Sui adventure

[Sui]

I'm taking a few weeks from 'work', and sailing Sui, with one primary objective - visit my home port, Waterford. Well, I'm here now, so it's time to plan the next three weeks of fun!

'Sipped the lines' (homage to Viv)/cast off 1000 Weds 25th July - this was set in stone, regardless of any jobs needed doing. It was a fine day, sunny, but little wind. Bye bye CYC & BC, for a while...

Plan was to head to Oxwich; worked out well, but my 'demob' mode, aka beating to wind, enjoying the view, getting to grips with nothing on the horizon for five weeks except some adventure, led to a longer than anticipated first leg. 2000 arrival at Oxwich against the tide. Nice evening at anchor, one other boat besides the local fishers. Left next morning for Dale, taking the outside route after Carmarthen bay. Met my first pod of dolphins (a total of 5 pods over three days, some with ca. 10 members, I think). Another longish day, arriving at Dale before the bar closed. Sailing being thirsty work, I headed for the local bar, where some dodgy characters where already reducing the stock (Ishtar, Camelot, and Caswyn). Three very unfine pints of the black stuff allowed me to completely miss the mooring I was allowed to use (tnx Viv!, I left a tenner under the pick-up buoy, but was seen by Ishtar, don't know if it'll still be there mate!). Spent an uncomfortable evening on the outside pontoon, with the lapping waves astern resonating like thunderclaps - moved at 0500!
Early return to the drying pontoon, met up with Ishtar and Camelot, whilst planning the next leg - across the St. George Ch/Celtic Sea. Some uber-strong Louise coffee washed down with Jaffa cakes set me up for my first sea trip and first night sail.
Hoisted the main exiting Dale (about 1230), and had a cracking sail until the Smalls, where metal mickey was needed - my throttle cable snapped, but I carried on under vice grips. It really was a no wind sail from there - whatever wind appeared was on the nose, so I motor sailed. It's fair to say that my raw-water cooling changes have now been tested (but not finished - am putting in a 1" intake side in the Winter). Got to see a great sunset over water, outside of all land - enjoyed that. Lowered the main around 2400, as a nice little sea got going, and without vis, it was pot luck guessing where the next breaker would come from (got it right about 0% of the time). With not having time to rewire my autopilot, I spent the entire trip helming. But seeing the sunset over the West, followed by the Milky Way, and then the sunrise over Great Saltee more than made up for it. Coming through the mouth of the Suir was a gratifying feeling, along with ringing the auld man and his brother, who both made space on their pontoon and took my lines at Waterford (tricky, as I was helming with one hand, and holding a piece of throttle cable with the other). Arrived 1100 (2.5 hr up the Suir - a 19 hour trip, 1 hour more than I planned), with 1 litre of diesel in my main tank.
One interesting consequence of a 10 hour, followed by a 12 hour and then a 19 hour leg, was the micro-sleeps I fell into about 2 miles before Waterford harbour - the relief, nice morning sun, and home waters collectively lulled me into la la world. This was probably the most dangerous part of the journey. Many of cups of tay and tales of derring do on the high seas followed. It is, without a doubt, the highlight of my sailing so far.

Bought a replacement cable (in New Ross, 15 miles away, 2 foot longer than the original), fitted, and spending time cleaning the oily water that collected in my non-bilge and skeg. A week of family visiting, with possibly a pint of *REAL* Guinness (or two) is now ongoing. I plan to cast off Sunday at 0900, heading South for two weeks - eek! Learning to sail and solo on the BC is serving me well, as is being part of Cardiff Yacht Club, with so many good friends, and fellow mariners. Sui performed brilliantly; she's a real little sea boat. Even with little leaks, and lots of jobs to be done, she was safe, strong, dependable and takes whatever the weather throws at her and forgives all my (many many) mistakes.

a few pics below:


adios BC/CYC


Navigation - head for the thing!


Who's sailing this thing! Towing my new bargain buster Avon (first time towing:-)


Damn they're quick!


Getting into Dale


Pose, plus just about ready for the off


Fix for the broken cable - clean snap


sunset on the sea :-), followed by...


sunrise over Saltees

More as the adventure unfolds...

[rose]

Great account,well done to you. i love reading these.cant wait for the next installment...one of these days..one of these days...
chris

[sheila]

Well done Paschall. Lovely story, looking forward to hearing more. Bet your dad was thrilled to see you and Sui.

