Pottering around at Milford Haven - Page 2

Downhilldai · 27 October 2009, 22:06

I suppose it depends on how big your SIB and your bollocks are

It can get a bit nasty around St Anne's Head and on the run out to the islands, but on a really calm day, you may be okay.

Mollers · 27 October 2009, 22:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I suppose it depends on how big your SIB and your bollocks are

It can get a bit nasty around St Anne's Head and on the run out to the islands, but on a really calm day, you may be okay.

Ian Parkes hooked-up with a bunch of us in ribs when he had a sib. It was a bit of a nightmare. He was getting battered to bits trying to keep up, we had to stop to let him catch-up every couple of miles.

Mike B · 27 October 2009, 23:48

Thanks both,

It's a 3.8m Alu floored Quicksilver with 25hp.

I'm not sure it would be my bollocks that would be the issue, more likly to be my buddy's.

I've experienced the chop and the rollers around St Anne's in the RIB but didn't really pay enough attention at the time to whether it was SIBable.

Sounds potentially do able - even if it takes a while and can always turn round and head for home.

Just have to work out the best route:

a) round St Anne's then hug the coast before taking the shortest transit out to the island

b) round St Anne's and then most direct route to Skokholm

Anyway - will be a while till I give it a shot and if the sea state isn't upto it we'll have to stick to diving in Dale or Sandy Haven.

Downhilldai · 28 October 2009, 00:04

A 3.8 SIB with 25hp should be ok if it's not too ruff.
I'd get past the choppy stuff at St Anne's and gun it straight for Skokholm. With all the fetch out there, it won't be a lot calmer inshore and you'd still have to get through the Skomer/Skokholm sound.

Mike B · 28 October 2009, 00:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

A 3.8 SIB with 25hp should be ok if it's not too ruff.
I'd get past the choppy stuff at St Anne's and gun it straight for Skokholm. With all the fetch out there, it won't be a lot calmer inshore and you'd still have to get through the Skomer/Skokholm sound.

Cheers DHD, sounds like a plan!

Knot Yet · 28 October 2009, 07:43

Possibly being a bit dumb (no change there then!!) - but could you not launch from Martins Haven - same site as the Dale Princess or is it restricted??

J

Downhilldai · 28 October 2009, 10:09

No chance

Knot Yet · 28 October 2009, 10:12

DHD - no chance because it's restricted or its a bad place to launch from?

J

Downhilldai · 28 October 2009, 15:14

Access is virtually pedestrian only.

Knot Yet · 28 October 2009, 15:27

Ahhh okay - I've never really looked other than as a pedestrian

J

Downhilldai · 29 October 2009, 19:47

KY: Are you there yet? What's the weather like?

Knot Yet · 29 October 2009, 20:14

Sadly not

Hubby decread that this holiday needed to be DIY so like a good wifey I agreed ... on the condition we spend a week in Dale at Christmas!!!!

Sorry DHD - was really looking forward to it

J

woot · 29 October 2009, 21:40

Mike
On a good day the SIB would be more than capable, there just aren’t many good days! My concern would be that the conditions vary wildly at the heads throughout any given day with the state of the tide, the wind and swell all playing a part. I generally find that I either have a good journey out the islands or a good journey back rarely both. Even if you get to the heads it can be a long slog to the islands in a small boat. I made the trip to the islands from Gelliswick many times in a 5m Humber Assault with a 60 HP engine and it was tedious in anything other that very good conditions. I agree with DHD coast hugging will give you no advantage if you are going for it take the most direct route. What tow vehicle do you have? If you have decent ground clearance consider launching at St Brides. This gives you great access to some really good dives without having to run the gauntlet of the heads. Sites such as The Lucy, Rye Rocks, The North Wall, Stack Rocks, Hen and Chicks, High Point etc etc are easily reached. If you don’t have ground clearance consider launching at Little Haven and motoring a bit further. Both of these launch sites offer you the benefit of remaining within the relative safety of St Brides bay for the whole trip. Apologies if I am stating the obvious. I have used all of the launch sites mentioned and dived all of the dives mentioned, if you want any more info let me know.

I have an attic full of dive gear, I know the waters of Pembrokeshire well, I have a 5.85m RIB which I have owned for 3 years and I have never dived off it! Typing this has made me realise how lazy and dull I am.

willk · 29 October 2009, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by woot

I have an attic full of dive gear, I know the waters of Pembrokeshire well, I have a 5.85m RIB which I have owned for 3 years and I have never dived off it! Typing this has made me realise how lazy and dull I am.

This is a good start! We say that Youth is wasted on the young and laugh, but if I wasted mine, I'm damn sure I'm not to look back from old age and regret that I wasted my middle age too!

Seize the days and let the years worry about themselves

Mollers · 29 October 2009, 23:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

This is a good start! We say that Youth is wasted on the young and laugh, but if I wasted mine, I'm damn sure I'm not to look back from old age and regret that I wasted my middle age too!

'Kin 'eck! These are the most sensible three lines to come off of your keyboard for a long time.

Mollers · 29 October 2009, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Seize the days and let the years worry about themselves

This smacks of a slightly naff Ribnet tag-line.

Downhilldai · 30 October 2009, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by woot

Typing this has made me realise how lazy and dull I am.

So, you dive, kneeboard, wakeboard, ski, fish, cruise, sail,........

Yep, life's pretty dull and lazy down here.....

Mollers · 30 October 2009, 00:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

So, you dive, kneeboard, wakeboard, ski, fish, cruise, sail,........

Yep, life's pretty dull and lazy down here.....

Sounds like a new bezzy mate for Hugh J.

woot · 02 November 2009, 23:00

I am guessing that's not a compliment, would you like to expand to enlighten me Mollers?

Mike B · 03 November 2009, 00:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by woot

What tow vehicle do you have? If you have decent ground clearance consider launching at St Brides. This gives you great access to some really good dives without having to run the gauntlet of the heads. Sites such as The Lucy, Rye Rocks, The North Wall, Stack Rocks, Hen and Chicks, High Point etc etc are easily reached.

Woot - that sounds like a great idea. I've got an Xtrail which gives a reasonable ground clearance and if it's too much the boat can be manhandled without too much difficulty.

I'll do some googling on the dive sites you mention, but may well pick your brains a bit nearer the time!

Currently planning another trip out to the red sea for some winter diving but looking forward to the chance to do some more UK diving later in the new year.

PS the attic is no place for dive equip, get it out and get it used! :-)