SEA BEAR

Sat 23rd May

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 too 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 and beautifully sheltered in a southerly blow. There were quite a few boats already at anchor but plenty of room for little old Dansa, inshore of most of the bigger boats.