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.