a bowling alley if it rains which at £4.50 a game was good value .
We are looking for a weather window to come back but we all agree loads to do and see , transport excellent and the marina staff have been extremely helpful with great showers and facilities.
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Kirk, born in Bermuda, wanted to make a return journey home from Pwllheli. Wow, what a big ask.
"THREE CHEERS" and crew, Kirks' son and Raine' set off only to be faced on the first night with a force 9 gale with another on the horizon.
A very strenuous journey but nothing fazed the boat or crew.
21 days, non stop, to arrive at Bermuda in time for 'The Americas Cup'. Chill out on anchor and take in the beautiful scenery was pure bliss.
Kirk had not seen his daughter, family and brother for some time and now managing to meet and spend time together in glorious sunshine.
Time soon passed and after some general maintenance before the return journey Kirk and 'Raine were on their way.
Journey back was not as challenging and they made it back in 17days, an average of 176 nautical miles on the return journey.
What a great achievement for crew and boat. 6,000 nautical miles overall.
It was great to welcome them back at Pwllheli although Kirk said "I'm getting too old for this." However, we have heard that said before...........but cruising/ sailing is in his blood.
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Chill Out Summer Cruise.
'CHILL OUT', and of course Charlie the dog, spent their Summer Cruise in the bay.
An annual visit to Porthmadog with four friends on board ensuring that Sarah gets her fix of 'train watching', receiving a warm welcome at Madog Yacht Club and the megga food at the Tai Restaurant, but not forgetting Charlie having his ice cream treat from Cadwaladers.
Once back at Pwllheli fabulous sunshine resulted in a BBQ on the boat at Llanbedrog and Charlie becoming a puppy again eager to go into the dingy and venture onto the beach for a game of ball catching, whilst Fidget and guests investigated the refurbished 'Aqua' Bistro and pleased, therefore eager to return. Ending the day rafting in blissful sunshine of Quarry Beach.
Charlie could not wait to go back for his aqua therapy the next day, so be it. Charlie rules!!!
Days of socialising on the marina and cruising in the bay made their holiday.
'CHill Out' was the only power boat to venture out on the Parade of Boats day as it was a rough one, an endurance test for poor Charlie. Well done for supporting the 'Parade of Boats' under such conditions.
Aberystwyth could be the next cruise.....weather permitting as always.
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Aberystwyth
The week end, started on the Thursday night when 16 out of the 19 participants met at the Sailing Club to discuss the week end ahead. A very enjoyable chat and social time. Two 'single handlers' decided to go on one boat, more company on a passage.......( as long as you enjoyed listening to the 'cricket' .......skipper instructions!!!!!)
Ten boats left the marina on Friday, 7 sailing boats and 3 power boats, all at different times, but keeping in contact. Night Music led the fleet, first time voyage, enjoying their sail using the East Passage for the very first time.
The seas were calm to start off with, but built up and built up. By the time the 'Power Boats' were on their way, it it was 'bouncy.......bouncy'. Sailing boats were having a jolly sail and all the fleet waiting for the right time to access Aberystwyth Marina. Good team work assisting everyone to come in safely. The marina staff were BRILL!
It was tea time by the time everyone got in, and as agreed, Thursday night, people did their own thing 'so to speak.' Crash out, go out for a meal or just mingle.
Saturday was a 'sun behind the clouds' sorta day. After the 12:00 meet it was decided to go ahead with the BBQ at 1p.m and exceptionally well attended. It worked out well, great company and a splendid BBQ. The marina picnic tables served us well and the portable BBQ's ablaze providing 'food glorious food'.The time just fled by. Did you know we have expert Chefs amongst us!!' We saluted Jon Booth, the new marina manager, for the staff making us so welcome.
We all agreed to meet up 7p.m at The Pier for a social get together. The criteria was:-enough room for 19 of us on a Saturday night in Aberystwyth, within walking distance, where people could eat, drink/ or follow their own agenda. It was great that everyone were there chatting away. After a couple of hours it was a mixture of 'stay put', KFC
(after wandering to find a chip shop ) or an Indian. Something for everybody, 'as they say.' The beauty of being in Aberystwyth, an University town, plenty of 'choice' .
