Newport, Pembrokeshire Fleet
Yawls have been at Newport since the arrival of Lucy DY111 in 1976 and the summer visits of a past Commodore, Peter Benson with his yawl Turtleneck DY180.
Both these boats encouraged the purchase of what is now our current fleet of 7 yawls.
Newport is within the Pembrokeshire National Park on the challenging coast of west Wales, where the River Nevern enters Cardigan Bay. This is a drying estuary and access to the sea means sticking to the course of the Nevern before heading over the bar. Access is usually three hours either side of high water and very much subject to the state of the bar and wind. If there is a northerly wind it is best to remain at the Club bar! Yawls are ideally suited to the sea conditions and are often seen out cruising the bay or being used for fishing and checking pots for lobster and crabs.
Newport Boat Club runs open sailing races in the three weeks running up to the August Bank Holiday and an annual passage race to Cwm yr Eglwys and back for the Leo Williams Devon Yawl Cup. The Club is situated in a converted warehouse on the estuary edge with views westwards. Further details at www.newportboatclub.co.uk
Further afield but still within Pembrokeshire there is the vast Milford Haven estuary to explore including the western and eastern Cleaddau rivers. The little village of Dale, just inside the entrance to the Haven, has a good slipway and moorings allowing access to miles of scenic estuary to sail and explore the likes of Pembroke Castle or Picton Castle.
Yawlers are very welcome at Newport Boat Club. If you would like further information regarding sailing and moorings please contact Doug Williams at doug.williams@virgin.net