12th
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.
13th
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.
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