Right: Entering Loch Ryan
Below: Gail passing Ailsa Craig
Bottom: At anchor in Lamlash Harbour, Arran
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
A few pictures
Right: Entering Loch Ryan
Below: Gail passing Ailsa Craig
Bottom: At anchor in Lamlash Harbour, Arran
Sun and Shorts
Well here we are in sunny Scotland.
We left Bangor on Belfast Lough on the 26th May and motored for a while, then sailed, then motored into 25 to 30 knots of head wind to Stranraer.
The following day was beautifully sunny, so we walked along the loch to the sailing club about 7km away, scounged a beer, and walked back. They asked us to stay for a BBQ but we realised it would not be up to Bayliss standard so declined.
On the 28th we slipped around 09.00 after being the first customers in Tesco Metro when they opened at 07.00. Sadly, we couldn't buy alchahol at that hour.
The wind stayed away, so we motored on a glassy sea all the way to Arran, passing close to Ailsa Craig on the way. We eventually picked up a mooring in Lamlash Harbour, sheltered by Holy Isle, or so we though. In the night a dreadful swell came in, and I had to venture out in P.J.s to check the dinghy and the table which had overturned. Gail likened it to spending the night in a washing machine.
We ventured ashore in "bobby", (Gail has called our inflatable this as it is black like our cat..Bobby)
Sadly, we just missed the round the island bus, so had a walk and a pint and light lunch in the pub, before casting off around 14.45 towards Largs. We hoisted the cruising chute straight away and had a pleasant gentle sail the eighteen miles to Large where we made fast in a very comfortable large marina. 700 berths.
A meal tonight in Scotts before returning to the boat to do this blog and so to bed. Tomorrow we head towards the Kyles of Bute.
I will download and post a few photos next.
We left Bangor on Belfast Lough on the 26th May and motored for a while, then sailed, then motored into 25 to 30 knots of head wind to Stranraer.
The following day was beautifully sunny, so we walked along the loch to the sailing club about 7km away, scounged a beer, and walked back. They asked us to stay for a BBQ but we realised it would not be up to Bayliss standard so declined.
On the 28th we slipped around 09.00 after being the first customers in Tesco Metro when they opened at 07.00. Sadly, we couldn't buy alchahol at that hour.
The wind stayed away, so we motored on a glassy sea all the way to Arran, passing close to Ailsa Craig on the way. We eventually picked up a mooring in Lamlash Harbour, sheltered by Holy Isle, or so we though. In the night a dreadful swell came in, and I had to venture out in P.J.s to check the dinghy and the table which had overturned. Gail likened it to spending the night in a washing machine.
We ventured ashore in "bobby", (Gail has called our inflatable this as it is black like our cat..Bobby)
Sadly, we just missed the round the island bus, so had a walk and a pint and light lunch in the pub, before casting off around 14.45 towards Largs. We hoisted the cruising chute straight away and had a pleasant gentle sail the eighteen miles to Large where we made fast in a very comfortable large marina. 700 berths.
A meal tonight in Scotts before returning to the boat to do this blog and so to bed. Tomorrow we head towards the Kyles of Bute.
I will download and post a few photos next.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Scotland
Left Bangor on Belfast Lough around 11.00 on Saterday after an enjoyable stay in Bangor.
Spent a day sight seeing Belfast, including a bus trip around the Falls Road and Shanklin Road where we saw the murals from The troubles.
We then visited the Titanic exhibition at the old Harland and Wolfe shipbuilding yard.
All very interesting and educational.
When we set off to cross to Scotland, there was very little wind, and what there was was once again on the nose. Not what was forecast. In a while however the wind kicked in, and although up and down like the barmaid's knickers, we were soon cracking along at six knots or more.
The wind came and went a bit, so it was engine on, engine off.
