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.