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Anyone who has sailed Wales's coastline will already know how beautiful, uncongested
and truly rewarding a day’s cruising in this part of the world can be. Now sailors
can enjoy a warm welcome ashore with a taste of historical Wales on the new Classic
Castles Cruise along the north Wales coastline. Combining spectacular sailing with
the celebration of some of Wales' finest castles, food and drink, this new format
cruise rouses the senses and brings the rich history and celtic tradition of the
region to life.
The cruise is a 12-day tour sailing around Anglesey and the North Wales coastline,
finishing at Barmouth in Cardigan Bay. Participants are free to explore at their
leisure any route along the coastline, taking in its rugged coast, quiet coves,
breathtaking scenery and wildlife, between food and drink celebrations, tours and
musical events at the castles and anchorages in the evening. Cruisers meet to register
at Holyhead with a welcome drink and live folk band to kickstart your cruise. Holyhead
is known as the sailing gateway to North Wales and Snowdonia, and has a fascinating
maritime history as the main trading route between Ireland and the rest of the UK.
The next meeting point is at Conwy Castle which, set against the mountains of Snowdonia,
occupies a commanding position overlooking the Conwy estuary. A Taste of Wales buffet
and drinks take place within the atmospheric chapel tower following a personalised
tour of the castle, accompanied by a Welsh harpist.
Along the way, sailing proceeds at a leisurely pace, with an excellent choice of
harbours and anchorages to tie up at amidst some of the UK’s most stunning scenery.
There is such an incredible range of sailing waters in this part of the world; within
the Menai Strait, there is always somewhere to find shelter and pleasant sailing,
whatever the wind; the notorious Swellies always presents interesting sailing conditions
with tidal currents reaching upto 8 knots. Anglesey, Lleyn Peninsula and Tremadog
Bay provide wonderful sailing, remote islands and sandy beaches. Working with the
tides and wind leads to quick, comfortable passages, and sheltered, swell free,
anchorages.
Marvel at the close-up view of wildlife from your yacht with sightings of guillemots,
razorbills, kittiwakes, puffins, gannets, cormorants, shearwater, porpoise and seals
highly likely. Sheltered rocky areas of the Strait are also home to various barnacles,
marine snails, and other molluscs.
Enjoy a Calypso night on the beach at Porth Dinllaen and after the final leg to
Barmouth, all the crews meet up at Harlech castle for a medieval experience with
wild bird displays, games and combat displays before the finale 4-course evening
meal at the Royal St David’s Golf Club.
The Classic Castles Cruise is the perfect introduction to sailing in North Wales
– sail at your leisure and enjoy the company of other crews at four events along
the way. Even if you’ve sailed the region and know it well, there is always somewhere
new to explore. Each event is a little bit different, casual and designed to add
a splash of Welsh culture to your cruise.
The Classic Castles Cruise is open to both sailing and motor boats. As part of the
cruise, discounted berthing rates have been negotiated for participants at the marinas
along the way.
We hope that you can join us and look forward to meeting you on this year’s Classic Castles Cruise
Best Regards,
Stuart Gibson
Coordinator North Wales Watersports
Please note that whilst the Irish Sea Marine Sector and North Wales Watersports
are providing support and organisational input into this Classic Castles Cruise, if you
choose to participate, the final responsibility for the safety of your vessel and
crew, your vessel’s sea worthiness and the general decision making process, must
be in the hands of your skipper.
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