As we rounded Corsewell point before entering Loch Ryan, we knew the wind would again be on the nose, and seemed to be increasing, so we fired up the chugger and again dropped sails. On entering the loch, the wind was blowing a good 25 knots on the nose, gusting over 30.
We were slightly concerned when the fast ferry semed to be chasing us up the loch, but it soon docked at the new ferry terminal.
With the wind now from the south east it was going to be interesting getting in to the marina in a force 6. In the event, there was plenty of choice of berth, so we were able to let the wind blow us alongside. Even then, the fenders were pretty squashed.
We went for a walk from Stranraer to the small Y.C. At Kirkcolm.
No photos yet as we are on 3G and not wifi.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Fog
We left Carlingford Marina around 13.00 on Tuesday, heading towards Ardglass.
It was pretty misty in the Lough, but by the time we reached Hellyhunter Rock cardinal mark the viz was down to 75 m. and we were pleased we had all the electronic aids, plotter, radar and A.I.S. as well as a working depth gauge.
We kept a couple of cables off the shore, which is clean (no outlying rocks) and after trying the sails for an hour, resorted to motoring as the wind was about 3 knots.
Two hours out of Ardglass the fog lifted and we were able to sail the last eight miles as the wind had kicked in and the sun came out.
The entrance to Ardglass marina is very tight, especially at low tide, and Gail did well keeping her cool and putting us into the berth with no trouble. The marina is quite small, but quite a few boats came in as it has 24/24 access and is a convenient place to wait for the tide.
The next day we were hoping to move on, but with thick fog again in the morning waited until Thursday, whick dawned bright and sunny. We hoisted sail as soon as we exited the marina, but the wind didn't come and we motored all the way to Bangor over a glassy sea, cutting through Donaghadee Sound at the entrance to Belfast Lough. Bangor marina is large, with good facilities and easy access for once.
Last night we ate at the Boathouse, who's chef won "The Best Chef In Ulster" award, so an excellent meal washed down with plenty of wine after "Dark and Stormy" cocktails. Basically Rum and Ginger.
Off to Belfast for sight seeing next. Hoping to use the bus passes again as we are back in the U.K.
Photos show a Victorian bathing hut in Ardglass, with the marina entrance just visable on the left, and me banking in Bangor.
It was pretty misty in the Lough, but by the time we reached Hellyhunter Rock cardinal mark the viz was down to 75 m. and we were pleased we had all the electronic aids, plotter, radar and A.I.S. as well as a working depth gauge.
We kept a couple of cables off the shore, which is clean (no outlying rocks) and after trying the sails for an hour, resorted to motoring as the wind was about 3 knots.
Two hours out of Ardglass the fog lifted and we were able to sail the last eight miles as the wind had kicked in and the sun came out.
The entrance to Ardglass marina is very tight, especially at low tide, and Gail did well keeping her cool and putting us into the berth with no trouble. The marina is quite small, but quite a few boats came in as it has 24/24 access and is a convenient place to wait for the tide.
The next day we were hoping to move on, but with thick fog again in the morning waited until Thursday, whick dawned bright and sunny. We hoisted sail as soon as we exited the marina, but the wind didn't come and we motored all the way to Bangor over a glassy sea, cutting through Donaghadee Sound at the entrance to Belfast Lough. Bangor marina is large, with good facilities and easy access for once.
Last night we ate at the Boathouse, who's chef won "The Best Chef In Ulster" award, so an excellent meal washed down with plenty of wine after "Dark and Stormy" cocktails. Basically Rum and Ginger.
Photos show a Victorian bathing hut in Ardglass, with the marina entrance just visable on the left, and me banking in Bangor.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Howth and beyond
Left Arklow around 06.30 on Sunday with little wind and , thank goodness, a flat sea.
Hoisted the sails but after twenty minutes decided there was not enough wind so motored to Howth, arriving at Houth Yacht Club marina around noon.
After lunch in the Y.C. we did a really good 8km walk around Howth Head. Very busy with an international mixture. We reckon we heard at least seven different languages.
