New AIS Receiver - Caerfai Bay, Wales

We don't normally write about new receivers going online. However I thought I'd share the experience of this one.

We have been looking to improve our AIS coverage for South West Wales, including Milford Haven, for some time.

We were delighted to be contacted by Jane Kimberley of Caerfai Farm offering to host a system for us.

The farm is in a wonderful location on a headland overlooking St Brides Bay - photo right on the misty day we were there.

The farm is in the Pembrokeshire National Park, 50m from the path to the beach and also within a short walk of St David's, Britain's smallest city.

This part of Wales is also a great place for seeing amazing aircraft contrails!

Even better news was that Jane invited my wife and I to stay over in one of the guest cottages. We stayed in the lovely Stable Cottage shown here left.

Despite running the farm and preparing for the holiday season Jane, her husband Rob and parents Wyn and Chris could not have been more welcoming.

We did not expect such a wonderful welcome and such an interesting visit!

Caerfai Organic Farm is a revelation and is one of the most advanced in Wales. I hadn't even heard of self milking cows (24/7 too) and wasn't aware that non pasteurised milk still even existed. It tastes a lot better than the stuff you get in supermarkets too! Caerfai Farm is the only farm in Wales licensed to produce it.

George, pictured right, doesn't go near the milking equipment!

The farm also boasts a range of eco technologies including a waste digester, a large wind turbine and huge amounts of solar panelling. Thanks to Wyn for taking the time to show us around - it was fascinating to learn about the changes to the farm in his lifetime and brilliant to see the family all embracing new technologies and practices.

Wyn and I (Wyn mostly) managed to get the antenna up nice and high.  Supervised here by a seagull!

We also took the time to wrap the connectors in self amalgamating tape as the antenna will be hit with 100 mile per hour winds in the winter!

When Rob and I attached the Comar 200N AIS receiver to the other end it worked a treat as you can see here - Caerfai Farm Coverage

The family all love to use Ship Finder and we're delighted that it now works so well for this beautiful area.

If you are looking for a holiday cottage, camp site or caravan park for a British Holiday then Caerfai Farm is a great place to stay.

Your Plane finder and Ship Finder apps should work really well too!!