WE WILL BE LEAVING ON SATURDAY 4^TH MAY

                                             

Liz & Ness with the Ilfracombe Lifeboat Crew.   Sea Sense returning from Clovelly, on Sunday.

We took Sea Sense out for the day on Saturday, not the best of weathers, but we needed to give Sea Sense a Shakedown Sail.

On board there was Carol, Jo and Liz with myself.  We set off and motored over the bar through the waves. And sailed down to Clovelly with only a bit of Jib.  A Cold wind force 3 to 4   

It wasn’t very calm and when we arrived in Clovelly, we picked up a mooring buoy, with Jo being sent sprawling because it was so rough.  We had breakfast, and as the day wore on at low tide, it became calmer.  The sun was shining and felt quite warm for a short time. That was very nice.

We set off back at about 4.30, had the main and jib up a bit. It wasn’t calm, and we had trouble trying to keep on the course for the Fairway Buoy, and ended up motor sailing and the wind rising to force 6.

We were glad to get back onto our mooring in Instow.

We realise at Clovelly that we had a battery problem; one of batteries had gone really flat very quickly.

Brian and I have been to have it all checked out with local Marine Electronics Engineer John Rice.  It was a good exercise, we realised that the battery that said Engine, is in fact not correct.  The new battery that we purchased last year is the one that is completely flat.  The other one, although OK, we will replace and use as a spare.. So it’s 2 New Batteries (Ouch)

It is a good job this has happened now; we will be fixing new batteries on this evening. I am going out tomorrow for a small sail with Sandy and Peter.

We have loaded lots of gear on board, wet weather gear for most of the crew, as they will be travelling by Air.

We still have more food to purchase and load on probably Thursday or Friday.

We expect to be leaving on Saturday about 13.30 for Milford Haven

The weather forecast is looking hopeful.

NOT ALL GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN

NOT ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN

Best laid plans, don't always work out.

We arrived in Ilfracombe, we were able to moor alongside which is great.

The Ilfracombe Yacht Club, had laid on a welcome back Sea Sense Bar-B-Q.

A big thank you to Bobby and Bert and members for organising this.

They raised £120 for the RNLI, which was great. Some of the Lifeboat crew came along, so Carol could collect Ilfracombe lifeboat signatures.

It was great we had a lovely evening with family and friends.

6^th July

We had decided to get up early and go outside the harbour on the moorings so that we could go down to Clovelly for the afternoon.

At 6 am we prepared to leave, but the engine wouldn't start – Noooooooooooooo!

Having checked batteries, we checked the oil, and found that we had water in the oil.

We hadn't lost any oil pressure, so hadn't realised.

Thank goodness it has happened here in Ilfracombe.

Quick phone calls to Clovelly Harbour Master, and text to Wendy of the Lifeboats. To cancel our arrival. What A Shame.

The upshot is that we are here for a week or two, we have located a local Engineer, Leigh Hanks, who is Lifeboat Engineer and Trainer. We are not sure what the problem is, could be V serious. At least we are close to home.

 

I will post photo of us being moved by the Ilfracombe rib, onto the inner mooring so that Leigh can work on the Engine easier, and I can go home.

Leigh had an trainee Gillian (Crew) so they used the move as a training session. -NOT A RESCUE.

That would have been an embarrassment.

We can't feel too unhappy, we may not be back at Instow, but we are in North Devon, and have made the target of SAILING AROUND IRELAND.

Statistics.

We have done 1138 miles.

We made 26 overnight stops.

Carol and I were on the yacht for the 9 weeks, and we had 8 different crew members who very kindly joined us, by travelling to Ireland and home again.

All expenses were covered by us and the Crew.

ALL Money raised by the 10 Crew members is donated to the RNLI.

We had scheduled 36 stops, but due to the weather delays, had to miss out 10 places.

We haven't totalled money raised yet, but will keep you posted.

I have just heard that I have over £400 on Just Giving and Virgin Money Giving.

Thank You for those donations.

WE HAVE SAILED AROUND IRELAND - NEARLY HOME

NEARLY HOME – WHAT AN ADVENTURE

We are still at Milford Haven Marina, awaiting a good weather window to get us home.

We will go to Dale and then go to Ilfracombe when weather is kind to us.

This seems to be Friday.

It looks as if then the weather is actually going to be summer at last. With an Azores High coming over us for a while. That will be brilliant. It was a shame the weather has been cold on the whole.

We took a month to get at far as Tralee, We then had a month of relatively good weather except for the weekend we were waiting for Jo and Penny to arrive, and the weekend I went home to a Wedding, but the girls were at Belfast, so were able to sightsee.

We have had a few days of unsettled weather, but nearly home now.

Carol and I can't believe it is nearly over. We have had a fantastic time, it has been quite amazing.

It has been a challenge at times with weather, and a couple of problems.