Monday dawned a glorious day, and for the first time since Scilly we saw the sun. Slipped around 10am and hoisted sail outside the marina entrance. A lovely gentle sail past Ireland's Eye, and I decided it was time for the cruising chute. We genly sailed in only 5 or six knots of wind for a couple of hours doing around 3 knots. Passing Rockabilly lighthouse, I was just thinking we might have to start the engine, when the wind picked up to around 10 knots and we were cracking along at 5 to 6.3 knots with the boat balanced and the autohelm gently keeping us on course.Not a cloud in the sky.
After four hours of sailing, and unsuccessful fishing, the wind dropped again and I decided to fire up the iron jib so we arrived at the entrance to Carlingford Lough at the bottom of the tide. Enjoyed a glass of wine and a snack on the way.
Motoring up Carlingford Lough was interesting. Very beautiful, but had to keep to the channel. The tide stayed slack.
Getting into the marina was very interesting. You have to turn round number 18 port hand buoy, and keep in transit with number 23 starbourd buoy, with the, by then, flooding tide pushing you up the lough. The entrance is narrow between concrete caisons. After entering, visitors are told to turn right. We did and hit the putty before we could get to ant pontoon. Very little room to manouvre, but eventuallt we managed to scrape the bottom onto the end of a tee pontoon. We were near the bottom of springs, and despite the sailing instructions saying there was 2m, there was only about 1.7. We draw 1.8
The marina is interesting, with a great black hulk over which you wlk to get to shore. See pictures.
We shall leave just after high tide, around 13.00 and head towards Ardglass. Carlingford Lough forms the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, so we shall be back to pounds and U.K. phone charges.
Hoisted the sails but after twenty minutes decided there was not enough wind so motored to Howth, arriving at Houth Yacht Club marina around noon.
After lunch in the Y.C. we did a really good 8km walk around Howth Head. Very busy with an international mixture. We reckon we heard at least seven different languages.
Monday dawned a glorious day, and for the first time since Scilly we saw the sun. Slipped around 10am and hoisted sail outside the marina entrance. A lovely gentle sail past Ireland's Eye, and I decided it was time for the cruising chute. We genly sailed in only 5 or six knots of wind for a couple of hours doing around 3 knots. Passing Rockabilly lighthouse, I was just thinking we might have to start the engine, when the wind picked up to around 10 knots and we were cracking along at 5 to 6.3 knots with the boat balanced and the autohelm gently keeping us on course.Not a cloud in the sky.
After four hours of sailing, and unsuccessful fishing, the wind dropped again and I decided to fire up the iron jib so we arrived at the entrance to Carlingford Lough at the bottom of the tide. Enjoyed a glass of wine and a snack on the way.
Motoring up Carlingford Lough was interesting. Very beautiful, but had to keep to the channel. The tide stayed slack.
Getting into the marina was very interesting. You have to turn round number 18 port hand buoy, and keep in transit with number 23 starbourd buoy, with the, by then, flooding tide pushing you up the lough. The entrance is narrow between concrete caisons. After entering, visitors are told to turn right. We did and hit the putty before we could get to ant pontoon. Very little room to manouvre, but eventuallt we managed to scrape the bottom onto the end of a tee pontoon. We were near the bottom of springs, and despite the sailing instructions saying there was 2m, there was only about 1.7. We draw 1.8
The marina is interesting, with a great black hulk over which you wlk to get to shore. See pictures.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Towards Howth
Planning to slip from Arklow around 06.30 tomorrow to head North towards Howth.
We are hoping the entrance is not as rough as today. Last night the pontoon in the river was very bumpy, lots of snatching, breaking one of the snubbers just purchased. managed to replace it with another two for 20 Euros.
A J122 went out at one time and said there was 25 knots of wind in the bay. We are hoping for a lot less tomorrow.
