Trip Report 12th / 13th April – Plymouth (on Fintan)

[drunkdiver]

First sea trip of the year and what a trip. We five of us travelled down on the Saturday morning to the Mountbatten Center for ropes off at 10am. The weather was a bit breezy but not too bad. We had planned of diving the Rosehill in the morning but the sea was quite lumpy so headed for the ELK (32m) instead. The vis the brilliant, at least 10m with loads of life. The wreck is quite small so we managed to have a good look around, big shoals of Bib, Wrasse, Conger, Pollack, Plumrose Anemones, Dead Mens Fingers, Jewel Anemones etc. A nice 45 minute dive with 10mins of deco.

The sea was getting a bit rougher after this dive so we opted for a shallow reef dive in front of the old customs house for the second dive. Max depth about 10m but loads of life. Very very scenic and very enjoyable. The vis was at least 8m. Nice and relaxing.

On the Sunday the weather had improved so we steamed over to the Rosehill (32m). Again the vis was 10m+. This was a very impressive wreck with huge boilers. All the usual suspects were seen as well as a lot of pink sea fans. Another 45min dive with about 10 mins deco again.

For the second dive we headed to the Scylla which was surprisingly quiet. Only a couple of ribs about. The life is definitely picking up here now. The side of the ship covered in impressive walls of Plumrose Anemones and Dead Mens Fingers. The vis was about 8m+. We did some great penetration. Going down some long corridors and through rooms full of machinery. We managed to spend about half an hour inside the wreck in total finishing up in the bridge. The dive was an hour in total. All quite easy really but a few tight squeezes and a bit of silt to be wary off. A thoroughly enjoyable dive. I cant wait to get back there to do some deeper penetration.

All in all a top trip, decent weather, amazing viz, great boat, great skipper and great company. The only downside is that im now back in the office waiting for the next trip !

[Brian of Aquanauts]

Ahhh i didn't realise it was a Yder on cliff's boat, you should have said hello!

It looks like you guys had a good day out then

[drunkdiver]

Im new to YD. Dont really know anyone on here. Been on your boat before though.

Some of my mates are diving with you on Friday. Would have joined them but its the girlfriends birthday :-(

Hope your boat has plenty of bouyancy as Dave who's organising Friday is a right fat b******. Give him a slap from me (Rik).

[Sixsquid]

Cool

I'll be out on Fintan for the 1st time this August. Got any pics of the boat and was it lovely ?

Welcome to YD

[drunkdiver]

Hi,

Theres some pics on this website:

Fintan, Plymouth diving charter boat

You should have a great time. The Skippers brilliant and a good laugh too. Its got a nice rear lift as well. Much appreciated with twins and a stage.

[Sixsquid]

Originally Posted by drunkdiver

Hi,

Theres some pics on this website:

Fintan, Plymouth diving charter boat

You should have a great time. The Skippers brilliant and a good laugh too. Its got a nice rear lift as well. Much appreciated with twins and a stage.

Cool I remember looking at the website when I booked on. Can't see the toilet on those pictures though !!!!

[warmwaterdiver]

Originally Posted by Sixsquid

Cool I remember looking at the website when I booked on. Can't see the toilet on those pictures though !!!!

its down a few steps in the front cabin area

[Sixsquid]

Originally Posted by warmwaterdiver

its down a few steps in the front cabin area

Excellent

[drunkdiver]

We all used the alfresco toilet. Basically involves sticking it out through the gap in the lift at the back and accidently peeing all over your neck seal ! Nice