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.
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