Here are a couple of pics of Fizzz in Arklow
We are hoping the entrance is not as rough as today. Last night the pontoon in the river was very bumpy, lots of snatching, breaking one of the snubbers just purchased. managed to replace it with another two for 20 Euros.
A J122 went out at one time and said there was 25 knots of wind in the bay. We are hoping for a lot less tomorrow.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Killer Whale
We slipped from Waterford just after 07.00 and made very rapid progress down the river Suir with around 3.5 knots of current under us. Soon we were heading towards Hook Head and hoisted the sails. Wind had been forecast South backing to East and then North East later.
We had very little South, as the wind had already shifted to the East by the time we reached the sea, so once again the wind was pretty much on the nose. we decided to motor sail much of the way as I wanted to get to Alrklow before dark, as the entrance is pretty narrow. Additionally, it is renowned for being difficult if not impossible in a strong North Easterly. We were gambling on the wind not picking up too much before we wanted to enter harbour.
We had the engine off for a few periods of an hour or so, but had to push it when going between the Saltee Islands as the tide rips there and was against us.
After passing the Saltees, we went outside Black rock, which was sticking about ten feet above the waves, but inside The Barrels. I didn't realise how close we were until we saw some slightly breaking waves, and rocks sticking out no more than three feet about 100 metres to starboard. The Fairway buoy is another half mile to seaward. Nowhere near the rocks themselves, which are un marked. Than goodness for chartplotters.
Shortly afterwards we had the highlight of the day when Gail spotted a black fin carving through the water less than 100m away. Having studied the chart in Waterford Marina office, I was able to recognise it as a Killer Whale Fin, further confirmed when we saw it leap out of the water a couple of times, this time some distance away, but very large and black. We then saw a couple of smaller fins, which I think were some sort of Dolphin. I reckon it was a female Killer Whale we saw as the fin was the right shape but not quite as big as the male.
The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful, apart from another first. Pot Noodles for lunch. Actually, they were quite good. Chilly Con Carne around 6pm before arriving at Arklow for 19.30. Glad we were advised to tie up at the outside pontoon, as the marina is unbelievably tight. We would have struggled to get in.
Gail is having her nails done (again) whilst I have another pint of the dark stuff.
We had very little South, as the wind had already shifted to the East by the time we reached the sea, so once again the wind was pretty much on the nose. we decided to motor sail much of the way as I wanted to get to Alrklow before dark, as the entrance is pretty narrow. Additionally, it is renowned for being difficult if not impossible in a strong North Easterly. We were gambling on the wind not picking up too much before we wanted to enter harbour.
We had the engine off for a few periods of an hour or so, but had to push it when going between the Saltee Islands as the tide rips there and was against us.
After passing the Saltees, we went outside Black rock, which was sticking about ten feet above the waves, but inside The Barrels. I didn't realise how close we were until we saw some slightly breaking waves, and rocks sticking out no more than three feet about 100 metres to starboard. The Fairway buoy is another half mile to seaward. Nowhere near the rocks themselves, which are un marked. Than goodness for chartplotters.
Shortly afterwards we had the highlight of the day when Gail spotted a black fin carving through the water less than 100m away. Having studied the chart in Waterford Marina office, I was able to recognise it as a Killer Whale Fin, further confirmed when we saw it leap out of the water a couple of times, this time some distance away, but very large and black. We then saw a couple of smaller fins, which I think were some sort of Dolphin. I reckon it was a female Killer Whale we saw as the fin was the right shape but not quite as big as the male.
The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful, apart from another first. Pot Noodles for lunch. Actually, they were quite good. Chilly Con Carne around 6pm before arriving at Arklow for 19.30. Glad we were advised to tie up at the outside pontoon, as the marina is unbelievably tight. We would have struggled to get in.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Fuelling up
Still in Waterford waiting for Gail to return from England after seeing the new Nuttall.