The Power boats, and a couple of yachts, left early Sunday morning and had a more pleasurable trip back. Unfortunately, not enough wind for the sailors, but a flat mirror like sea, dolphins playing, seals fishing and a tranquil journey back in wall to wall sunshine with panoramic views and yes.......some wind to welcome us home.
One could say, a GREAT weekend.
Super Duper! To see TEN boats gathering at Aberystwyth with its new layout being tested. GREAT welcome as always. The marina could not have been more helpful.
Congratulations to Lyn & Frank on their maiden voyage on Night Music.
Jake - Insomnia
Insomnia set off for Greystones. Although there was a question mark over the cruise due to the kids having a bug, they still set out on Wednesday. They arrived safely at Greystones. It took them 4 hours due to very disappointing visability of 5 miles or less with blankets of mist coming down frequently which meant that they had to cut the speed. Now relaxing at Greystones and the compulsory visit for the kids to Bray. Hey! Was it worth it?.........YES. As Jake said "we had a fabulous time, but not long enough." The return journey was less arduous as the visibility was much better.
SCYC
Several trips to SCYC, when the tides are right its just a short cruise down the coast, and ideal.
Some Power boaters have joined the sailors when the weather is not conducive for Power Boating and makes the trip worth whille for everyone.
On the last trip there was a very special celebration, a RUBY WEDDING (we had no idea until we arrived. The chef made a cake, to everyones amazement. Very grateful for his 'surprise'.
Two new sailors amidst us, first time on a sailing boat. Although been members of the Sailing Club for several years this was their first experience on a boat and smiles all around. We shall build up to rougher weather!!!!!!
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Summer Cruise Saturday July the 17th.
Early 4 a.m on Saturday morning six boats headed off for Fishguard. The sea state was uneasy and bouncy from the high winds from the previous day and after hours of being pounded, wind on the nose against tide, four boats returned to Pwllheli whilst the other two made their plan 'B' come into action to Arklow, not a smooth crossing, however they got there safely.
After re-grouping basking in the sun at Pwllheli it was decided than plan 'C' came into action for two of the boats. Anchoring that evening at Aberdaron ready for a 4a.m. start through Bardsey Sound to Greystones, home from home. Joined then by 'Blue Moves' (from Arklow) and 'Tamur' from Pwllheli.
Next destination was Dun Leoghaire whilst 'Hal' worked south. Soon to be joined by 'Last Orders' at Dun Leoghaire just in time to join in the celebration of Andrew's birthday ('Blue Moves'). Chris & Charles needed to chill after picking up a lobster pot off Codling bank and although tried very hard to dislodge it with a boat hook which broke in half, there was no choice but to dive in and manually remove. Oops....ah.....cold! Aaaachooo!
Several eateries were attended during the visit and the three Yacht Clubs welcomed us. 'Perti Kitchen' was recommended my our Rear Commodore and we had a very pleasant meal there........good recommendation.
Four boats then moved on to Malahide, a good sail avoiding the ferries, the usual thrilling moments in Dublin Bay. Dublin is always a magnet as proved again on this occasion. The Temple Bar area with live music surrounding the area, the city itself, the Science Museum with it's amazing sound display and last but not least The 'Guinness Factory.'
A 'boat to boat' evening meal was enjoyed and brought the group together to chat sharing experiences. A visit was also made to a new restaurant that had only newly opened at Malahide, 'The Greenary' a real treat, a place to re-visit. We do not need much excuse to return to Malahide.
Knowing that a weather front was coming in Thursday/ Friday and participants had other commitments beginning of the following week we decided to go back south to Greystones ready to take advantage of a weather window for our return.
A fabulous sail where everyone was overjoyed as the wind, for once, wasn't on the nose. The engines were silent. Yeh! A sail to remember and log. We thought maybe we will have to pay for this later,.....mmmmm!!!
'The Beach' was a great place to finish our cruising gathering .......yes.....eating again.
