From a distance

Most boats heading into the area from the west, north and east tend to make Anglesey their first stop - perhaps because the first secure anchorages or harbours are on the Island. From Ireland, Holyhead is such an obvious mark that there is little point in trying to enter at any other place, particularly now that the marina is open. From the north (Isle of Man, Lancashire coast and Scotland) the coast from Point of Ayr to Gt. Ormes Head is inhospitable, with few distinguishing marks until you are in amongst the shoals of Chester Flats, Rhyl Flats and the West Constable Bank. West of these dangers lies Anglesey, with its own offlying problems east of the Skerries. Letting down on the Skerries (53deg. 25min N, 4deg. 37min W) however, offers an easy landfall in most conditions, a 29M light at night and RACON in thick weather. A course leaving the group of islets 1 mile to the east reveals Holyhead Harbour, its breakwater and breakwater light. Vessels approaching the area from the south may well find it convenient to make landfall at Pwllheli, where the marina (Hafan Pwllheli) is welcoming to visitors, though often full to overflowing. One of the anchorages along the coast to Bardsey Island may offer a less expensive alternative in the right wind conditions, with some spectacular views over the Welsh mountains. Bardsey, backed by the dominating scenery of the Lleyn Peninsula, is an obvious landmark, which is difficult to miss in any reasonable visibility and it is an outstanding radar target. However shoals, which surround the island, and truly energetic tides, give rise to seas which have been reported as 'phenomenal'. Bardsey Sound, with its offliers and overfalls are best tackled at the right time (slack water) and with a refreshed crew.

Any boat heading north in a southerly blow would be best advised to shape a course for Holyhead, giving Bardsey a 10 mile offing, or head for the absolute safety of the marina at Pwllheli, between Sarn Badrig, which dries, and the Devils Tail, with its overfalls and rips. In better conditions, Mynydd Rhiw lying 3 miles east of Aberdaron, rising as it does to 302 metres, with a conspicuous radio mast atop of it, gives a target to aim for.

Under any conditions, however, small boats are advised to avoid the trio of shoals south of Aberdaron - Devil's Tail, Devil's Ridge and Bastram Shoal, by keeping Mynydd Rhiw off the port bow. Passage through Bardsey Sound when making for Anglesey can also provide a sobering, some might say spiritual, experience in the wrong conditions! Fortunately these usually include a westerly wind, when Aberdaron or Abersoch (to the east of Hell's Mouth) and Pwllheli offer safe refuge.

From other parts of Anglesey

Throughout this site, we talk about the Anglesey tides. Sailors from regions where they are less important tend to assume that the locals are exaggerating - until they spend four hours sailing on the spot, or backwards. There is no point in fighting the tides - the Spring rate at a number of places around the Island reaches 5 knots (or more), giving a planned passage a most encouraging boost to the SOG and an unplanned passage a late arrival!

From the west coast, arrive at South Stack at LW slack to allow the young flood to sweep you into Holyhead Bay. (CLICK for tidal data).

From the north coast (which is the preferred route for all departure points NE of Menai Bridge), make Carmel Head at HW slack. (CLICK for tidal data).