We have had to miss some really good places so that we could make up the time. Which is a shame, but with so many bad days, it was the only way.

We have visited over 20 lifeboat stations. This has been absolutely great. The crews we have met are so lovely, friendly and professional. It makes you proud to be associated with the RNLI.

We have seen what the money raised goes towards, and it is Fantastic.

Most days that we have been travelling on the water, we have heard a 'Shout' for the local lifeboat.

At Kilmore Quay, CrossHaven, and Fenit there was a shout while we were there.

It makes you realise just how important the Service is for people on the water.

We need the Lifeboats.

SAILED AROUND IRELAND - HOORAH

HOWTH TO ARKLOW - MILFORD HAVEN

ON THE WAY HOME

1^st July

We saw Penny off yesterday and Liam arrived late due to a 5 hr delay at Exeter Airport.

We really enjoyed Howth Yacht Club Marina, it was really lovely and the Yacht Club Building was beautiful. It was always busy, with food served all day, great service, and really friendly.

Lots of families sail there, and there was racing everyday or evening, even on the weekdays.

It was however, over 1000 Euros per family, that was just membership.

Howth itself is also very nice, with fabulous fish restaurants, and fresh fish shops. A lovely place to visit. It was so close to Dublin

We had done the homework, and had a choice of Wexlow, or Arklow.

We didn't have to go until the afternoon, due to the tides.

We left at Howth at 3oclock in the afternoon, in company with the lads on 'Skylark'

The trip across Dublin Bay was pretty hairy, with gusts of over 30knts of wind, we had a little sail up. We knew that once we were across the bay it hopefully wouldn't be so bad. There was a small craft warning in place, but we really wanted to move on today.

The journey took about 6 hours to Arklow, where there is a small Marina, and nice pontoon along the river, easy to get into and as we were leaving at silly o’clock in the morning ideal.

2^nd July

We got up at 4am and set off to Milford Haven at 5 am. We needed to arrive at St David's Head (Wales) at low water. We were able to sail most of the way, for once the wind was in the right direction, and the tide was with us, and we were able to keep up out speed. Wonderful!

It was very lumpy, but through the day the sun came out, so at least it was blue sky, which makes a world of difference.

Just off of Arklow are some sand banks, and there were windmills on them, and some still being erected. At least is is an area, no one would sail, so I suppose that is a good use for sandbanks.

It was a very long day, and we arrived at Milford Haven Lock at approx 10.00. We had to wait until 11.40 for the lock gate to open to let us into the Marina. So we had our supper to wait to go in.

What a long day. We were shattered.

We had made this trip today, as there are gale warnings for tomorrow, and we wanted to get across the Irish Sea towards home.

WE HAVE MADE IT RIGHT AROUND IRELAND – HOORAH!

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY MADE A DONATION TO THE RNLI, PLEASE CAN YOU GO TO Virgin Money Giving – RNLI – Pat Hughes or Paddy Bear. Or Just Giving – RNLI Pat Hughes.

Thank you for that.

CAROL HAYES

IAN SAUNDERS

SANDY PEACE

LIZ LILLYCRAPP

SKIPPER - PAT HUGHES

JO PAY

PENNY GREEN

BRIAN WARREN

Co Owner of Sea Sense

LIAM B

 

 

VANESSA WHIPP

AWAITING CREW AT HOWTH YACHT CLUB MARINE

28^th June

The local restaurants here in Howth, are really lovely. A vast variety, and we visited the Brass Monkey which was excellent.

Today we were able to visit the Howth Lifeboat Station and meet up with some of the crew, this was great.

The Howth Yacht Club is a really busy club, and they collect Burgees from lot of clubs, we were able to add ND Yacht club Burgee to their collection.

We have met the men from yacht SkyLark, who we met originally at Bangor Marina, and again at Ardglass. It is interesting to meet up with other fellow yachts people. They come from the Essex Marina on the River Crouch.

Today Jo went home, which was sad.

Penny goes tomorrow.

29^th June

Today we did washing and cleaning the boat. Penny going home and Liam arriving.

BANGOR MARINA IN BELFAST LOUGH

20^th June

We had a few days here in Bangor Marina, and the train took half and hour to get into the centre of Belfast.

We did some washing and Carol and I went to see the Lifeboat Crew. It was an inshore Lifeboat, but said that it was one of the busiest lifeboats in service, due to so much leisure traffic on the Lough.

We then took the train into Belfast, and had a tour on the bus, which was really interesting.

We visited one of the biggest delicatessen I have ever seen, with so much wonderful food it was overwhelming. It was called Sawers.

The other interesting place was the oldest pub in Belfast, and is one of the only two that the National Trust run, it was called the Crown, and was amazing inside, as it had all the original features, with booths and gas lamps, wonderful tiling and stained glass windows. Well worth a visit.

21^st June

Girls went back to Belfast today to visit the Titanic Centre, and meet up with Penny's husband John.

I went back home.