Tuesday seemed to be the favourite window to return to Pwllheli and so we all bounced, yes bounced, across the Irish sea with quite poor visibility and rain most of the way to Bardsey. Guess where the wind was......guessed right.....on the nose. 'Last Orders' attracted to yet another lobster pot with its rope round both of its rudders this time, thankfully did not have to dive in the water! They tacked and got the rudder out of the water to cut off the rope and then repeated the process. An invite for a lobster dinner??? How unlucky can one be.
Bardsey was a welcoming sight and Porth Curiad was the anchorage for tea, rockin' & rollin' mind, before catching the tide back home to the marina. As we anchored off the rain returned, why not finish the journey as you set out eh! In rain and diminishing visibility. However, It was a joy to get back into the marina to chill after a long taxing day.
Although our Cruising hols was curtailed short due to weather a good time was had by all.
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T.T at the Isle of Man.
A group of power boats from Pwllheli have made it a tradition to power to I.O.M to watch the TT. A well calculated start from Pwllheli on the Friday to ensure access at Peel Harbour when you can gain entry. They made it in style and then 'chilling out' being well entertained by the racing. Great to see the tradition amongst them going from strength to strength.
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BJ Marine 'Power Boat Event.'
BJ Marine organised a 'POWER BOAT EVENT' last weekend (Saturday the 27th of May).
When the weather was looking favourable 8 boats from Ireland intended on arriving at Pwllheli on the Friday night and 15 boats from Pwllheli intended to join them on their return journey to Greystones on the Saturday.
However, the weather window was not a favourable one and three boats from Pwllheli took advantage of the weather window Wednesday/Thursday before the event, crossing to Greystones.
The four Irish boats came over to Pwllheli on the Friday with a Saturday return taking Merl (Pwllheli Boat ) with them. The reception at Greystones was generous and the 8 boats that managed to go over were well looked after.
It was unfortunate that the weather had hinderd the event as 15 boats from Pwllheli had intended on going across.
Two further boats did come across after the weekend as the weather improved. Fingers crossed for better weather next year.
Aberystwyth trip turned into a one day 'Raft U'. May the 20th. 2017.
The Aberystwyth trip did not materialise as the window to come home was not good. However, we made the most of it on the one and only good day, the intended participants enjoyed themselves rafting at Chapel Bay and had a brill BBQ.
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Sunday May the 7th. 10 boats enjoyed the sunshine, fabulous sailing and 'food....glorious food' at SCYC. A great time had by all. Another short cruise to remember. Whilst Imladris on her way to Aberystwyth for a few days. Liked the new layout.
Kirk is on his way to Bermuda
Many people gathered at the marina to wish him well and wave 'Goodbye' on the 4th of May. Kirk and crew of two are hoping that this journey will take two weeks, without stopping. Arriving there to witness the America's Cup which starts on May the 22nd .
Then return home to Pwllheli.
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The power boats ,Chloe K and Namsag had a thrilling time starting the season week end April 22nd. Greystones was the destination where they enjoyed themselves as always.
A flying cruise back to Pwllheli being welcomed by wall to wall sunshine.
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At last Friday Early Doors (which we enjoy meeting for a chat, whoever is down, at Sailing Club 5:30 onwards) it was decided that we would sail to SCYC for Saturday lunch, great sail, great food and great company.
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The Intrepid Explorers' starting the season with a BBQ at Warren Beach
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Cruising Meeting. Thanks to all that attended the Cruising Meeting on Good Friday, 79 in all. Also for Jane Butterworth, Vice Commodore of the Sailing Club for welcoming everyone,Gerallt Williams, Rear Commodore for taking pics, Sailing Club for providing the food and drink without forgetting the Staff of Plas Heli for their preparation and accommodating us. Very informative talks from Mike Caplin regarding a Bank Holiday Power Boat event, Mark and Vicky encouraging the Cruising section to join in white sails racing.
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'Boat to Boat' - thanks to the nine boats that hosted and the 46 that attended to create a fab atmosphere.
Great start to the season.
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