Gasp as we enter the technological age!

On the passage back to Pwllheli from Arklow the wind dropped and the sea became flat. So we decided it was time to try out the autopilot.

Look at the awe on the faces of the crew ! These simple fellows have never seen anything as advanced!
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The continuous, minor adjustments made the autopilot straightened our course and we were back on the berth more than an hour earleir than expected.

Where to eat in Arklow...

We recommend it...

Arklow - visit #3 - 2016

I now think of Arklow as Irish Sea passage #101, as it's closest to our current home port, a very easy arrival and always a warm welcome. Overall, just less than 80nm over the ground.

The riverside  pontoons in Arklow offer an easy arrival.

The view down river, from the bridge. Pontoons can be seen on the right

The crew enjoy themselves...

The Seal of Approval

We're off on our way to Arklow, passing the isolated danger mark to the south St Tudwall's islands (the old "Bell Buoy").
This chap doesn't look too tricky though, does he? 

Slipways of the World #5 - Pwllheli Marina

Beware of speed boats and jet ski drivers which launch from here into a constricted basin, then roar off in a fit of excitement, without even thinking of the other water users. nearby..
Be especially careful at the fuel berth, which is in the path of destruction.

Ready to navigate

Got my sextant, plotting sheets, chart plotter, almanac, site reduction tables, book by authoritative figure, special pencils, bungey rubber, site reduction form....

So where the hell am I ?

Slipways of the world

No 3 - Porthmadog Snowden wharf

Anchor Watch Apps for Iphone - which are best ?

On our forthcoming crusie to Ireland we are planning to steal about 3 hours of daylight by anchoring overnight before hand somewhere around St Tudwells or Porth Ceiriad.
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It would be good to have the confidence that the anchor wasn;t dragging, but there are so many iphone apps its hard to know which one to go for!
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Can anyone make a recommendation ?
Have you tried them and found good live savers or bad heart breakers - please get in touch and use the comment box below let us know !
Many thanks

Waiting for the tide in Porthmadog

It's as simply splendid morning here  in Porthmadog,

 We,re  waiting for enough tide to leave.

In the meantime the crew relax,

Some new friends

Despite very light airs at times on Sunday, we had a smashing day of sailing

with our new crew Alan and Sam, who proved to be a natural on the helm.