It was nice that there was time to do the sightseeing, but unfortunately the weather wasn't very nice.

BANGOR TO ARDGLASS

25th June

Today we set of at 7 o’clock to get fuel, and to sail down to Ardglass.

The weather forecast was NW 2/3 occ 4

At last the wind in the direction that we want it to be.

We had to leave early as we needed to get the sweep of the tide past Copeland Island

The Wind was SOUTH WEST – we couldn't believe it. Where was our NW.

nowhere certainly not with us. It is beyond a joke.

Never mind we gently motored with the tide, and was making 9.5 kits. Very swirly

We got to Ardglass Marina at 2.30.

Had a walk round Ardglass, it is very quaint, not very big, but has a lovely golf course.

We were greeted by the quite elderly Harbour Master and his dog. The Marina was very nice with nice showers.

Bangor Marina, will take a lot of beating though, it was immaculate, and very clean, and organised.

We met up with a yacht that was going round Britain with Tom and his Son Stephen. We had met them at Bangor, and they caught up with us again. They came aboard for a drink in the evening.

26^th June

We were going to go to a small harbour on the way to Howth Marina, - Dublin to break up the journey, but looking at the weather forecast, we decided to make a bit of an effort and get to Howth in one go.

We left at 10am, the weather was wonderful, the sea was smooth, and we made really good passage to Howth and arrived at 8 oclock. At the bottom of the tide, and it was the lowest tide ever recorded, It was an unusual entrance, as all the port and starboard marks were on their side, and float when the tide comes in.

We had contacted the harbour office and had been given a berth, but when we go there, it obviously wasn't free. We took the next one, and then realised that there were ropes from a yacht out sailing. So we had to extract ourselves, and find a free berth. What Fun! after a 10 hour trip.

On the trip up the coast, we had seen beautiful Mountains, and Carlingford Lough, what a shame we had to give it a miss. We also saw a few porpoise, and a very large mammal, that we thought was a Whale. It was very large, and could have been a Rosso's Dolphin. They are a loan animal, and have a very slow roll, and can be confused with a Pilot Whale. We hoped it was whale.

Howth is a very nice place, with lots of beautiful sea food restaurants.

27^th June

When we awoke this morning we realised that our decision to come yesterday was a good one. Mainly because it was pouring with rain and windy.

We decided to take the train into Dublin – it is less that half and hour.

So we were tourist in Dublin today on the tour bus in the rain.

This evening we are off out to a local restaurants, with one of the crew from the

that we had met in Castletown Bere. He is one of the lifeboat members, and tomorrow, we will meet up with the coxswain and crew.

CREW PHOTOS

PORTRUSH TO BANGOR - BELFAST

18^th June

Today we didn't have to leave until 11am, so we had time to go to see the Lifeboat Station, and meet the coxswain, and get the crew members into Paddy's Log Book

Port Rush was really nice, with a pontoon inside the harbour, very peaceful.

We set off, and the sea was smooth and silky. It was warm at first, but turned quite cold and drizzly. We had done the way-points to take us through the Raithlin Sound at the correct time.

We picked up the push of the tide as we passed the Giants Causeway, and although we had hardly any wind, we were swept along at over 10.8 knots. We had the engine on tick over as it was really swirly and difficult to keep on course.

We thought the chart plotter had gone wrong, we couldn't believe the speed. It is also very deep over 100 metres.

We arrived at Glenarm Marina at 5.15, which was over an hour earlier that we had expected.

This is a very nice Marina, in a beautiful bay. Nice showers and a laundry. - hoorah.

Just had dinner, and decided to look at next port of call. Bangor Belfast. Realised that we had to leave at 6.30am tomorrow, if we are going.

Weather report a bit sketchy for this area, and as we need to be near Belfast for the weekend, decided to go tomorrow, and not wait around.

Glenarm didn't have much going for it, as a town, 2 small pubs and a shop. That was it.

19^th June

We set off at 6.30 to go to Bangor. In no time we had 10knts of wind in the rightish direction SW. We put up all the sails, and started to make really good time under sail. What a relief.

Spoke too soon, the wind soon dropped to less that 2 knts. We carried on for a while. We did have a bit of time in our favour, but needed to be at Bangor at low water.

The P & O Ferry was passing in front of us just by some Cardinal buoys, so close, we could wave to the people on the deck. This was at Larne Lough

We managed to sail on for a while, but had to give up eventually, and motor sail Again!

We did at least 3 hours.

We avoided another Ferry – this time Stena Lines, as we approached Belfast Lough.

We arrived at Belfast Marina at 1.30. There is a Lifeboat Station here, so Paddy's Log will be added to.

Celebration time with a bottle of Bubbly, followed by a sleep.

We are here for a few days, as I am off to a Wedding at home, and Penny's husband John is travelling out and taking Carol and Jo sightseeing for the weekend.

Will be blogging again next week.

