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.

Blogging interval

It was impossible to update the blog after Brendan Donnaghy departed the Stoney b in Galway, he took with him his little 3 Mifi device which gave us great internet coverage I would recommend this is a must for anyone considering long passages, that explains the lack of blog updates from then until I arrived home, plus the fact my nexus 7 got smashed in the Sligo storm.
I have been resting up for the last week now I will transfer my logbook notes to the blog.

Galway is a vibrant city and surely is the art capital of Ireland all types of people from all walks of life have ended up here exploring their hidden talents, not to forget its the birthplace of Stoney b (BRENNAN) the young man of 15 years from Loughrea who was hung for stealing a turnip at the height of the so called famine in 1845.
This is who my boat Stoney b is named after I have spent many years studying this time in Ireland's history the true facts are shocking.The nation has forgot this poor wee boy trying to feed his family,put his plaque back in Loughrea its a disgrace it was ever taken down.

Stoney b off the Arran Islands Inismor
Gallimh ABU

Homecoming interview with Mark Patterson

Dingle to Galway bay

This was the longest passage we had leaving Dingle at lunch time and setting sail North North East into Galway bay, this was going to add 8 hours to our circumnavigation but it was a necessity as I had arranged to pick up two mates ken and Jim new crew in Galway city its always best to stick to the plan.
Eighteen hrs later we were all exhausted it was my  first night passage we were all feeling the sheer exhaustion Brendan went for a sleep dawn was breaking over Galway bay and we had a couple of hours before we arrived we missed the sluish gates but luckily made rest tied to a small pontoon just around the corner beside the RNLI and the Aran Islands cargo ferry, it was time for Brendan to bid farewell he certainly did his bit for "Stoney b" a tough sailor never afraid to get stuck in.
I got a few hrs kip before new crew came cleaned boat inside and out before Tobin and I headed up around Galway city, couldn't have timed it better the races were on the city was thriving with street entertainment it was Ireland's answer to the Mar di gra.

Jim Hughes hard at work making a base for the dinghy out of an old pallet.

mingle in Dingle co Kerry

Farewell to Bear Island en route to Dingle a long tiresome passage with the north wind on our nose we hoisted the main and let out the Genoa put in a few tacks for several hours before finally motor sailing the rest of the trip "slow boat to China" we needed to get into Dingle bay before dark there were just too many lobster pots in sight it was like sailing over a landmine field if one of these lines got caught in our prop we were in real trouble there's no way of telling how many pots are under one buoy marker there could be 40+ that's a lot of weight if we caught a line unawares and continued forward the sudden impact could rip the shaft through the hull you could sink in seconds.
It was just coming up to dusk when we entered Dingle marine to our surprise Fungy the resident dolphin greeted us he's a huge fish I remember seeing Fungy about 20 years ago, this Dolphin has broken all records with his age he's definitely put Dingle on the map.

Spot the tourists in Dingle two Donkeys and Tobin.

This is where the cowboy rides away

Sailing all night from Dingle, just entering Galway city.

Homeward bound, ETA Thursday 7th, 7pm, Foyle Marina

New cabin boy Ceelin Daly

Darren, Tobin, and crew members Ken and Ceelin are now on the final leg of the Sail around Ireland. 

Stoney B has just left Aranmore, halfway around the county of Donegal, heading for Tory Island for lunch. After lunch they intend to sail to Inishtrahull to anchor overnight. Then homewards on Thursday morning.

You can track their progress on the Yellow Brick tracker which is updated automatically every hour.

Please come down to Foyle Marina on Thursday at 7pm to welcome Darren home.

Darren's tablet got smashed a few days ago and he has been unable to update the blog.

Leaving Bear Island for Dingle

We would have loved to stay a few days more in Lawrence cove marina but we have to push on to Dingle. We have had so much support here.

Bear Island, Lawrence Cove Marina

Leaving Youghal in thick fog was hazardous. We made our way around Mizen Head and finally sighed a breath of relief, there's no turning back now I thought.

