Snipe Island Challenge - The Report!
June 7th, 2008 by: the Webmaster
What started out as a bit of a joke in Budworth SC bar was taken as a challenge by Mark Antonelli who decided it would be a good idea to sail around Anglesey in a Snipe in a day.
After discussions with several potential crews Pauline Penny was chosen as the only one brave enough / mad enough / with suitable life insurance to join him.
A date in June was set and preparations begun.
With a route in excess of 70 miles and two patches of sea, the swellies and the menai straights, which would test the most experienced helm in a big boat with gps and life raft, many thought that in a 14 foot dingy with no gps or onboard toilet they were mad.
Those that know them know they are!
Preparations included detailed analysis of wind, waves, tides and Google maps with the assistance of fellow Snipers and experienced helms: Roger Barns, Philip Barnes and Neil Martin. As motivation, or possibly in advance of needing them, sponsorship for the RNLI was raised in excess of £1500 and modern technology in the form of VHS radios borrowed - although as Mark is keen to remind electronic aids are not allowed by Snipe international racing rules and the radio therefore refused to work.
With a favourable weather forecast of sunshine, moderate force 4 -5 winds, and a drysuit borrowed from Ben Ditchburn for Pauline (better safe than sorry) they set out from home early on 4th June. Their plans were nearly stopped by roadworks on the A55 but luckily (or unluckily if they were having second thoughts) they made their launch of 10am at Menai Bridge.
Having checked in with the Coast Guard they were off on their clockwise navigation of the island starting with a tricky bit through the swellies between the Menai and Brittania Bridges.
All went well although the gusty force 5 - 6 wind quickly tired both Helm and Crew.
Once around Abermenai Point things calmed down and Helm and Crew has chance to relax and do a bit of sunbathing before reaching South Stack at around 3pm.
Here it so very nearly all went wrong…..
Here the water was “funky” (Mark’s words not mine!) so he decided to try a “safe gybe” using techniques learnt sailing big boat - maybe wishing he was on one not in a small dinghy…. To cut a long story short Pauline ended up under the boat in the air pocket blissfully unaware that for quarter of an hour the tide was taking them back the way they had just come.
Mark finally gave up righting the boat on his own (he apparently doesn’t get much practice at recovering capsizes…) and asked for Pauline’s help (who won’t mind me saying does!) and the boat was finally up. A little while longer was required to untangle sheets and talk each other into trying again and this time they made it through - though this time Mark didn’t look quite as cool having lost his sunglasses in the process!
Now once again able to settle down Helm and Crew were able to enjoy afternoon tea (no jokes about Snipes and picnic baskets…) as they cruised across Holyhead Bay.
Avoiding the Irish Ferries Cat, they rounded Carmel Head at 5pm, and although the wind at times threatened to die, “him up there” had obviously decided they deserved a little help as they’d made it this far and kept on blowing as well as providing a big tidal boost close to Puffin Island.
The last leg along the straights sapped the last ounces of energy and will power as the wind dropped, glow sticks were attached to port and starboard sides of the boat (Pauline was obviously still up for partying), and numerous tacks were required to keep in the channel.
Finally at 10.20pm they drifted to the finish slipway to enjoy champagne, to phone the Coastguard to confirm he could keep his sponsorship money, and to Budworth SC bar where a group of supporters were awaiting news (or were disturbed from their evening’s drinking depending upon your point of view….).
I’m sure we’d all like to congratulate Mark and Pauline on their Epic Journey, and all sponsorship money is now due.
If you are considering “doing this at home” then a more detailed report is available from Mark or Pauline.
(Report By Emma)