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.