Interest and enquiries are growing for the second annual WCOA Pembrokeshire Cruise. Last year’s event will take some beating with perfect sailing conditions – well that’s what Anne said – and nice food and company. No doubt Jeff and Pat’s entry on the website cruising log is whetting WCOA member’s interest for this year. The small hamlet of Dale is a well-known location for water sports activities located in the Pembrokeshire National Park and situated about 12 miles to the south-west of Haverford West i.e. a long way West! The waters of the Milford Haven provide safe coastal cruising with the occasional thrill of Atlantic rollers and large ocean-going tankers for those needing an adrenaline rush! The WCOA cruising weekend has been authorised by Dale YC (we are members) and we will have access to the club house and will meet for an evening meal on Saturday. There is a public slipway and a temporary pontoon is available in the summer. Launching and recovery conditions are generally good and the tides are with us this year. There is a public car park in the village. Dingy parking in Dale is in short supply and Dale YC advises the use of the car park for overnight boat parking.

Accommodation: Dale is a very small place and accommodation in the village is limited. Richmond House (Cilla - 07974 925009) has been beautifully restored and you’ll need to be quick to secure accommodation here in July. Elizabeth Webber (01646 636254) has 2 double en-suite rooms and 1 twin room. Joanne Llewellyn (01646 636365) has 2 double en-suite rooms and 2 single rooms. Both of these B and Bs are just yards from the DYC. West Wales Windsurfing (http://www.surfdale.co.uk/) has listed other accommodation in the vicinity on its website.

Food: We will be in Dale between 6 and 8pm on Friday to welcome WCOA members, most likely in the club house bar, or on the wall outside the Griffin. We have not organised a meal for Friday. There are two restaurants in Dale for evening meals, The Griffin Inn and the Moorings Restaurant in the Dale YC. The Griffin does cheap and cheerful (if not always that wonderful) food in the bar and if you want to eat at the Moorings on Friday we recommend that you make a reservation Telephone 01646 636362 or 078 1058 1094. We have made a booking for Saturday night and Mark and Sue, the Dale YC caterers, are conjuring up a menu for the cruise dinner that will include lashings of local Pembrokeshire produce.

Cruising: Please note the following:

• There will NOT be a safety boat in attendance on the cruise but of course we will be sailing within the capabilities of cruise participants.
• Normal WCOA/Organiser disclaimer apply eg all take part at own risk, insurance must be in place, experience of helm/crew suitable for conditions, etc.
• Landings on the cruise will be at rural locations (Watwick Bay, Sandy Haven, Angle and only the most ‘rustic’ of facilities will be available, and packed lunches are advised both days. There is a Café at Dale!
• We will gather at 09:30am on Saturday in the Car Park for introductions and briefing. Our intention is to be on the water by 10:00am and back by around 4:00pm each day.


If you would like further details then contact us at home on 029 20 763535 or mobile (Anne) 0781286118. Email at dbotterill@uwic.ac.uk or anneshaw44@hotmail.com. Please let us know if you decide you are coming so that we can confirm catering arrangements for Saturday night.

David and Anne
Elise W1467


April 21st 2004