Day 25 - Safe return for Stray Cat & her crew...

There was a restless atmosphere as crew emerged from their cabins this morning.... unsure if the forecast would be accurate and the stormy weather that was predicted for 'later' in the day in North Wales would stay north and allow us a trouble free homeward leg.

The crew readied Stray Cat for sea and I doubled checked our route and primed the navigational equipment... started the engines... final checks... ready to cast off... where's Brian ? " Oh, he's gone to the marina for a shower/wash. " I wouldn't have minded but he'd only asked me a few minutes earlier what time we were leaving... "08.00 hrs" I had clearly said. Whether Brian thought I meant UTC rather than British Summer Time or he had just underestimated the amount of time he needed for his ablutions... we will never know - as he casually stepped back on board suprised that we were all ready to depart.

We backed off our berth at 08.14 hrs, swung the CAT around (within her own length) and headed out into the main channel opposite Pembroke Dock. We were soon heading seaward at 17 knots passing the petrochemical infrastructure of Milford Haven towards the mouth of the Haven in driving rain. Due to an uncertain forecast and contradictory information on tidal streams around Skokholm Island (and in particularly Jack Sound) we headed out seaward of Skokholm via Broad Sound to avoid any potentially dangerous overfalls and strong tidal currents. As we rounded the south of Skokholm we shared the calm waters with one tall ship (with a small amount of sail) and a dozen or so puffins.

Encouraged by the sea state and reasonable visibility we headed directly north and navigated our way through Ramsey Sound and over the notorious 'Bitches' - behaving themselves today. St David's Head, with its lighthouse, was soon a distant memory as we headed Northeast hugging the coastline to Strumble Head. We made very good progress in an accommodating sea and soon the rain abated and we began to recognise some of the West Wales coastline - Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Cadir Idris, Barmouth.

We found ourselves starting to reflect on the adventures this crew had experienced over the past few days. I mentioned how odd it felt knowing I would be in work the following day... Dave (our clumsy court jester) laughed out loud "...it will feel stange - you'll be the only one there... it's Saturday tomorrow!" Clearly pleased with his quip and waiting for the adulation of his crew members (having got one over the skipper) he was derided and taunted for not even knowing what day of the week it was.... (nice try Dave). Joking aside the crew for the last leg (Brian, Dave, Colin & Sarah) were a delight to have on board and did a marvellous job entertaining the rather jaded skipper. I never thought I'd see the day that Dad and one of his best friends would shout 'Hooray!' at the top of their voices each time the word 'beer' dropped into the conversation.

With just 6 nautical miles to the end of our adventure we were already musing over what the challenge would be next year... when the strong winds forecast for 'later' appeared out of nowhere. One minute we were cruising along without a care in the world congratulating ourselves on a timely departure from Milford and a trouble free passage, the next - a Force 6 gale from the East creating an uncomfortable short chop and spray. We spent the next 20 minutes ducking each time a wave hit the hulls and our respect for the the unexpected nature of the sea was reinforced.

We slowed on the approach to Pwllheli fairway and gave the crew time to hang fenders and raise the now obligatory ceremonial flags (of Ireland, N.Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales) before slipping back onto our permanent berth in Hafan Pwllheli. We opened a bottle of 'sparkling wine' and toasted ourselves and the combined achievements of all our crews...

We have visited 5 countries, stayed at 18 new ports or anchorages, covered 1615 nautical miles and hopefully raised substantial funds for Nongon Village School, Northern Thailand.


All that remains is for me to thank my 9 novice crew members, without them 'A Passage of Hope' would never have happened. I would also like to say - that I have never been to sea with such a competent, well drilled and courageous team of individuals... but I can't, it would be a lie.


Seriously, I would like to say, it has been an honour and a privilege to share this unique, once in a lifetime experience with you guys and you are all welcome to crew anytime you like in the future having served your apprenticeship and become honourary lifetime crew members of Stray Cat.....

Skipper Tim, signing off for the last time....

Holyhead Coastguard, this is motor vessel Stray Cat. I would like to close our traffic routing with you, we have safely arrived at Pwllheli, North Wales. Many thanks for your assistance... this is Stray Cat returning CH16.... out.