Circumnavigation of Anglesey
After a year of planning and then 3 months of strong winds, we managed to set a GO date for the Circumnavigation of Anglesey record for Sunday February 4th 2007. We departed Beaumaris Pier at 10:30 on a clockwise run with two RYA timekeepers clocking us off. The BBC had a film cameraman and the Daily Post had a stills photographer onboard another RIB just off the start/finish line.

The run through the Menai Straits was flat clam water and hardly any other craft out. This allowed us 47 knots for the full length, even through the Swellies. This was an experience!
After leaving the Straits at Caernarfon Bar we ran up the west coast of the island. South Stack was clear and visible but as we approached Holyhead the fog loomed ahead of us. The visibility in these fog banks was good so we had no reduction in speed.

Next point was Skerries Lighthouse, this was turned and then the fun began. All across the top of Anglesey was rough. Not the roughest seas we get, but sufficient to slow us down to 37 knots. This had an impact on the overall time.

Once approaching Puffin Island we could open up again and entered the Straits at wide open throttle. The run past Beaumaris Pier was great fun and a relief as my biggest concern on the day was getting all the way round. What a waste of a year of planning and all the spectators time if we didn’t make it.

So there it is! 1 hour, 35 minutes and 10 seconds (68nm distance travelled). It is up there now for others to go for. Black Jack isn’t the fastest boat in the world, but this record isn’t just about speed. The planning is more important than putting the boat in the water, so if you fancy a go, speak to HotRIBS.Com as the trophy they supplied is housed within the clubhouse of the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club and they must be involved in all attempts to beat me from the early stages.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Kevin Goulding and Mike Deacon for the support, publicity, sponsorship, help and advice they have given me. This was my first record attempt, somehow I don’t think it will be my last.

Editors Note: For any others who may be interested to have a go, check out the requirements here!

6th February 2007