Leg 1 - Sailing

Barmouth to Caernarfon

The Team wake early in fine spirit, and after great haste in preparing the boat and clearing scrutineering (only just by both boat and runners), the shore crew depart on the last launch. The moorings are slipped and the yacht, resplendent in her new livery, motors proudly past the crowds thronging the harbour entrance.

(Missing only one essential item - much to Skipper Jim's disgust. "Where's my bloody battle flag?")

Tacking back and forth, jostling for position, up until the starting cannon, the team manage to be fifth over the line.

In a respectable 15 knots northwesterly wind the team make for Bardsey Sound, the first opportunity for shore support to sight them, and shout (abuse?) support to the crews.

The race turns into a tacking duel through Bardsey Sound, off the LLeyn Peninsula.

Tacking into small bays and sometimes within 10 feet of rocks, the team are continually disappearing from view of their shore support, Andy and Julie, awaiting a classic photo opportunity.

Turning northeast, in fickle early evening winds, towards Caernarfon Bay, they find themselves, by midnight, becalmed, and row for 3 hours to get inside the Caernarfon Bar before the tide turns.

Slowly appearing over the horizon, they arrive at Caernarfon at 7am...........