LOUGH SWILLY TO PORTRUSH

FROM LOUGH SWILLY TO PORT RUSH

16^th June

today Carol and I were able to take it easy. With just a couple of jobs to do. Fill with water, and empty dinghy of rain water- I emptied about 5 gallons out of it.

We then went to the local nice restaurant the Red Door, and had coffee, and was able to log on to wifi.

It had finally stopped raining, so we took down tent, we had a really nice walk. The Area is beautiful. We waited for the girls to arrive, they had caught a taxi from Derry, they arrived just before 6 o’clock.

We had a really nice dinner waiting of salmon and raspberries.

We did the homework for the trip to Portrush tomorrow before we went to bed

17^th June

Today we didn't have to leave very early, so had a nice breakfast, sandwiches were made and the meal for this evening already cooked. So ready to go

Left Marina at 11.15am, and made out way gingerly out. It is very shallow here near Fahan Marina, but he local yacht club have buoyed the channel so that helped. We were 3 hrs before high water, as we had to leave Lough Swilley at high tide to get the Sweep Round Malin Head.

We had a good trip round, and touched over 8 knots, but we were head to wind and wind over tide AGAIN.

We got to Portrush at 7oclock, and tied up to the pontoon in the harbour, next to the Lifeboat, and Yacht Club.

We all went to the Yacht Club and met up with the Launch Operations Manager of the Lifeboat.

We then had dinner, and did the homework for tomorrow, when we hope to be going to Glenarm Marina.

We have to get past Raithlin Island, and the Sound looks quite tricky, so we are making sure we get there at slack water, with the tide pushing us round.

CHANGING CREW AT FAHAN MARINA

14^th June

Today we lose Sandy and Ian, we have had a lovely 2 weeks, with warm, and sunny weather most of the time.

We have seen some of the most scenic parts of Ireland on this leg, which has been really nice.

Ian is flying out of Belfast, and Sandy is meeting her husband Nick in Derry, and staying at a very nice Hotel, overlooking the river. She can't wait to have a lovely soak in the bath. I think that the lack of shower and bathing facilities has been a bit of a shock, but she has coped very admirably.

I am very proud of her, and she has been really good crew.

As well as the most scenic part of Ireland is has been the most remote part, with anchorages and harbour walls, and no facilities. We were down to our last half pint of long life milk yesterday too.

We do have a shower on the yacht, but then there is the issue of how much water, and again water isn't always available. - Still that’s sailing for you.

Ian cooked a really nice breakfast. This was before they went off on the 1 o'clock bus to Derry

The Engineers arrived at 11.30 they had located the problem which was the pipe at the very back of the engine. Brian had the parts shipped from Bournemouth to Derry, and they had picked the parts up. It was quite difficult job because one of the nuts was very rusty. Joseph the Engineer was determined, and eventually got the part off and hopefully all is well.

We still have another pipe, that can be fixed when we arrived home.

Carol and I decided to go to the local very posh hotel & restaurant down the road called the The Red Door and have a very expensive G & T, while I was able to log onto the WI phi and do some updating. As it was pouring with rain we looked lovely with our wet gear on.

We were hoping to eat at the small local pub, but no luck as it was fully booked.

15^th June

Today Carol and I had lots of jobs to do, and it was absolutely tipping down with rain.

We cleaned out the engine compartment of oil, and ran the engine to check it all out. I tightened the nuts on the stern gland, as it was dripping a little too fast. We did some scrubbing and sweeping. I did a bit of washing.

We both decided to have s shower in a tin portacabin with a shower tray that didn't empty,uck.

At lease we had clean hair, needs must.

We have to to the Buncrana, to get the shopping, we were hoping to get a bus, but were lucky enough to meet a local sailor, who very kindly gave us a lift, even though we lived at Derry. These people are amazing, so helpful and lovely.

We had to get a taxi back, as the bus didn't turn up, when we were told it would.

It was still raining, we were glad to get back to the yacht.

The rain finally stopped at about 6 o’clock in the evening.

Tomorrow our new crew arrived, so we are stocked up and tidy, and ready for them to come aboard. All we need now is a good forecast.

BURTON PORT T0 FAHAN MARINA

12^th June

Today we all got up at 5am to set off to Fahan Marina in Lough Swilly. Round Bloody Foreland., another headland.

The two yachts that lay alongside and us were all leaving at the same time, we needed to get the sweep of the tide.

One of the yachts called 'Liberty of Solent' we had seen him at Dingle, and at Innishboffin, they are off to Tory Island. The other yacht was off the Scotland.

The weather forecast was very mixed, and it seems bad weather is coming in later. It said showers and maybe strong winds later. The wind may be in our favour today, it would be better if we could sail, but we do need to get to Lough Swilly today without fail. We are missing Tory Island (Shame) and Sheephaven out.

