Moving On

After a few indifferent days weather-wise things started to improve although there was still a risk NE wind. We decided to walk down to Rest Bay, a popular beach and surfing center about a mile and a half from Porthcawl. The views across the Bristol Channel across to Devon were spectacular with the air being very clear.

Looking back to Porthcawl on the way back from Rest Beach.

Having looked at the forecast and noted that a settled spell was on its way we planned ahead for the next few days.

Our original plan was to visit Swansea but we were frustrated to find that they were full and therefore could not accommodate us.

This meant we would have to anchor a few times before we could get to Milford Haven. Given that we hadn't used the anchor before it wasn't something we wanted to rely on at this stage. Also the forecast at that point only gave us a couple of days calm enough for us to enter the brave new world of anchoring overnight.

The forecast for the Sunday night seemed promising so we decided to venture down to the Gower and anchor overnight in Oxwich Bay.

We planned our route as a virtual straight line from outside the harbour to Oxwich, passing well off shore of the huge Swansea Bay.

Sunday morning arrived and we awaited the tide to reach sufficient depth for the marina gates to open. We sat tight  before setting off until an hour or so high tide. Once outside the harbour entrance and past the Fairy cardinal it became apparent that there was still a significant swell. 

     Passing Mumbles Head

We battled on and as we reached Mumbles Head, thankfully,  the swell began to subside.

We drew close to Oxwich bay and checking the forecasted tide depths we cruised upto the 2m contour, found a spot well clear of the other boats already anchored there.

The beach at Oxwich from our anchorage, very popular in the good weather.

I went forward to the anchor winch and started to drop the anchor, Lucia took the helm and gently reversed the boat, whilst facing the wind. I gradually let out the chain until we had sufficient released for the max tide depth, some 40 mt's of chain.

We set the anchor alarm and watched the position of the boat until we were satisfied that the anchor had taken hold. 

The afternoon and evening were hot and the beach was packed with people, there were swimmers, paddleboarders, kayaker, all enjoying the fine weather.