[Romantica]

Nice one Paschall. Well done!!!
Things you'll do for a few Real pints of Guinness. ;D
Good write up and photos.
Safe return journey.

[chrisevans]

I'm envious, all that sailing and beer.
Seren Wen.

[Matt]

Certainly a journey I would love to do now after reading this.

Matt

[allan]

So, where is Sui now?
Allan

[ishtar]

I have to say, I watched Paschall navigate his way into Dale after dark. He zigged and zagged, this way and that, and looked totally disorientated until he spotted the Griffin and his GPS (Guinness Procurement Sense) kicked in and he charged straight for the pub.

Chuffed to bits for him.

[Sui]

More malarkey on Sui…
wi-fi available, so I'm able to upload the latest installment...


5/8/12
Waterford to Kinsale
Cast off at 1000, and sailed down the Suir to Hook Head, accompanied by Glenanne (my father and uncle's boat, both onboard). This was my second night sail, aiming to arrive between 0200 and 0400 on Mon 6/8/12 - as it happens, I arrived at 0215. Uneventful in the main, excepting seeing the Irish coastline from the sea, passing Cork harbour (with its many lights), a shooting star and a dolphin. One ship passed a mile ahead, around 0015, unrealistically lit up and disturbing my night vision for a while. I managed to sail 90%, with a little F3, and tacking a couple of times just before the Bulman cardinal (just outside Kinsale). It's hard to judge the distance of the black landmass when heading towards it in the night, so I erred on the conservative, and beat to wind for a while. This was followed by a delightful beat up the estuary to Kinsale, in the dead of night, on a whisper of a wind, following the leading lights and markers, until Kinsale itself. It was packed, but no-one was up at 03.30, and there was no space! After a few passes, I spotted a similar size vessel and rafted up alongside her. My first choice was an 80' yacht, Nimrod, but they might have left for sea without realising I was alongside! It was a big boat! My timing was impeccable, as Kinsale YC was having their regatta, and there were many stopovers for long distance voyagers, including Brian Briggs from Nova Scotia (NC to Azores to Kinsale, 43'). It was pleasant enough, especially the Greyhound pub, with its 15 degree offset bar, and terrible/awful Mojitos! The chicken curry from the local chinese is to be avoided, but the walks and general atmosphere was great.


7/8/12
Kinsale to Sherkin Island
Another windless day, with very dense fog later (so much so, that I had to use my acoustic foghorn for several minutes, not being able to even see the bow of Sui). Several yachts made distinct directional changes at sea to come close to Sui and photograph her.
Left Kinsale orginally intending Baltimore, but changed my mind mid-way to Horseshoe Harbour on Sherkin Island. A number of people in Kinsale advised on the seasonal pontoon at Sherkin, but I was curious about the harbour. It was great! Slightly rolly, but only some local children swimming in pristine ocean water accompanied a great evening. There is a natural landing West of this little bay, and the walk up to the island roads is through passable but wild vegetation. It was fantastic - tousled, untamed, natural (and extraordinarily fragrant wild roses alongside the local school). The tiny country roads wind along to the North, where rugged windswept beaches abound. On the way back, I found the local pubs (two), and felt compelled to, once again, sample the local fare (and Guinness!). Had many chats with locals and local yachties, some of whom where unaware of Horseshoe's charms. A delightful stop.

8/8/12
Left Horseshoe Harbour for South Harbour, Cape Clear Island. Fancied another quiet anchorage, walk on another island, and drink (*cough*) a pint in the most southern bar in Ireland! South Harbour was good, and little or no voyagers (I was joined by one other boat). There was a Summer school of Gealtacht (Irish), with many European teens and 20s bouncing along the shore, and local bars! Picked up some supplies (grown or fed on the island). North Harbour was visited, which was very busy, with the ferry taking many passengers for a day trip. It was a sharp contrast to Sherkin Island, which has a distinctly untamed feel to it - felt right at home there. It also has a Fastnet Memorial. The anchorage was a bit rolly (due to the south of whatever wind there was), but good. Dense fog and seashore wildlife sounds accompanied the evening.