While going past Clear Island about 2 nm offshore  we witnessed the most remarkable sight I have ever seen...

A misty start and good friends

We spent the night on a mooring at Youghal. It was good crack rowing in. Myself, Brendan and Tobin were relieved to get onshore though. The current was running very strong from the river blackwater while Brendan was rowing us to shore, but we were going backwards! I couldn't stop laughing.

Kilmore to Youghal

Hook Head lighthouse guided Stoney B just outside Kilmore Quay

A Kilmore Welcome

Arriving in Kilmore Quay, we were welcomed by David Dempsey and his son David Jnr, Jer Keeling, and John and Carol Gibbon (of Culmore Point), in their yacht "Ron Ruadh" (red seal). These people are so friendly.

Brendan went up a mast again (must enjoy the view) on John's yacht, helping out with jackstays, while I disappeared when they were looking for winch pullers. Thank you all so much for your contributions towards Sail for MacMillan Cancer Support. It was not expected and I was truly humbled. We also met John MacNamara from Lymington who was sailing "the Otter" and a yacht "Siosainoir" from Plymouth, you were all so supporting.

(From left to right) David Jnr, Jer, Tobin, David Snr, John and Carol

Getting set for the high tide at first light

Leaving Arklow in a few hours its a busy port with lots of dredging work going on, its still an attentative navigation entering on low water we just made it on a 5ft draft staying in tight on starboard .The facilities here are excellent thanks to Nial O' Tuathail (O'Toole) he welcomed us when we arrived "how can I help you ", he asked and came to bid us farewell.
Thank you Nial a worthy holder of this noble ancient Irish surname.
Wicklow ABU.

Arklow marina

Stoney B on the east coast

Tobin likes watering the wheels in Howth

It was a beautiful sail down from Howth to Wicklow. We checked the Marine Traffic AIS for fast ferries going in and out of Dublin port and made our way across the bay. It was a beautiful sail, the weather was stunning and Brendan, Tobin and I basked in the sun and keep a careful eye for incoming and outgoing shipping.

Friggin' in the riggin'

We returned to Howth marina today, Thursday 10th July. Myself, Tobin and Brendan, to see if we could fix the roller reefing system. It had jammed solid and had to be dismantled and inspected. We started at 12.30pm and finally got wrapped up around 10pm. It was raining most of the day. There were a few fs and bs but we managed to sort it out eventually, winching Brendan up the mast took its toll on me and we decided to return to Derry and rest up for a few days. Thanks Brendan Donnaghy.

OK Brendan if you could just hang about there, we're off to lunch see you later.

Every day is a blessing

Well we've made it as far as Howth marina, Dublin. I have returned home for a few days to rest and attend to some medical issues. There's a problem with the boat; the foresail roller reefing system has jammed up, making us unable to continue until this is resolved.

Returning to Drogheda to take "Stoney B" to Howth

Leaving Drogheda

We returned to Drogheda today, Saturday 5th July and pumped up the new bigger dinghy and lowered it down the 20ft vertical ladder. Brendan went down first and I passed the gear down, then I took Tobin and lowered him down and boarded myself.

Howth in sight marking end of first leg around Ireland

An early start today from Kilkeel harbour. 6.30am all up and raring to go. Des, Danny, Tobin and I all anticipating a pleasant sail to Howth. Approximately 12 hours sailing ahead, unfortunately it was short lived. We hit a 33 knot wind that's a force 7, storm conditions, 11 miles off shore and had to run for cover.

Waiting in Ardglass for high water in Kilkeel

Saint John's lighthouse

A good sail from Bangor towards Kilkeel. We have time to kill, waiting for high water around 9pm at Kilkeel harbour so we called into Ardglass harbour for a walk around the town and shops.

Bangor to Kilkeel harbour

On our way now to Kilkeel at 9.30am 1st July. We are all keen to get on our way, cast off and set south with the tide heading for Kilkeel. There's a very deceiving coast line along this stretch so we keep an eye on the depth and stay well out about a mile, avoiding all the lobster pots along the way.

