Location: Departing from Dove Point, Meols, circumnavigating Hilbre Island, River Dee
Attendees: Jo & Andy Herndlhofer Wayfarer Tamarind
John Hughes – Wharram Hitia catamaran Starcatcher
Frank Peeney and Chris Woodworth – Wanderer Britomartis
Cruise Objective: To circumnavigate Hilbre Island, passing between Hilbre and Middle Eye at high water.
This particular cruise, aptly named by John “Threading the Eye,” requires a sufficiently high spring tide and favourable wind conditions to safely navigate the narrow passage between Hilbre and Middle Eye. The window of opportunity for this passage is typically around High Water +/- 1 hour, making precise timing crucial.
The cruise took place during a settled spell of warm dry weather and the pleasant March day presented a welcome opportunity to attempt the circumnavigation.
The Met Office Inshore Waters forecast was F2-3 SW. Hilbre High Water was at 13:04 with a tide of 10m, providing a comfortable window for the passage.
Launching from Dove Point, Meols, we set our initial course towards Leasowe Lighthouse. The strong incoming tide presented an early challenge, the wind was so light that we found ourselves going backwards! Fortunately the wind picked up and we started to make way. John ahead, and ourselves following.
Rounding Dove Point we turned to port and headed for deeper water on the NW side of the East Hoyle Bank. The wind was as forecast, a light breeze.
Our focus remained on reaching Hilbre in good time, and with the favourable wind direction for this leg, John was making good progress with Andy and Joe and ourselves following.
We arrived at the northwest point of Hilbre Island just a few minutes after High Water, our timing was perfect.
Frank had the helm as we approached the crucial passage between Hilbre and Middle Eye. The scene was truly captivating, with numerous birds crowding the rocks and shoreline of both islands. It was a stark reminder of the unique perspectives and natural beauty that watersports offer.
With the tide at its peak, we navigated smoothly through the gap. A lone paddle boarder giving us a wave as we set a course to the Wirral peninsula. Turning homeward, we passed Red Rocks to starboard, being mindful of the rocky outcrop known locally as “Bird Island” just off the Red Rocks headland and to port. It was amusing to see people taking photos from the rocks, offering them an unusual close-up view of the three boats.
The return leg transformed into a delightful gentle beam reach in the now flatter waters closer to shore. Our speed was quite slow, but the journey back was considerably shorter than the outbound passage. This was a shallow area and we were mindful of the depth as the centre board was halfway raised to prevent touching bottom. The wind dropped to nothing and we resorted to motor sailing, and Jo paddling the Wayfarer for a few minutes, as the tide was on its way out and depth was reducing. Engine off, we sailed past Hoylake Lifeboat Station, keeping a comfortable distance offshore for the deeper water of Hoyle Lake, before turning gently inshore.
We reached the slipway back at Dove Point approximately three hours after setting off, concluding an excellent cruise. The successful “Threading the Eye” cruise was a rewarding experience, made all the more satisfying after the long wait through winter.
Despite the gentle wind conditions we were rewarded with a fantastic sail around Hilbre Island. This cruise is highly recommended for those seeking a unique and scenic sailing experience in the area, provided the necessary tidal and weather conditions are met.
We look forward to welcoming others on future “Threading the Eye” adventures!
Chris Woodworth.
