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.