Bangor blues

All set to leave Bangor Marina on Tuesday morning 1st July at 8.45 am. We were showered, fed and watered. Wee Tobin is having a ball, so many dogs down here, a good indication of the people.

Leaving Rathlin Island

Leaving Rathlin Sound this morning hitting 11 knots. Des at the helm while Darren was down below writing his captain's log.

Setting off from Rathlin

Waking up in Rathlin on a beautiful summers morning  @ 7.30 am on 30th June was a delight so tranquil and the air so pure.

Early arrival at Bangor Marina

A pleasant sail to Bangor, Des and Danny enjoying the good weather tanning on the deck. The wind frequently died and we motor sailed for a while, so we arrived in Bangor at 7.10pm, checked in on harbour radio and were guided in to our berth. It's a busy marina, well run, with state of the art facilities.

The Adventure has finally started

What a fantastic send off from the Foyle pontoons. Thanks so much to all my friends and family for making the effort.

In memory of big John Stewart, we sail today

Its 4am and just 8 hours to go before we set sail on our first leg of the sail around Ireland in memory of John Stewart. I wonder what he would have thought about all this, life can be so cruel.

Carol Stewart, my Sara and big John who this sail is in memory of.
Rest in eternal peace John, it was a pleasure to know you.

B&M bargain store SailforCancer day

B&M bargain store, Strand Road, Derry, proved its weight in gold as Emmet the manager gave me a couple of days collecting for Macmillan sailforcancer event. It took a while, but Emmet kept his word and proved he was a true gentleman, plus he donated a £20 gift voucher for the Ritz raffle.

The Ritz Bar, Spencer Road, fundraising night

A good nights craic had by all, thanks Liam for organising this event. The food was excellent as usual, karaoke with George who rocked the night away.

Coffee morning at the Cafe Mezzo, Austins department store

Thank you, Declan Hassen, for organising a coffee morning for Macmillan SailforCancer. Although it was a quiet morning, the guests that were invited most certainly made an impact. The staff, friends and family of Declan and Lee made Sara very welcome.

Every day is precious

Every day is precious. The thought of death does not frighten me, but the thought of lying helpless and incapacitated in the final chapter seems so harsh. The painstaking suffering for my loved ones to endure, a swift ending would be a noble departure from this world if you had a choice.

Last Tuesday 17th June I was put clearly in the picture when I attended an appointment up in the City hospital cancer care unit with Russell Houston a leading oncologist with the NHS of 30 years.

Final preparations

Not long to go now until Darren and Tobin set sail around Ireland. Final plans are under way and we can now see long range forecasts for the next couple of weeks.

The Clipper Race yachts are struggling with the slow moving high pressure and light winds to the west of Ireland and look to arrive around Monday lunchtime, weather permitting.

Fundraising night at the Ritz, Saturday 14th June from 9pm

Everybody will be made very welcome to the Ritz bar on Spencer Road, Derry, Saturday evening from 9pm. We will have prizes galore, karaoke with George, a free buffet, dance and raffle.

MC for the night is my lovely partner, Sarah McFadden.

Health Update

Please God my health will let me complete this sail. I am still waiting to hear what they are going to do about the tumour on my kidney its a worry 63mm that's a tennis ball.

It has been 30 days now since the biopsy which has showed up malignant. I can feel it now if I lay down or sit rubbing against my spine, to be honest I'm frightened with this one, things are not looking good. Roger Lawson, the surgeon who would normally deal with this, has told me he cannot operate because the tumour has entwined around a main blood artery and there was too much risk that I could bleed to death.

Sponsor logos are go

Thank you signs express for your wonderful graphics and professional service working all through Saturday to stay on schedule. Tinney's and Northwest Propellers logos are being added on Monday to the guardrail.