Going out from Burton Port was not very nice, there are rocks all around, with transits and red and green buoys to follow. The tide was coming in and it was very swirly. We were pleased to get into the North Sound of Aranmore.

Ian has been navigating all of these very tricky places brilliantly. It is nearly a full-time job.

As it was early it was quite cold and a bit miserable, and the sea was quite roly. We put up the sails, and tried to see if we would make good enough time. Although we had wind it wasn't enough for us to make good enough headway, so we gently motored. It wasn't long before the wind dropped off altogether, but the sun shone, and the sea calmed down, and it was a beautiful day. Great for another pleasant trip, but no wind for sailing again!

We got to Lough Swilly with time to spare in the end, because the entrance to Fahan Marina is very shallow we needed more water to get in safely so we went into Ballymastocker Bay to a place called Port Salon. It was the most beautiful place, and we picked up a mooring and had tea and cake and enjoyed the sunshine and scenery.

John on 'Anna Marie' was just entering Lough Swilly, and caught up with us, he had anchored up near Aranmore the night before, and needed fuel, so decided to come up to the Marina with us.

We left the anchorage at 5.40 and Sandy helmed with the head sail all the way to the entrance of the creek to Fahan Marina. It was so lovely to be able to have a really nice sail. We can't believe how much we have had to motor on this trip. Head to wind most of the way.

John on Anna Marie, text to say best wind all day, and now he couldn't be bothered to sail. As he is single-handed I don't blame him.

Lough Swilly was described at Stunning, and I can say that it is. It is so beautiful, and you could be on a Lake in Italy. Wow. Wonderful! we were lucky to see it in such good weather. I would love to come back and visit. We could say that with all of the South West Coast of Ireland, it has been absolutely stunning, I didn't realise that it was so scenic.

Coming into this Marina, is a bit tricky, it is very shallow. One of the local yachts told us to turn

left and stick to the green and red posts. We found a nice pontoon, and John was able to take our ropes, and we have electric on the pontoon which is great. We tied up at 7.45.

Carol had made a Chilli, so that was ready to go, and after large Gin and Tonics and Whiskey for Ian, we had dinner.

John came and shared our dinner, and we had a really jolly evening with lots of red wine, and a boat trifle. (recipe: stale cake with jam and port, tinned fruit covered in instant custard)

We had checked the Engine at Port Salon, and found that the leak was about a cup full, so its not major, but hopefully we will be able to get it sorted out.

Brian has had a couple of parts sent to Derry Harbour, and we are hoping it is the part we need.

We have 4 days here for crew change, and hope to get it done.

13^th June

The first thing I did this morning was ring the number of the North Atlantic Marine Services, and spoke to Frances, to see if we could organise the Engine to be inspected and make a prognosis as where the trouble is. I will be hearing from him later

John from 'Anna Marie' called over and also had a look, but no further forward on that, we have to wait.

It is the last time we will catch up with 'Anna Marie' as he is now off to Scotland, which is quite close now we are North of Ireland. We have enjoyed meeting up with him, and I know Ian has enjoyed his Company. Being on a yacht with three females, must have been a bit of trial for him at times, but he's coped beautifully.

The Engineer form NAMS, is going to pick up the parcel for me at the Harbour Commission, so that is a help.

We decided to go to Derry for a visit. We set off to get the 12.10 bus. Unfortunately it didn't run, so we waited for an hour for the next bus. It appears that there are no official bus stops, you just flag the bus down. He will then drop you off where you want. - Fantastic. I love Ireland

Just as I got off the bus, my phone went to say the Engineer was at the Marina, so I just got the same bus back. I didn't see anything of Derry. - Never mind another place I have missed.

I met Francis, on the yacht, he meticulously went through every part of the Engine to assess what the problem was, and where the oil leak was coming from. It really is not obvious, and he is bringing his Son to look, who is of a smaller build, and may be able to get further into the engine. The problem appears to be at the back somewhere.

Carol Sandy and Ian returned later, we had a really nice meal, and played cards, and at 10oclock in the evening Francis and his son returned to inspect the Engine. We were amazed, what service.

They think they have located the problem, and will return tomorrow to see if it is feasible to feturn tomorrow to see if it is feasible to fix.

The yacht 'Liberty of Solent' has now come into the Marina, from Tory Island. They are going around the whole of Britain.

Fahan Marina

AT BURTON PORT ARANMORE.

9^th June

Left BroadHaven at 7 and set off for Aranmore Island, and Burton Port. The weather is closing in and we want to be somewhere safe.

We were able to sail some of the way, but the wind was very light, and we had to motor sail

to be able to reach Burton Port at High Water.

We had the most lovely calm day with smooth sea and a lot of the way there was no sight of land, as we made our way across Donegal Bay.

It was sad that we had to miss out Sligo (Lifeboat) and Killybegs. We need to make up our time lost.