9/8/12
Planned to sail from South Harbour (also called Ineer Bay), Cape Clear Island, around the Fastnet Rock, and on to Crookhaven - a nice little day trip, a few hours tops. As has been the case for the last few days, the day started with dense fog and little, if any, wind. The absence of a blow scuppered my plans for Fastnet, as to round this under engine was unthinkable, so I headed for Crookhaven. A nice sail, under an F1/2 run, rounding the Alderman Rocks, and in to the bay. It's a wide one, with plenty of space to anchor, or pick up a buoy (of which many are available). I entered under sail, and all but took the bouy under canvas - just as well it went according to plan, as there was a sizeable contingent drinking on the harbour wall, all looking at the big blue Chinese lug sail mingling with the pointy sails in their bay. A short punt to the local shop, followed by the by now infamous sampling of the local Guinness and Murphy's (one has to be careful this neck of the woods - it's Murphy land!). Retired to Sui to take care of some mantainence. A pleasant day

10/8/12
Plan is to head to Glengarriff, my furthest point on this little voyage, before starting the journey South and East, and stopping in all the little bays/anchorages on the way. I'm looking forward to it. I've been to Glengarriff many times as a child, so it was interesting tome to see it from the water.
Sailed off the mooring buoy, and no sooner had I made the Alderman Rocks when the foot of the luff detached from the boom. Turned around, picked up buoy, effected repairs and got under way again. To round Mizen Head, famous weather point and the south-west corner of Ireland. It was a bit lumpy, with a contrary wind and sea, around an F5, but it got Sui moving. Rounded the various headlands, and into Bantry Bay (I sang a little ditty whilst entering the bay:-). The Irish Navy was present, around which I tacked, to prevent another 407 million drugs haul - just as well mine is well stashed! Good sail up, and through the 'rough glen', picking up another yellow visitor's mooring buoy. Many seals haul out on the little islands,
Ship and Garvillaun. It was a bit far from the shore, so a long punt in to land. After another burning day, but at least being cooled by the wind, when I it land, I was toasted. Walked through the village, looking for the local Spar to pick up some supplies. Got some presents for family, followed by one (eh, several) pint of Guinness, and a very good Chinese sit-down (far too much msg though; I was thirsty afterwards, and just HAD to have more Guinness, heh heh heh:-). On my energetic row back to Sui, I passed "…Voile" again (last saw them in Crookhaven), picking up a red buoy, with a wave. We've passed a few times now - a big 'un, with many crew. I wondered what they made of the smallest boat around these parts, and the blue junk rig, always in the harbour before them. Pleasant evening, beautiful surroundings, again.

11/8/12
Cast off 1100, sailed out of the bay, and was becalmed. Tried my hand at fishing. No success, even with three lines out. Sheesh! Wish I was back off the headland Metal Man in Tramore - I could catch mackerel there! Had to motorsail from there on to Bunboy Bay through Bere/Bear Haven, which up to and through the 19th Century was used by smugglers (I'm happy to say). The Irish Navy was there as well, perhaps waiting to pounce on neferious vessels - gulp! I had a good look, with my Russian submariner binocs - P31, one gun (looked big), and two highly-trained killer marines, fishing off the stern;-) Passed the showing wreck of the Bardini Reefer, quite a sight. Dropped the hook around 1530 (51º38.041, 09º55.514), and rowed ashore. It is a stunning place, both land and water, marred only by the (stalled) development of a 5 star hotel a little distance away (the old home Puxley's Castle, the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier's novel 'Hungry Hill' - in the background is Hungry Hill). Walked through some ancient ruins, old forest, and wild pebble beach (wherein I picked up a sizeable amount of Periwinkles, my starter later that evening). It was a great anchorage, and my favourite spot, so far, on this trip. I'll go back again.

