Darren Richard Robb 1966 -2014

It is with deep sadness that I have to tell you all of the passing of Darren on Tuesday 2nd December at 10:50am. Darren had been unwell, but coping admirably with his cancer since his return from the epic sail around Ireland in August. He had struggled with pain and had been in and out of hospital a couple of times to get his meds under control, but in the end, the cancer was too aggressive.

He will be sadly missed. A true gentleman. Always ready to help you, never thinking of himself, and always up for a bit of banter, whether it was discussing how to tie a boat up, or your shoelaces, the right way was always Darren's way even though oftentimes the cart was most definitely before the horse, both got there in the end.

Darren's funeral will be held at his mother's home on Friday at 11am, with the burial at Fahan Church of Ireland graveyard. His family, Sarah, and Tobin would be glad to see you there.

the boys for Killybegs

We were one man down after Jims abrupt exit from our voyage but that didn't deter us I had a job to do hook or by crook I was going to get the "stoney b" back to Foyle pontoon in the heart of Derry city .  Ken, Tobin and I awoke to a dull morning in Sligo town it was 4th August 2014 and the final few legs were in sight.  There were few luxuries at this pontoon it lacked toilet or shower facilities  which was very disappointing, me and the wee dog headed off in search of a shop to get some breakfast treats,      I couldn't believe just how narrow the channel was when I had a good look around to see where we were, the previous nights dramatic arrival held its toll and we were all still pretty exhausted. By the time the dog and I walked up through the town to Tescos I was in no fit state to walk back so we eventually took a taxi back to pontoon and cooked breakfast for us all to Kens delight. Later that day we booked into a hostel it was difficult to get one to take Tobin but we found one which let us keep him just outside our room window on the ground floor outside, it was the first  time Tobin had to stay outside all night, I was so tempted to bring him in the window at night but I was well warned if they caught him inside we would be chucked out so poor old Tobin had finally realised he was a dog and not a human, this was a far cry from the luxury hotels that we had smuggled him into around the country.
That evening we met up with Sheila and her boyfriend Michael who were friends of my Sara from Foreland Gweedore they were fantastic hosts and their hospitality made us very welcome.
      It was 5th August and time to move on we cast off at 1pm getting to see the crazy route we came in at daylight .
   The Iron man stood in all his splendour as we sailed past bound for Killybegs.

                                                                                               

Sligo "no teddy bears picnic".

Getting underway swiftly from Blacksod bay pier we hoisted the main and faced yet another battle against the North wind the forecast predicted a force 4 to 5 north north west turning more westward by late evening we were hoping to make it to Killybegs but unfortunately the weather  picked up we were struggling by late evening it was decision time shall I stick to the plan and head across into Donegal
 bay 30 miles offshore or should I hug the coastline and look for shelter,

Inishbofin to Blacksod bay Mayo

We set sail again leaving behind us Inishbofin and its lovely people.We were expecting to arrive in blacksod bay at the point on the north west pier by nightfall but had hoped to get in by 9.30pm  as usual our fondness for sailing without the noise of the motor added a couple of hours to our passage.

Inishbofin Galway tradition untamed

Passing Slyne head was a milestone, this headland on Galway's north west coast brought us further north homeward bound its a tough part of the Atlantic which has sadly claimed many lives over time and many vessels the most famous being

Inishmore to Inishbofin

After staying here one night on the boat in Inishmore Island  sampling the local Guinness in Tight Joe Watty's famous pub we were ready to explore the Island the next day, we treated ourselves to real coffee and a breakfast bap at the local supermarket and ate them at the benches provided outside this was a real treat enjoyed by all even Tobin got his sausages.
We walked around the Island for a bit went into the local church for a few prayers before getting ready to set sail again, it was difficult getting back into the boat we were moved earlier on that morning by the harbour master to make way for the passenger ferries so we were tied on the outside of two boats not accesable by ladder you had to be an acrobatic to jump on to the cabin roof of one and crawl across a rope to get onto stoney b.

Galway city to lnishmore of the Arans

After three days in Galway during the races we were spoiled for choice with the entertainment and eating houses our altonator was eventually replaced for €420 not all people were helpful, but dispite this unexpected bill we were overall made feel very welcome by the harbour master who wavered any fee for stoney b.