Decided to fuel up ready for the next leg. This involved buying two additional 20 litre fuel cans, borrowing the trolly from the marina office, and walking a mile each way to the garage...twice. The first time I filled both cans and could hardly push the trolly. Luckily, I onle needed 60 litres, so one can the second visit.
Eating well and and probably getting fat. No doubt that will change when I am sailing again. The plan was originally to go from here to Kilmore Quay, and then to Arklow and on to Dublin Bay. Looking at the weather we might try direct for Arklow on Thursday as after that strong Easterlies are coming in when it will be nasty getting in ther, but we might be O.K. going in to Dun Laghaire or Howth.
Wtch this space for more action later in the week.
Decided to fuel up ready for the next leg. This involved buying two additional 20 litre fuel cans, borrowing the trolly from the marina office, and walking a mile each way to the garage...twice. The first time I filled both cans and could hardly push the trolly. Luckily, I onle needed 60 litres, so one can the second visit.
Eating well and and probably getting fat. No doubt that will change when I am sailing again. The plan was originally to go from here to Kilmore Quay, and then to Arklow and on to Dublin Bay. Looking at the weather we might try direct for Arklow on Thursday as after that strong Easterlies are coming in when it will be nasty getting in ther, but we might be O.K. going in to Dun Laghaire or Howth.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
It's a Boy
Bloggers will be pleased to hear that Mellisa gave birth to a healthy baby boy yesterday. Weight, for those interested, 7lb 9oz. No name yet. Congratulations to Ollie, Mellisa and his brother Marin.
Gail has gone back to England for a few days to see the baby and family, while I look after the boat in Driech Waterford.
I have enclosed a picture of the proad grandparents wetting the babies head with champagne.
Gail has gone back to England for a few days to see the baby and family, while I look after the boat in Driech Waterford.
I have enclosed a picture of the proad grandparents wetting the babies head with champagne.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Waterford
For once we had an easy trip. Gentle wind and motoring all the way.
Slipped Crosshaven at 07.15 and arrived Waterford City Marina 19.00. Only one bump on the putty oming up the river Suir. Again following a buoyed channel, but it turned out to be towards a small drying harbour. Managed to get off again (always come into an unknown anchorage on a rising tide). The rest of the river is around 7m deep all the way to Waterford.
Slipped Crosshaven at 07.15 and arrived Waterford City Marina 19.00. Only one bump on the putty oming up the river Suir. Again following a buoyed channel, but it turned out to be towards a small drying harbour. Managed to get off again (always come into an unknown anchorage on a rising tide). The rest of the river is around 7m deep all the way to Waterford.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Planning to leave Crosshaven towards Waterford at 07.00 tomorrow, Tuesday 8th May.
Just seen the largest passenger liner, the Independance of the Seas, leave Cobh. Also found out that the sailing boat we saw in Falmouth is the largest single masted yacht in the world. The Mirabella V, 246ft 8in long with a mast 292 ft high. It can not go under the golden gate bridge.
Here are one or two pics of our trip to Crosshaven.
We picked up a hitch-hiker on the way
Coming in to Cork Harbour
Just seen the largest passenger liner, the Independance of the Seas, leave Cobh. Also found out that the sailing boat we saw in Falmouth is the largest single masted yacht in the world. The Mirabella V, 246ft 8in long with a mast 292 ft high. It can not go under the golden gate bridge.
Here are one or two pics of our trip to Crosshaven.
We picked up a hitch-hiker on the way
Coming in to Cork HarbourSaturday, May 5, 2012
Well here we are in Cork, thanks to Gail and Tom. Not much tha,nks to me..AKA Huueeeeeee.
We had a cracking sail from Falmouth to Scilly, where we spent a lovely day walking around St. Mary's. We were there just before the start of the World Pilot Gigg championship, with 130 giggs from as far afield as Holland, Swanage and lots from Cornwall. They have been arriving since November. Sadly we couldn't stay for the event.
