Link
|
Wind, tide, sunshine, waves, visibility and rain are key elements to sailing, all of which will effect a sailing day. To enjoy a good sail most importantly
we need wind, however not too much, we comfortably sail in up to force 6 winds ( @30 mph ). Over this we will postpone unless
the charter crew are experienced. ( Some want it! ). By decreasing sail size ( reefing ) we can de-power the yacht, thus making
strong winds less effective, as we progress the day we unleash more sail power to increase the customers experience and enjoyment.
Powering up a fast 43" yacht and beating to windward at 8 knots with waves and spray crashing over the bow is an unforgettable experience. |
Link
 |
Waves. . . . . are a consequence of wind and outside of the sheltered Swansea Bay they can get rather
large or confused in a highly tidal channel, further down channel then the Atlantic swell becomes more prevalent with longer rollers
but less effect on the yacht. Staying in the bay and sailing to The Mumbles in a strong wind is far less challenging and quietly settles the inexperienced. |
Link
|
Understanding this our skippers overcome any anxieties a customer may have or use it to stretch the exhilaration further.
Tide. . . . . is an effect of the moon ( sun and planets have a small effect as well ) and
the lunar month cycle is king to our process, full and no moon produce high tidal range spring tides with strong currents. Half
moons produce lower tidal range neap tides with respectively lower currents. The Bristol channel has the second highest tidal
range in the world with 9 meters range being the average spring, Caribbean tides can be only 9 inches. As the Bristol channel
narrows towards the Severn estuary currents can reach in excess of 6 knots, if you are sailing against it you could be going
backwards. These tides are a result of a lot of water on the move, half of it being in the two hours during mid tides, awesome
power which requires respect but when understood can be of considerable use in reducing passage times. The tides therefore dictate to
us our times of departure and in unison with wind direction advise our destination. Spring tides are always high @ 7 or 8 pm/am
and low at @ 1 or 2 pm causing our locks to close, however we have already left for a day sail or are waiting till evening for an evening sail.
Fog. . . . . is a minor problem as due to the local geography and climate it rarely occurs, sea
mists occurs occasionally with the change of seasons leaving haze and warm front drizzle as the biggest problem if you are more than a mile or two offshore. |
