15th May – 10th September 2026: Bristol Channel day cruises from Cardiff Bay

The Cardiff Bay Day Cruises in company are informal days for those wishing to lock out into the Channel from Cardiff Bay and enjoy a coastal cruise in company. Visitors with trailerable boats will be made most welcome at our events. Please contact the organiser in advance to make specific arrangements for slipway access, storage of trailer, parking, and for information on locking procedures through the Cardiff Bay Barrage..

Locking out is generally at 10:00 and we return around 16:00, though tides may dictate variation on some days. Passages are made with the tide, and all cruises are weather dependent.
Sailing down-channel may take us around Flatholm and/or Steepholm, or along the Welsh coast to Barry or Porthkerry and provides an opportunity for boats to enter the Commodore’s Challenge (Penarth Pier, round the Merkur Buoy to port and back between the islands).

Sailing up channel may take us along the Welsh coast towards Newport or towards Clevedon depending on the conditions on the day. When weather and tide are suitable we may sail into the River Usk for a picnic lunch at Uskmouth Sailing Club.
All participating craft must have an engine, anchor, carry a VHF radio, and carry suitable safety equipment. Suitable for small/trailerable boats

Please let the organiser know if you intend to join a cruise prior to the date.
 

 
Cruise Dates
Friday 15th May:  Down-channel cruise,
Low Water Barry 12.21, Lock out at 10.00
 
Monday 8th June:  Up-channel cruise,
High Water Newport 12.58, Lock out at 10.00
  
Wednesday 8th July:  Up-channel cruise,
High Water Newport 13.22, Lock out at 10.00
 
Thursday 27th August: Down-channel cruise
Low Water Newport 13.24, Lock out at 10.00

Thursday 10th September: Down-channel cruise  
Low Water Barry 13.19, Lock out at 10.00
 
Venue: Bristol Channel, locking out from Cardiff Bay
Organiser: Charlie Harris
Organiser email: charlieandsueharris@hotmail.com