The sail to Scilly was dead downwind, with a couple of gybes. We tried the cruising chute but it was too broad, so we resorted to poled out jib. Gail and I were not confident enough for the kite, as force 5 was forecast. We still managed 6+ knots and went from Falmouth ebtrance to St Mary's in 11.5 hours.
The sail to Cork started off with little wind, and we motored for the first four hours to charge the batteries. All the electonics were working for a change.
Rounding scilly we hoisted sails and turned the engine off, with a building wind on a tightish reach. We cracked along at 6.5 knots. After a few hours we put in one reef, followed a few hours later , just before dark by a second, and half furled jib.
At this point, I decided the pasty I'd eaten was only on loan, and went over the side, followed by several other locations, sink, W.C. and cockpit. I was from then on no use to Gail and Tom, and collapsed into my bunk. The sea was very uncomfortable, having fetched down the whole Irish sea.
We made excellent time and arrived in Cork harbour around 8am, having taken 22 hours for 147 nautical miles.
We are now safely tied up in the Royal Cork Yacht Club, reputedly the oldest in the world, founded in 1720.
Leaving Falmouth
Pictures of the trip to follow when downloaded. Attatched are a few so far.
We had a cracking sail from Falmouth to Scilly, where we spent a lovely day walking around St. Mary's. We were there just before the start of the World Pilot Gigg championship, with 130 giggs from as far afield as Holland, Swanage and lots from Cornwall. They have been arriving since November. Sadly we couldn't stay for the event.
The sail to Scilly was dead downwind, with a couple of gybes. We tried the cruising chute but it was too broad, so we resorted to poled out jib. Gail and I were not confident enough for the kite, as force 5 was forecast. We still managed 6+ knots and went from Falmouth ebtrance to St Mary's in 11.5 hours.
The sail to Cork started off with little wind, and we motored for the first four hours to charge the batteries. All the electonics were working for a change.
Rounding scilly we hoisted sails and turned the engine off, with a building wind on a tightish reach. We cracked along at 6.5 knots. After a few hours we put in one reef, followed a few hours later , just before dark by a second, and half furled jib.
At this point, I decided the pasty I'd eaten was only on loan, and went over the side, followed by several other locations, sink, W.C. and cockpit. I was from then on no use to Gail and Tom, and collapsed into my bunk. The sea was very uncomfortable, having fetched down the whole Irish sea.
We made excellent time and arrived in Cork harbour around 8am, having taken 22 hours for 147 nautical miles.
We are now safely tied up in the Royal Cork Yacht Club, reputedly the oldest in the world, founded in 1720.
Leaving FalmouthTuesday, May 1, 2012
Planning to leave Falmouth around 05.00 tomorrow morning.
Tom Saunt, a friend of Ollie, who sailed the Atlantic and South Pacific with Ollie, is joining us for the trip to the Scilly Isles and over to Cork. We were a bit worried with the self steering still not working, and me very likely to be sea sick at some time, and no use to man nor beast. 26 hours on the helm for Gail might be a bit much even for her.
I wasn't getting a compass reading on the self steering display, but having now re-connected a couple of wires, seem to have the reading, and still depth etc. But we need to re-configure the system again with a sea trial. We might try to do so when going out in the morning.
May be one day everything will work! Lots of pigs flying by here.
Tom Saunt, a friend of Ollie, who sailed the Atlantic and South Pacific with Ollie, is joining us for the trip to the Scilly Isles and over to Cork. We were a bit worried with the self steering still not working, and me very likely to be sea sick at some time, and no use to man nor beast. 26 hours on the helm for Gail might be a bit much even for her.
I wasn't getting a compass reading on the self steering display, but having now re-connected a couple of wires, seem to have the reading, and still depth etc. But we need to re-configure the system again with a sea trial. We might try to do so when going out in the morning.
May be one day everything will work! Lots of pigs flying by here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)