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15 July 04
Inaugural Wayfarer Sunday Cruise 4th July 04
The Plan
Following the great success of the Wayfarer Bash and the enthusiasm for the Round Hilbre Cruise, we have one Sunday a month when like minded persons (All Monohullers and Cats are welcome) go somewhere. This first cruise destination was Flint Castle:
 
The Start
HW was at 13:31 BST, Tide 9.6m, wind, a brisk WNW 3-4. We planned to be off the sand at 11:15 latest. Passage was approximately 14NM round trip. Landing at Flint is only possible about ½ hr each side of HW, so the plan was to have ½ hr sandwich break, leg stretch and explore before catching the ebb back to Thurstaston. Four W's turned out on a day that may have been marginal for a trip across the estuary, however all reefed in and we managed the conditions well. It was the sort of day that tested your gear and boat handling skills, all good practice in a safe environment knowing that the Safety boats were only a call away.
The Voyage
The passage plan worked well, if a bit late leaving the sand. Three boats made it over to Flint on a broad reach and two of us made the landing at the Castle. John preferring to stand off and admire the view in these conditions.
 
Doug and Gill
We left Flint at HW for the beat back up the Buoyed channel to Greenfield and across to Thurstaston. Even on a 9.3 m tide and leaving at HW we touched bottom a few times on the way back.
Debrief
Estuary sailing is a physical activity both on and off the water. Check your gear and keep fit! Watch the time and tides.
Future cruises
The plan is to do the four corners of the Dee estuary by the autumn, We have done Hilbre (North) and Flint (South), and next destination will be Point of Ayr (West) with Heswall (East) to finish off with a pint at Sheldrakes (would that be on the Fleet Captain perchance? Ed). Point of Ayr Lighthouse Cruise is planned for late August - will post details later this month. Any questions or suggestions please feel free to mail - Wayfarers@dee-sc.co.uk
See you on the sand. Q
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