We arrived at Arranmore, and it was beautiful, and a very tricky entrance, but as the car ferry went in and out, and we had plenty of water it wasn't as bad as it sounded and looked in the pilot book.

When we arrived at Burton Port, we had to moor up beside a fishing boat, which was the only place we could really go.

A BIG PROBLEM. We found a lot of oil in the engine compartment. We had cleaned out some at Innishmore, and checked on the way, but now we definitely had an oil leak.

The local people at Burton Port, have been so helpful, and have found someone to have a look for us. We won't be going anywhere tomorrow anyway, so we arranged for someone to come on board sometime tomorrow

We went to the local pub, which was very pleasant, and very 70's décor.

We then had dinner and early to bed we had had another 60 mile day.

10^th June

We had the key to the shower, and were all able to use it one at a time. It is a new facility here at Burton Port. It is a dying area, unfortunately, as they have a grant to enhance the Harbour with a pontoon for yachts, but can't agree on it. It is a shame. There is no shop, no bed and breakfast.

But a couple of pubs and a restaurant. We decided we would visit the Lobster Pot for a meal tonight. The local Engineer couldn't come on board until later, so we all took a taxi to Dungloe It is the only place where we can get bread, milk etc. We decided to do a big shop while the going was good.

We then had a visit from Frankie the Engineer, who wasn't sure what the problem was, we decided to clean out the engine compartment of oil tomorrow, and then start the Engine to see if we could locate the problem tomorrow morning.

Another yacht come alongside, we had met them at Dingle, they are travelling around Great Britian and Ireland, from Plymouth.

We went out for the evening to have meal at the Lobster Pot, it was really great.

11^th June

We got up and cleaned out the Engine Compartment, using Nappy Liners. A really useful way of mopping up.

We ran the Engineer for 40 mins, and found a leak. Frankie, didn't have an answer, so we have decided to carry on, and keep topping up. It isn't ideal, but this area, is very remote, and as least if we get further round towards Belfast, we have more chance of getting it fixed. The engine is a Bukh, and is Danish, and we think it is probably a part that will have to be ordered from Denmark.

We will get on further, and make a decision about the parts.

Today another Yacht came in, so we now have 4 boats moored up together.

This is a popular place, its a shame about the facilites.

The local fishermen are so helpful, and as the Harbour Master is not well, they got us Diesel, and Water from the pier. So all the yachts were able to fuel and water up. Which is really good.

Sandy and Carol, have walked to the local garage for Engine Oil, but they had non. We have organised a taxi to take them to Dungloe, to get some. That is what I mean about remote!!!!!!!!!!!

I am at the pub sending this Blog. -

EXPLORING INNISHMORE

4^th June

This morning we got hold of a company in Dublin who will send the gooseneck toggle to the Harbour Master in Galway. We had done all the measurements, and realised that we would have to have some alterations done to toggle.

We had been given the name of a person called Pat Rynn in Galway. Everyone we had spoken to said his name, so he was obviously the one to get in touch with tomorrow.

When all this was sorted out and the parcel was on the way. I was able to send the blog via the Lifeboat Station, and then we took a bus tour of the Island, and visited the Dun Aonghasa Fort.

They think this fort is 2000 years old. The most amazing thing was the coastline along the Island.

The view was spectacular. Wow! I know we have missed the Cliffs of Moher, but we were amazed at these cliffs.

We had a quiet evening, as Ian and I have to get up early catch the ferry to Galway, to collect the piece for the Gooseneck.

I also felt a bit sore from my drop down the harbour ladder. The bruise on my arm is something else it is over 8 inches long and nearly as wide, ouch!

5^th June

Today Ian and I got up and caught the ferry to Rosaveel, and then the bus to Galway, we were hoping that we had made the correct decision by not taking the yacht up. We need to be able to move on quickly, so we don't really want to be up the river.

It was the correct decision, because it all worked out.

I must say that the Harbour Master of Galway who is called Brian Sheridan, was so helpful

He took us to see Pat Rynn the engineer, and showed him what the alteration was when the new piece came along. Had we known Pat could have made the whole piece, he is a genius, and so highly recommended by everyone we spoke to.

Brian the HM, then very kindly took Ian and I into town, so that we could have a look round dropping us at St Nicolas Church, that he recommended for us to see .

Galway is lovely, so interesting and colourful -. I felt sorry that we couldn't have made it to Galway last Thursday as we had hoped.. We missed the Sea Festival at the weekend. The girls would have loved it.

We loved it and had coffee and lunch out. Ian was happy, as he was able to log on at each place, and catch up with his e mails ect.

Then good news at 1.30, we had a phone call from Brian to say that the piece had arrived and been delivered to Pat Rynn, and would be ready at 3 oclock, our bus didn't go until 5, so it all fitted in so well. We were thrilled.

We were so grateful to H.M Brian Sheridan.

IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF IN GALWAY NEEDING ENGINEERING, GO THE PAT RYNN.