Port side

"Stoney B" lift out

It was great to get "Stoney B" lifted out of the Foyle. The crane at Lisahally lifted her out courtesy of  Port and Harbour Authority. The dock workers were well used to lifting out much bigger boats they each knew their own task and worked well as a team thanks lads for all the effort. She was set down onto the cradle and from that moment at 10am we all got stuck in. I power-hosed the hull, Danny sanded the woodwork, and Ray scrubbed back the hull. We sanded and antifouled the "Stoney b" to her former glory.

Local man saved from river

I witnessed a dramatic rescue tonight on the Foyle. A man had jumped in and, out of nowhere, another guy, who happened to have a lifejacket in his bag, made a fast sprint to his rescue.

Sailing to Tory

Scenery at its best. The LSYC annual  race to Tory Island in "Viking Lord" had a fab sail .Skipper Paul McSorley and his culinary skills were put to the test dishing up a meal fit for a king
It was certainly the highlight of my year,had a drink with Patsy Dan the King of Tory, this is a must for all sailors a great wee harbour , a great retreat for Derry wans over the years a special bond with the Creggan. I would recommend this trip you'll never see scenery quite like it nor meet a more welcoming bunch of people they have held on to their native language and customs and are to be admired for their sheer determination.To me this is the jewel in the crown when visiting Donegal, see for yourself take a ferry from Magheraorty pier,just outside Falcarragh.

Tobin getting the VIP treatment

Tobin sussing out the local talent as we make our weekly visit to Jollyes petstore, Buncrana rd, Derry. The Staff here are all dog lovers and Tobin gets the V.I.P. treatment every time.

Fantasie 19 sailboat for sale

Sara and Tobin waiting for cast off to begin another adventure around the north coast on "Buitisi" (wellie boot)

This wee cruising yacht sleeps two adults and two children. A fantastic starter bilge keeler boat, and of course there's room for a wee dog. She's for sale if anyone's interested the boat not Sara, £2000 with trailer and 4hp long shaft 4-stroke Mariner outboard. The proceeds of this sale will go towards MacMillan cancer support, go on make an offer.

Check it out on the web, click in fantasie 19 sailboat.

Tobin hoping for some donation from statues

Tobin fundraising for Macmillan, there's no escape even if you are pretending to be a statue ,these bronze statues represent both sides of the community, note the hands are not touching just reaching out ,sadly there are still some people devoted to sectarianism there is always hope that in the next few generations it will no longer exist, I have met them from both sides and if frightens me,in some ways its like a cancer virus but there is a cure JUST OPEN YOUR HEART.

Darren sailing the "Gold Coast" clipper yacht

Me in better days. My normal low profile before this Macmillan sail promotion started I'm the big head second from left. What a fantastic experience on the winning boat "Gold Coast". Ollie Osbourne the skipper was as patient as they come and gained the respect he deserved from all the crew members, its a big task changing the foresail on these masters of the sea.

B&Q staff and customer fundraising event

My local B&Q store on the Buncrana Road, Derry have been wonderful support allowing a fundraising event to take place in aid of MacMillan cancer support. The staff having really made an effort and the customers kind generosity shone through as they contributed throughout the day.

The Cookstown sizzle

Another warm welcome in Cookstown last night there were plenty sizzlers, the people are so friendly with hearts of Gold the night life was buzzing, best nights craic.

Big thanks to our friend Christine Wade who sacrificed her Saturday night.Tir Eoghain ABU
Thanks Sgnt Foster.                                £562 raised

More fundraising at First Source

Sarah McFadden organised a "Dress Down Day" at Derry's "First Source" call centre and a very welcome £365 was raised. Thankyou so much to all who took part.

There's no place like home

One man and his dog, inseparable

I've been discharged from Hospital, thank God. Plenty of rest now until the medical team put a plan of action in place to remove a tumour just at the top of my kidney under the tip of my right hand side ribcage.

