Beth Price

⛵ Antoka | Holyhead Bay to Cemaes Head 20 September 2026 | 11:00–16:00 | Approx. 5 hours A fantastic and challenging sail aboard Antoka from Holyhead, heading across Holyhead Bay towards Cemaes Head. Conditions were considerably more lively than I’ve previously experienced aboard her, with a strong breeze and a short, persistent sea. As we crossed the bay the waves became increasingly noticeable, with what felt like large, almost continuous waves. Antoka handled them beautifully, although it made for a much more physical and exhilarating sail than my previous trips. We sailed with the mainsail on two reefs, together with the genoa. I released us from the mooring buoy before departure and, once underway, helped raise the mainsail and genoa. I then spent the majority of the five-hour sail at the helm, including sailing Antoka through the heavier sea across the bay. A brilliant opportunity to build confidence helming in stronger conditions and to experience how the boat behaves in a much more energetic sea state. Definitely the most demanding conditions I've sailed Antoka in so far, and a very memorable day on the water. Skills/practical experience: Helming in moderate/choppy seas • maintaining course through short-period waves • sailing under reefed main • mainsail and genoa hoist • releasing from mooring buoy • experiencing sail balance and boat handling in stronger conditions. Sea state: Moderate/choppy, short-period waves, frequent whitecaps Sail plan: Mainsail, 2 reefs + genoa Time underway: ~5 hours Route: Holyhead → across Holyhead Bay towards Cemaes Head → Holyhead

6am start. Under Job and anchor . small accident of a coffee splillahe which we needed to clean up whilst underway. perfect deployment of jib.

Passage – Chatham Bay Departure and Coastal Transit Following a period of unsettled weather overnight, with north-easterly winds of approximately 40 knots, heavy rain, and electrical activity, the vessel remained at anchor in Chatham Bay. At approximately 0100 hours, the crew conducted a precautionary check after hearing a loud impact; the vessel was found to be secure at anchor with no issues identified. At first light, preparations were made for departure. The anchor and bridle were recovered, and the dinghy was secured for passage. Prior to leaving the bay, a fishing line was deployed in an attempt to catch provisions. A fish was briefly hooked but was lost during retrieval. A short circuit of the bay was undertaken to attempt another catch, but no further success was achieved. The vessel then departed Chatham Bay, maintaining a course close inshore along the coastline. Upon reaching the northern tip of the island, the vessel altered course into open water to cross the channel. Sea conditions were choppy, reflecting the recent weather conditions. Upon arrival at the next anchorage, the vessel anchored, with the anchor deployed and set. Chatham Bay was noted as a visually attractive anchorage, though with a noticeable odour attributed to decomposing seaweed along the Atlantic-facing shoreline.

Departure from Mooring Buoy – Clifton Marina to Chatham Bay The vessel was prepared for departure from the mooring buoy. The skipper entered the water to release the bridle from the buoy. Prior to release, the pickup/anchor line had been left with sufficient slack to enable recovery from onboard. Under light ahead propulsion, I recovered the line to the bow, untied the bowline, and brought all lines safely onboard. Lines were then coiled and stowed appropriately, ready for reuse. The jib was hoisted and set in a north-easterly wind of approximately 20 knots. After approximately 2 nautical miles, the vessel altered course to the northwest. The skipper trimmed the jib to balance the sail plan and reduce load during handling. At 3.57 nautical miles, I furled the jib, and the vessel continued under engine power toward Chatham Bay. Upon arrival, the vessel anchored, with the anchor deployed and set in suitable holding ground.