Thur 21 May, Padstow to Milford Haven

0805 departed Padstow and cleared Doom Bar by 0830. Swell from the west and not enough wind to sail with. Put genoa away and sheeted main/mizzen in tight to counter swell on the beam and hunkered down for a 70.8M passage to Dale Bay midwater pontoon in Milford Haven.

For about 4 hours, mid channel, we had a pod of common dolphin come to play in our bow wave in the sunshine. Wonderful. Sorry, no photos :-( In the whole crossing we only saw the Spanish galleon under power (encountered in Plymouth some days back - see pic below) rounding Steppen Point on her way into Padstow, and one other small fishing vessel playing with her lobster pots. Pity there was no wind..

Passage extended due to Castlemartin Ranges being active, so we were about an hour and half late getting in, meaning it was dark. Hey ho! Milford is a very deep haven and it is well-marked. Apparently even Admiral Lord NELSON was known to comment on Milford Haven as a safe place to be.

2255. Would you believe it? As we approached the low lying midwater pontoon, all of a sudden an easterly 26knot wind gusted in for about half an hour just as we were trying to secure to this dodgy looking pontoon.

NOTE!! If you use this facility, it isn’t bad BUT there are bolts sticking out around the rubbing strakes, so be careful please. We got away with it, more by luck than judgement.

A couple of large ‘Highland Parks’ helped with a decent night’s kip after a nearly 15 hour passage. We were tired.Read more