First sailing passage done :-)
It was spicier than we wanted
We are now anchored safely at Port Dinllaen (somewhere to the right of this beautiful spot - which is empty, windy and rainy today).
This was our first "sailing" passage and it was more exciting than we wanted. Unfortunately, we were running out of suitable weather to leave Victoria Dock, Caernarfon (they have boats coming on October 1st for the winter).
Crossing Caernarfon Bar was pretty rough and very roly at times (despite timing the tide right), we quickly found what wasn't properly stored. Lots of stuff on the floor but nothing broken.
Once we cleared all the sandbanks we headed off for Porth Dinllaen in a force 5. We used double reefed main and the staysail with some teething issues, but the boat coped beautifully sailing close hauled in a Force 5 gusting 6. We did get some big waves aboard, particularly when motoring head to wind (when hoisting and lowering the sails). It is very nice to be dry in the wheelhouse when a big wave comes over the top.
In the end we sailed to the point where we lowered the anchor (after a spot of motor sailing to get right into the bay).
Lots of learning but the conclusion is that the Rival 38 is awesome and we love her lots.
