Words and photos - John Lymer

This trip saw 11 members on the water. It was also the first outing for the 2nd hand tandem the club has just bought from former members Chris and Enid Bottomley, so we have some photos and video of that too. As always, we had to weigh up how early we could go out and how late we could stay on the water. Tides were fairly high for our visit, but not 'springs'. Most started one hour after the 5.15m/5.3m high tides at Holyhead on Saturday and Sunday. Even so, Saturday was pretty shallow to begin with - most of the sailing is in water that's knee to waist deep anyway, so fin size is a real consideration. Not a deal breaker though - if you go early or pick a large fin you just have to wade further. Saturday was 6.5m weather for 3 hours+ of sailing and Sunday was best suited to a 7.5m and wide board for planing to be guaranteed ... and I only had to wade out for 5 metres. Monday was a 5.5m high tide and levels were further helped by an onshore surge at Holyhead from the Northerly Force 5 to 6. I launched 40 minutes before the 5.5m tide and could have started earlier than that. On Monday I rigged a 5.5m sail and had ample wind and an exciting time in the nearer area of the lagoon. It's a shame I was the sole West Pennine member sailing by then though. [Timings are given partly to help us build up our knowledge of the location, so we pick the right weekends and know how long we can sail for in future.]

Saturday night meant a trip to the pub and a meal for 12 (thanks Eve for booking) - it's a very sociable weekend after all! The Anchorage did us proud and it's only a half mile walk from Pen Y Bont Caravan and Camping Site, where all or most stay. Day sailors pay £3 for up to 4 hours, or £6 for longer. This site is the only launch point for the Inland Sea, so for now we'll have to put up with some rather strict rules and paying top prices. For example, pitches with electric are £36/night (high season ends early October!), but they still want another £3 if you stay 2 or 3 nights and leave late, as you're then classed as a 'day sailor' so can't use the showers! 

See some photos below. We also have some video coming soon (we'll add a link here).