Operation a success

Well that's that operation over with, you loose track of time once the anesthetic puts you to sleep this one took five hours before I came too, compared to ten hours in 2011 there was no trauma this time round thankfully, I'm just glad to be awake, I would

The grapes of Wrath

Joe McGaragle, James McElhome and myself,
all in great spirits passing through
Ward 8, Cancer Ward, Altnagelvin Hospital

It's all so day ja voo at the moment reality is setting in I'm in the same ward, with the same staff nurses as last time in 2011 just a bit greyer, and less green behind the ears. I had my biopsy today for the tumour on my kidney. What I had previously thought, in the months preceding, was a kidney infection, is a 63mm diameter tumour.

Health Update

Darren has been called in earlier today, Sunday 11th May, to Altnagelvin Hospital, Ward 31. He has a tumour on the "good" side of his neck and a previously unknown lump on one of his kidneys. Surgery will be sooner than expected. Please pray for a successful outcome. This has certainly come as a shock to Darren and Sarah and they would value your support at this time.

Saturday Outing to Belfast

Darren and Sarah on their way to Belfast

On Saturday evening 10th May, Darren and Sarah, travelled to Belfast for a Macmillan fundraising event things finally got underway at 9 pm the manager in Europa gave us a huge reception we met some wonderful people and shared our experiences with Macmillan on our recovery journey.

Boat Maintenance and Preparations

We have some exciting news for all those who want to follow Darren and Tobin as they sail around Ireland. Everyone will be able to see the progress of Stoney B in real-time using the Yellowbrick Viewer website. A link and page will be posted before the start of the sail.

A set back

5 weeks ago, on a Sunday morning, I found a lump on the good side of my neck. After 2 biopsies, ultrasound, a CAT scan and a PET scan at the Royal Infirmary in Belfast, the consultant today confirmed that it was a malignant tumour. God willing, on Tuesday coming, I will be going for an operation to "whip it right out" as the consultant said. After my neck heals, I will be undertaking another series of radiation treatments.

Interview on BBC Radio

I would like to thank Mark Patterson and his team from BBC Radio Foyle for the interview yesterday. It really helped both me in my endeavours to sail around Ireland and

Boat Jumble, 27th April at Lough Swilly Yacht Club, Fahan

The Lough Swilly Yacht Club, Fahan, County Donegal, are holding a boat jumble at their clubhouse on Sunday 27th April from 10am until 3pm.

Stormy seas

Love in a boat, in times of trouble you've kept me afloat.

We've been through some rough waters, hit a few rocks, and sailed through stormy seas. Pictured is my partner Sara McFadden, Tobin and I, on Stoney B.

A word of thanks

We received a wonderful welcome last Saturday night from the proprietors, staff and patrons of the "Squeelin' Pig" in Muff, they sure know how to party!!

The bucket collection travelled on through Muff, Burnfoot and Bridgend. At the Halfway, they interrupted their boxing gala to welcome us and then on to Buncrana.  

A Seadog's Farewell

A Seadog's Farewell 

Take my paw

As I bid farewell

I'm heading west

For the Atlantic swell

Woof! Woof!

An Original poem by Tobin 

£224.60 raised today

Toby and I have met some wonderful people today in Spencer Road, Clooney terrace and Duke Street. We finished up with £224.60.

Take nothing for granted

"Macmillan Cancer Support help people like me who have gone through cancer, the treatment and the after effects. Whether it has been a cup of tea, a chat, they are always there, willing to help in times of need. For others less fortunate, they provide help and support for families and 24 hour care in the home until the end.

Thank you for your support over the weekend

We would like to thank all those that contributed to the bucket collection over the weekend, which was a very much appreciated £834 collected.

I am Raftery the poet

Darren and Toby beside the "Stoney B"

A Poem by Anthony Raftery

I'm Raftery the poet,
Full of hope and love,
My eyes without sight,
My mind without torment. 

Going west on my journey
By the light of my heart,
Weary and tired
To the end of the road 

Behold me now
With my back to the wall
Playing music
To empty pockets for nothing at all.