Happy Birthday
Across
- 1. Beachside spot known for top-notch fish tacos (5,7)
- 6. Soundtrack to a soaking on a sixth-form trip (7,7)
- 9. Barley burner turns into a drinking spot (4,4)
- 10. Four close family ties (5,5,4,6)
- 11. Northern institution where scholars graduate in capital (7,10)
- 14. Founding figures of the family (5,7)
- 17. Two girls share a connection (3,4)
- 18. Cousin who joined for an Irish sailing adventure (4,7)
- 19. Sixth-form band with a singular name (3,4,5)
- 21. Coastal gatherings filled with fun (8,5,7)
- 23. Legendary giant or great Pearson dog (4,5)
- 24. Friend from a time of shared purpose (5)
- 27. Relative who provided a boatload of opportunities (5,4)
- 28. Skipper guiding youth on a united course (4,7)
- 29. Pale steed gallops to the pub (5,5)
- 31. Glamorous film capital, or a sixth-form night out(10)
- 33. Trio from sixth form, bound together in friendship (6,7,4)
- 34. Public sailing limb—mix it up for a nautical group (7,7,4)
- 37. Community where one laboured, dropping a club (7)
- 42. Advanced stage at gateway to knowledge (9,5,4)
- 44. Pic Stag do justice served in wooden restraints(6,5,6)
Down
- 1. Annual contest with a punch
- 2. Town provides refuge in the dark for those in need (7,5,7)
- 3. Skipper's epic voyage from Irish port to Scottish harbour, crewed by apostles and more (4,5,7)
- 4. Occasional offshore competition from the crew (6,7)
- 5. Pitch-perfect way to enjoy the outdoors (7)
- 7. Friend and fellow Kibbutznik now down under (3,5)
- 8. Friend from Manchester, somehow leg-hens (7)
- 12. Intensely expressive Beethoven piece (12)
- 13. Family member with a wagging tail (5)
- 15. Fast and furious card game with devilish competition (6,6)
- 16. Fishy fillers for nostalgic outings (7,10)
- 20. Stag night stop with a nautical name (5,6)
- 22. Long-time sailing competition Chris raced in (5,6)
- 25. Preferred vessel for a drink (5,2,1,3)
- 26. Relative’s answer to a ring from across the water (4,4)
- 30. Famous overnight ride fuelled by determination (7,6)
- 32. Actor and his Swedish wife, guests at the Poplars (6,7,7)
- 35. Not-so-brave sixth formers braving the River Wye (6,2,5)
- 36. Choir looking ahead (6,6)
- 38. Long-running passion (9)
- 39. Foremost in severity, she sounds grim and imposing (3,8)
- 40. Religious group accommodates worker for over 20 years (7,5)
- 41. A closing act! Loyal pet’s final move (4)
- 43. Father’s vessel with a Renaissance touch (6)