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.