Departed Pwllheli @ 8.30am after bacon sandwiches.... made good progress to Bardsey Island to get our first view of the Irish Sea. Not calm but do-able!
Set course for Carlingford, Ireland and pushed on at 20 knots. Made good progress into a head sea and decided to try and make up some lost time - by pressing on to our second day destination (Glenarm, N. Ireland) a calculated risk but supported by Inland Waters Forecast from Belfast Coastguard.
The Irish Sea showed a glimpse of it's intentions - but we pressed on in moderate seas. The forecast for later today and tomorrow was of concern. A dilemna - make for safety in N. Ireland and risk being holed up for a couple of days whilst the depression passed or endeavour to navigate the North Channel into Scottish Waters (potentially making up more time and averting the likelihood of a two day wait for the front to pass)
The North Channel seemed passive at the outset, but soon developed a cheeky complexion.... Passing Ailsa Craig & the Mull of Kintyre bolstered our spirits as we visited the waters of our fourth country (in one day).
After 11 hours of diligent perserverence and a little good fortune we arrived (rather wet and tired) at Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland (having beaten the storm by a matter of minutes)
At present, whilst writing this blog we are bouncing around in the full force of a Force 9 Gale, happy in the knowledge that we have made 3 days progress on our first day....
Nothing to do but sample the numerous whiskies on offer .....
Signing off now..... same time tomorrow ?!?
Tim, Colin & Snotman xxxx
1 comment:
Congratulations on the first (second & third) leg.
Sounds like fun 'having' to sample the local whiskey!
Colin (the other one)
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