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2025-07-05 Cruise along the coastline in Holyhead Bay I went to Flair IV for around 12:15 and sorted out a few items, including new clips for the halyards at the mast base, before the crew arrived about 13:20. The weather was bright with 16kt to 20kt WSW winds. As we discussed the plan for the afternoon we had lunch, once again supplemented by Tess’s very tasty pulses with a variety of other inputs. After clearing away lunch the crew removed the covers and prepared the sails whilst I made a final check on the rotation of the propeller shaft running in forward and reverse gear. We left the mooring with the 2 reefs in the mainsail and deployed the jib behind the main as we sailed down wind towards the Aluminium Jetty. After checking with Port Control Sean was on the helm to get us out towards Clipera on the far side of the TSZ, while I showed Tess how to remove the log paddle wheel unit to clean it as it had not been recording our boat speed for a couple of weeks. The unit was covered in tiny shrimps which had completely seized the rotor. After cleaning and re-installing the Water Speed Display immediately started showing 8 to 9 kts as we approached the end of the Aluminium Jetty. With the flood tide starting at 13:30 we had decided to just go for a sail in the bay and come back close to the shore line near Church Bay. As we approached the TSZ the Irish Ferries Fast Cat made her passage in to the Ferry Port but our passage was not disrupted as we sailed behind her as she entered the port. During the return to Holyhead a small tear in the old genoa was noticed which got worse as we entered the New Harbour area Another great day sail in some strong but very acceptable winds.

Anchored in the bay

Wreck bay Kyles of Bute

Nice trip around the Solent. Flat calm at first, which only picked up properly around 3pm. Gentle sailing, and anchor in Osborne Bay.