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.