There is a lifeboat Station at Galway, and we contacted a shore member, who was able to give us name of the crew for Paddy Bears Logbook. - great result for the day.

We finally got back to the yacht at 7.30, and fitted new piece, it fitted perfectly. - Hoorah.

Carol and Sandy had been for a walk to the top of the Island to another Fort, and had a good day. They also cooked a lovely dinner. - great crew.

We hope to be able to get away tomorrow to Innishboffin Island. We were going to Clifden, but Innishboffin is more direct, and H.M Brian recommended this Island to us.

AROUND SLYNE HEAD TO INNISHBOFFIN

6^th June

Today we are going to Innishboffin, unfortunately, we are leaving out Clifden Lifeboat and Clifden Yacht Club. A lot of these places are up a river which adds at least 2 hours each way on the journey, which is why we decided to go to Innishboffin, the distance was no different, and we are in a better position for our next leg hopefully to Black Sod.

John on 'Anna Marie' had set off at 5 am to go to Roundstone, a pretty anchorage just before Clifden. We had shopping to do, and had decided that 12 o’clock would give us time to get to Innishboffin. It is 45 miles, so about 9 hours at force 5knts

The weather forecast was given as Easterly 2 to 4. The forecast was wrong. We set off with a light breeze, full of hope, put up the mainsail hoping to be able to have a decent sail for once.

At first there was hardly any wind, the sea was smooth, sky blue.

The wind did start to get up. it was NORTHERLY again. It is very frustrating, we were slightly off head to wind, but not good. We motored on at a decent speed, we may as well get there, we had the tide with us most of the way. The wind eventually was gusting force 5 head to wind. Sail in, and motored on.

Ahead of us at Slyne Head, we could see a Ketch – It was 'Anna Marie' He had left really early, had no wind at all, and had decided to go up to Innishboffin with us. He had been fishing and caught some lovely pollock, and gave us a couple for out dinner, just out of the sea, it was lovely.

We actually arrived at Innishboffin at 7.30 in the evening, which was excellent going.

The entrance is a bit worrying, just a few feet off of the rock, but the leading marks were excellent, and yes we had a green light, hooray.

We were wondering whether to go alongside the pier, but couldn't see many ladders. We picked up a buoy, and were very pleased we didn't go to the pier, as the water dropped, it looked like a really long drop. So its lowering the dinghy for the second time this trip.

The anchorage is so pretty, what a lovely place.

We hope the weather is set fair for the next day or two, so have decided to stay tomorrow, and explore, and leave Saturday.

7^th June

We had a day to enjoy Innishboffin What a stunning and spectacular area. We spent time cleaning the yacht inside and out, then took the dighy ashore.

We had a walk around some of the Island, and took advantage of the sunshine, and had lunch outside at the pub. We realise that we are extremely lucky to see this area in this weather.

Ian Sandy and Carol went to the outcrop rock at the end of the harbour, to explore the ruined castle occupied in the 16^th century by Spanish Pirate Don Bosco in alliance with Grace O'Malley.

This Island is surrounded by reefs, and has lots of lovely beaches. A place worth a visit in good weather. It must be very bleak in the bad weather and winter.

Ian made dinner this evening a Hairy Bikers lasagna with no pasta, we made up for that with garlic break though. Very tasty, and enough for tomorrow.

8^th June

We had decided that we were going round to Black Sod bay on the Achill Island today. We set off at 9am. The weather was really hot, and the sea smooth with hardly any wind, and what there was was on the nose. (Story of this voyage) We motored along at a rapid 6 knts, and made a decision to keep going to BroadHaven, another area with a lifeboat station, and a pier.

We made fantastic time and arrived at 7 in the evening. 60 miles in 10 hours.

We have decided to push on as much as we can, as weather won't last for ever, and even though there isn't much wind it is not difficult travelling, and we need to made the most of it to make up

our time lost.

At ballyglass pier there was a lot of activity, there is a boat in the area that is checking underwater cables, so the crew were coming and going.

We were able to tie alongside a local boat, we met the coxwaine of the local Lifeboat.

We had dinner and an early night, we are leaving 7am sharp

LONG JOURNEY FOR NEW CREW TO FENIT

31^st May

Today was cleaning boat for next crew, washing and showers (hoorah)

The lifeboat station was very busy today with visitors, so we were able to visit the Station, and get the crew members.

Paddy Bear Log is being kept by Carol, with drawings, postcards, and it is quite amusing.

We also did homework for trip tomorrow. We must keep moving with a favourable forecast.

It did forecast 4/5 tomorrow. We are planning to just go across the Shannon to a anchorage called Kibuhaha, it is a 21 mile trip, and will put us closer to Loop Head and for going to the Aran Islands. We were suppose to do this trip a week ago, when we got stuck at Dingle.

I also did a plan for the next 2 weeks (All hopefully) We hope to get up beyond Killybegs.

