Sat 20~Sun 21 Jun |
Dale (Milford Haven) to Arklow |
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Our patience was rewarded. The weather forecast was still W or NW, which meant a beat, but the force 6 had dropped to 4 to 5.
We left our mooring at 14.30 with an 80-90 nm passage ahead through St George's Channel and into the Irish Sea; passing the islands of Skokholm and Skomer to starboard and Grassholm to port at the southern end of St Bride's Bay and on past the Bishops and Clerks, marking the southern end of Cardigan Bay.
We had as planned, some very helpful tides favouring us for seven hours; particularly so as we brushed the overflows to the west of the islands, sometimes adding 4 knots to our speed over the ground.
We enjoyed a lovely sail. The wind was lighter than forecast and we managed to hold a course of about 340T only requiring a couple of clearing tacks.
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Puffins; Gannets; and Manx Shearwaters were there to enjoy; and we were then entertained by a school of 12 or more dolphins giving a spectacular display.
We enjoyed our remaining curry, preserved for the passage and settled into our night pattern, taking turns for a sleep.
The wind faired away to just a couple of knots and as the tide turned foul, we were forced to motor; however the wind filled in again at about 0300 allowing us to complete our passage under sail as we reached Arklow's Harbour entrance, and berthed by 0700.
A couple of hours of 'shuteye' was followed by a shower; a walk in to town; shopping and; a pint of Guiness.
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Day Run 87nm
Total 753nm |
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| Mon 22 Jun |
Arklow to Dublin |
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Another early start to catch the tide - 6am! But little or no wind so the motor got another session.
It was clear and bright but quite chilly as we went up the coast, past Wicklow Point and on to Dun Laoghaire and the entrance to the River Liffey.
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The Wicklow mountains were shrouded with clouds and the endless beaches free of holidaymakers but nature made up for this as we saw seals and any number of different seabirds.
A ferry passed us as we entered Dublin's port area and made our way up the river to make fast at Poolbeg Marina around noon. |
Day Run 39nm
Total 792nm |
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| Wed 24th Jun |
In Dublin |
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Maddie and Jenny arrived on the Tues midday flight from Stansted into Dublin and caught up with our progress on our 'blog'. We were all sorry that Annette had to cancel her trip, staying to accompany Gemma to some hospital appointments.
Wednesday we visited Dublin, hopping on and off a Tour Bus. The GPO; Moly Malone's bronze statue; Trinity College Library, to see the impressive 'Book of Kells'; Christ Church and St Patrick's Cathederals; Museums; the Castle; and Art Gallery were all visited between us as we went our separate ways to follow our own particular interests.
We tried to establish contact with Di Saville's friends, Liam and Phil who are members of nearby Howth YC. |
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Day Run 0nm
Total 792nm |
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| Thu 25 Jun |
Poolbeg Marina, Dublin to Howth |
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We made a leisurely start down the River Liffey with two large ferries closely following on our heels. Once we reached open waters, we hoisted sails and tacked across Dublin Bay to Howth. This small port has the oldest fleet in the world of one design keelboats still racing and is the largest yacht club in Irelend.
Arriving early into this sheltered bay we were able to indulge in an afternoon's sunbathing and snoozing before we went for a delicious seafood supper on the fish quay. There we saw at least eight well fed seals, in begging poses, waiting for tourists to throw them fish.
We finished up hosting Liam and Phil, two very old friend of Di Saville to a nightcap onboard.
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Day Run 16nm
Total 808nm |
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