We're Off!

We set sail at about 12:30pm from near Bangor Pier and are now sailing off Penrhyn Castle.

Thanks to Sarah Johnson for dashing out to get this photo of us as we tack on our way towards Ynys Seiriol / Puffin Island.  I'll post photos of the launch later.

Gales change plans for launch

This was meant to be the scene tomorrow (Sunday).  Capercaille sailing past Plas Newydd, the first of over a hundred special NT places on the Welsh coast, as we were being saluted by our colleagues from the font lawn.
 
But alas it's not to be.  This photo will have to suffice for now.  With gusts approaching a full gale, John wisely decided not to attempt the passage through the Menai Strait's treacherous Swellies to an uncertain anchorage at Felinheli.  Conditions must have been bad, as I have it on good authority that John is sometimes seen going out into a choppy sea when less courageous yachtsmen are heading for port.

So tomorrow's launch will be at Siliwen, by Bangor Pier at about midday.  Why not head to the end of the pier to wave us off on our Sails Around Wales adventure? 

A Happy Coincidence

Little did we know when we set the date of 8 June for our celebratory circuit of the Welsh coast, it would by happy coincidence be World Oceans Day.  This United Nations-recognised world-wide day of ocean celebration and action is a great opportunity to do something to show your love of our seas and concern for their future.

So if you're still not sure what to do to help our seas and coast, why not show your support for our Trident Trek and Sails Around Wales.  Both events will be highlighting our achiements on the Welsh coast and raising awareness for people to help with its better protection.

The arrival of the yacht Capercaille at Flint, North Wales at 4pm will signal the start of the both events.  Coast path walker, Bob Smith and sailor-ranger John Whitley will be waved off by well-wishers before posing briefly for media photos and starting on their respective epic journeys.

If you live in the North Wales & Mersyside areas, why not make a date to see us off at the dock at Flint?

If you can't make it, don't worry, go to the Trident Trek tab to book another section, or follow this blog to find out how we go on.

Training with our coastal heroes

Preparations for our Trident Trek are well advanced, with less than three weeks to go before we start.

Our coastal supremo Bob Smith has been in training for a few weeks now, making sure that he can put in the miles on his epic trek along the Welsh coast without too many blisters.

The other morning he was joined by the creator of the trident, fellow-volunteer George Smith on the shores of the Menai Strait to put in a few miles in between conservation tasks at Glan Faenol.

Watch this space for more news, and go to the Trident Trek tab on this blog to find out more about how to get involved.

"I've got a great idea....."

"...I have had an idea to mark the Trust’s coastal celebration. I thought it would be good if someone were to sail round the Welsh coast calling in wherever possible at our properties and highlighting the cause.  The only problem would be who could do such a thing?  Well, I suppose I could…"

These were the words of John Whitley, when he wrote to the Trust suggesting the idea of Sails around Wales.  

John is one of the Trust’s countryside rangers, based with George and Bob at the Glan Faenol estate, on the banks of the Menai Strait.

"I'm sure we'll have a few adventures on the way...."
John on Capercaille

John learnt to sail when he was a teenager.  He joined two family friends on a voyage to the Azores and was hooked.  A more recent feat, this time with his own yacht, was to sail around Britain.  “The voyage took me two months and I experienced the sea in all its moods – from storms to wonderful peaceful sunsets” explains John.

“The trip around the Welsh coast is much shorter, of course, but I’m sure we’ll have a few adventures on the way.  You have to be ready for anything - conditions can change so quickly and our route takes us through some treacherous waters, including the Bardsey, Ramsey and Jack Sounds.”

And to keep everyone in touch with progress on social media, I’ll be joining John for two weeks.  I’ve been told that my duties are ‘deck-hand, tea maker and blogger’” 

If conditions allow, we hope to take on-board colleagues and volunteers so they can get a new perspective on the coastlines that they care for.

Why not come over and say hello when we’re in port – or give us a wave from the coast!” 

Use the 'Where are we...' tab above after 8 June to locate us, or contact us via the email  to find out more.

New Year…new challenge..? Just don’t forget your trident!

By Lowri Roberts

Volunteer George Smith will be carving a trident that will be carried around the Welsh Coast.  Can you help?

We can’t supply a chariot or guarantee wall-to-wall sunshine but we can promise that you’ll take in miles of the beautiful Welsh coast equipped with a trident in hand and the knowledge you’re helping Neptune. 

So, what’s all this about we hear you asking? 

A Land of Lost Content...?

Posted by Richard Neale

Those happy highways where we went.... The magical garden of Plas yn Rhiw, on the Llyn Penisnula

I always love visiting Plas yn Rhiw, the charming manor and garden that lies in wooded seclusion overlooking the great sweep of Porth Neigwl or Hell’s Mouth Bay on the Llŷn peninsula. I guess that most people who visit this, our most remote Welsh coastal property, fall under its spell within minutes of arriving.