Ian and Sandy arrived at 10 in the evening, they have been travelling for hours on a flight to Knock, and then buses – They arrived vcry tired, I was proud of them.

One blip, we all were sleeping on board. We managed OK.

1^st June

Vanessa and Liz crept out the next morning at 5.45.

We paid the harbour master, and departed at 11.30am to go to Kibuhaha

It was 5 knots SW to W wind, and as we left Tralee Bay was quite high waves.

We arrived at Kibuhah, and had to anchor up. There was a very small harbour, but very shallow.

We had caught up with John on 'Anna Maria' He invited us over for supper, we used the dinghy. This is the first time it has been lowered, but I think for the next few weeks, it will be mostly anchoring, and dinghy. We have been spoit with the Marinas.

We had a plesant evening. We are leaving at 8.30 in the morning

2^nd June ROUND LOOP HEAD TO ARAN ISLANDS

Today we leave at 8.30 to round another headland. I feel we are making progress, and the wind is favourable. Hoorah. We are hoping to be able to see the Cliffs of Moher, and put in the waypoints to be able see them on our way to Innishmore.

Well best laid plans don't work out!

We were sailing quite nicely the sea was quite big and roly, but not bad.

We were making our waypoints very nicely. The weather started to drizzle, and the visibility was very poor. We were a little way off of the Cliffs of Moher, and decided that we wouldn't be able to see the Cliffs of Moher, and changed course toward Innishmore. The visibility became more and more poor. Until we only had 1 mile visibility, and then half a mile.

We turned on the Radar, put on the charts on the computer (We are only using the computer for coming into harbours etc.) and also the chart plotter.

Ian was down below making sure we were on track. We were still sailing with the motor ticking over, we had been doing over 6 knts.

BANG The Boom suddenly fell off. A repair that we had done in Kilmore Quay on the gooseneck, had completely snapped.

Luckily we had little wind and were able to bring in the sail. Our sail is attached to the boom, as we we have inmast furling, so at least the boom didn't go very far. We managed to tie it off safely.

Can I swear Just as the weather is improving and settling, we now have to get a repair done.

It is the Whitsun Bank Holiday – Great.

We crept into Kilronan Bay, we couldn't see much at all, and followed the leading line on the chart into the Bay. There is lots of visitors buoy, but we would rather go alongside the quay wall.

We called the coastguard explaining that we had a bit of a problem, and would like to be alongside.

Immediately we had a large rib full of Coastguards who were on a training from Doolin Bay.

We had just come alongside the wall, and they came an had a chat, Carol got them to sign Paddy Bear's Log.

It was nearly low tide, but quite deep water, and a long way up the ladder to land.

We had dinner, and Carol and Sandy played cards, Ian and I went for a stroll and then went for a drink at the pub. It is very busy, as its Bank Holiday

8 ferries a day come here from the mainland, and it can get very busy.

3rd June

Today is quite a misty day, but it is much warmer, not wonderful, but better than it had been.We may have a warm day if the mist burns off.

We needed to try and get a part for the boom today. Brian at home is on the case, and we have hopefully found a supplier for the part in Dublin. We spoke to him, even though it is a Bank Holiday in Ireland, we are hoping to get the part couriered to the Harbour Master in Galway.

We have decided to stay on Innishmore alongside, and will probably get the ferry to Galway to pick up the part. Nothing can happen until tomorrow anyway.

Sandy and Carol went for a walk and tried to track down the RNLI Crew. We did manage to see the Engineer, and tomorrow will meet the Coxwain.

We all went to lunch at the local Hotel/Pub. John from 'Anna Marie' came with us, as he has been helping Ian by bringing an micrometre for the measurements of the gooseneck. He also has a good Wifi Dongle, and Ian was able to e mail the man in Dublin with a photo. The wonders of tecnology when it goes right.

The girls had found a film was being shown above a local shop, called ARAN MAN, and we thought it may be interesting. We all went along. If every you visit this Island, and want a giggle go along. It was a black and white film – subtitled – probably circa 1940, with a bit of voice over.

Two of the crew fell asleep. We all had a laugh.

Today is the first day I have had bare arms and worn my sandels. Has Summer arrived.

My sandels proved to be a bad idea, as we went back to the yacht, and I started togo down the ladder, and my foot slipped, I went down at lightning speed, luckily managed to cling on, and only ended up with a bruised arm. A bit scary.

Sandy was cook today, and John stayed on board and had dinner with us. Yummy stirfried beef and noodles. Dessert was chocolate.

We listened to the weather forecast. The weather in Ireland is light winds and good weather. The first time we haven't had high winds, high seas, gales, small craft warnings etc.

And we are stuck, and not able to move on.What a Bummer!

On the bright side it is a lovely place to we will be going exploring tomorrow.

Girls at Bere Island

Lifeboat at Fenit

Newest Crew Sandy on the helm

Having fun on Anna Marie