Week 9 – Anglesey
Moored safely in the Marina in Conwy we said farewell to Matthew who had been so helpful with his local knowledge of these waters, especially piloting Sea Fever across Caernarfon Bar and through the Menai Strait. We welcomed Janet and Jim onboard for a week of exploration of Anglesey.
Looking to head north to the Isle of Man at the end of the week, we had a choice of “clockwise” or “anti-clockwise”. The weather forecast with mostly northerly winds favoured the clockwise option offering the challenge of sailing back through the Menai Strait, out across Caernarfon Bar and up the West Coast of Anglesey to Holyhead. After a sail around Puffin Island we enjoyed watching the classic boat racing at Beaumaris – part of the Menai Strait Regatta – before an evening passage through the treacherous Swellies. Rewarded by making it to Caernarfon in time for last orders at the Royal Welsh Yacht Club.
Then out across Caernarfon Bar and to anchor at Pilot’s Cove on Llanddwyn Island. A very special place. Going ashore in “Tommy the Tender” we were greeted by the sight and sound of a harpist playing on the beach! And later he walked into the sea with his harp balanced on his head – chatting to him later Jo learned that the breeze blowing through the harp vibrates the strings and sets up beautiful harmonics.
The next morning the wind was set fair for a sail up the coast, around South Stack where the tide races and roars, and around the corner into Holyhead. Here is a town in need to prayer and help – it all just felt like it needs cheering up. I sense lots of attempts to do just that but it is battling against headwinds (literally) and setbacks: Storm Emma in 2018 completely destroyed the wonderful marina, BREXIT hit the trade route with Ireland (easier to trade direct with Europe rather than ship via the UK), and Storm Darragh in December 2024 put the freight terminals out of action. It was good to see the “Heritage led regeneration” project at St Cybi’s church – a project which Janet initiated as part of wider strategy of church development in the area.
A night alongside the one remaining pontoon in Holyhead and we were again blessed with fair winds for the 50 NM passage north to the Isle of Man. Here we moored in the Inner Harbour, right in the centre of Douglas. On Sunday we joined in with the worship at St George’s church a short walk from Sea Fever. A wonderful time of fellowship and prayer – lots and lots going on there. Exciting times!
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