12/8/12
Hauled anchor 0900, and sailed to Minane Island, off which I took a buoy and intended topping up my spare diesel tank. A punt ashore, and up the green walk to the road. I stopped a local farmer to ask which way to the petrol station - he insisted on bringing me there, and back. Just as well, as it was 500m min. to it. We talked of his plans to develop a small marina just off his parcel on the water (the walk up is his land). Too exposed though, and too costly to put in a breakwater. Slipped the lines (thanks Viv!), and beat to wind. Saw "…Voile" again, off Dunmanus Bay, and waved to the sizeable crowd on the Mizen Head. Was followed into Crookhaven by the 'Barry Duckworth', 30ft with tan sails, USA. Original plan was for Goleen, but a small craft warning earlier, forecasting an F7, scuppered that, and was best to seek the shelter of Crookhaven (plus, they have good Guinness and Crookhaven Inn has great food). A local girl kayaking was visiting all the new entrants, and a conversation about how great junk rigs are ensued:-) Another one corrupted:-)
Crookhaven - misc.
A short exercise in rowing-in-the-rain, I picked up some supplies in the local shop (Sullivans) [didn't get much and they were due to get new supplies tomorrow (Monday), and as I was primarily interested in the local soda brown bread, I decided to wait until 0900 tomorrow). Even though by now I was used to cooking aboard (and quite looked forward to it), I decided to sample the local fare (many choices), and headed to Crookhaven Inn (recommended by the guides, even though on my previous visit, all of 2 days ago, I had a great sandwich there, completely arbitrarily). I ate outside, as I was in full sailing and kit, and didn't fancy undoing/changing/etc., and the service and food was excellent. At the end of my last pint (for there!), I noticed a family (including grandfather) de-kitting and entering the restaurant. As we were the only ones, amongst a very packed restaurant, wearing sailing kit, we got talking. Turns out, he is living in Waterford, and sailing the islands of the South-West. We had just both been around Bere Island (him to Lawrance Cove marina, me to Dunboy Bay anchorage). His boat was "Spindrift", a 34' something (pointy sail one)
Headed back aboard Sui - a very pleasant end to the day. Now to plan my next leg.
Listening to "The Ipress file' by John Barry, and watching a big cat pick up a mooring buoy

13/8/12
0900 cast off, and sailed for Glandore. This was include another objective - to sail around the Fastnet. Well, I did, and took mucho pics and video. Imposing piece of rock. A three master was noticed aft, but swell and distance too much to capture. Direction looked France or Spain. A large (40+) came out of Baltimore as I passed, with gennie flying (and motoring, aghast!). It stayed behind me, even motoring, until the entrance to Glandore (past Adam's Island). It's another reason why pointy sails perplex me - I get a crick in me neck! heh heh heh :-) A pair of dolphins, followed later by a pod of eight, came a visiting. Fluky winds, big sea and swells made it trick to keep adjusting sail (but very easy - I'm used to setting the sail and then leaving it for many hours; paying out (or in) the sheet a couple of feet every 30 mins is work! But the swells - those sweet North Atlantic swells! It's such a great sail skimming over these, or biting deep into them; just a great experience.
Sailed into Glandore, avoiding the Summer kayakers, and picked up a buoy (notice the spelling, please!). A far auld hike then (5km overall) to Drombeg Stone Circle, 3000+ year old structures, including burial, all aligned perfectly with 21st December solstice. Unfortunately, it was overrun with tourists, including young families playing in amongst the stones. It struck me that a family would not consider doing this in a graveyard of, for instance, a catholic church (just up the road), but consider it perfectly okay for other belief systems. Go figure!
A night of extreme rolliness followed - definitely the worst rolling evening I've experienced. If there is ANY south in the wind, avoid this - I simply could not sleep, and considered hauling ass at 0400, and every hour until I eventually did, at 0900.

14/8/12
0900 cast off (and glad to get some semblence of staying upright!), planning for quick stop in Kinsale to top up on supplies, and then overnight in Oyster Haven (to anchor and fish - damn them fishies, I'll get one somewhere!). A good sail, with three 40+ footers behind me, again! An alu 35 cat, with full mainsail and spinnaker passed me with ease (me at 6kts, so he must have been pulling 10kts at least). It takes a big'un to pass us junkies!
As it turns out, I stayed in Kinsale. A gale was forecast, and when I got to Kinsale, it was confirmed by the Kinsale YC pontoon master - he directed others to Castlepark Marina, but moved Sui to an inner berth (C17). Strong Gale Force 9 and Storm Force 10 coming up the channel later. Well, it's coming up now (as I write this), hell of a noise! Looks like I'll be here until Friday, so plans for Oyster Haven, Crosshaven, and Youghal are scuppered (so far).
Also, had my first shower in 9 days - it was welcomed!

Well, dem's de tales - it's a great sail, great land, and super sea. Interesting boats, people, and places. And, eh, Guinness. What more could one ask for?
Planning to be back in CYC Thursday of next week, when the bar opens.

----

pics

[allan]

Paschall,
Great to hear from you. I'm glad you are keeping up the correct diet. Look forward to seeing you back in the club. I thought you may decide to stay over there.
Allan

[Cardiff Yacht Club]

A great read, P. Cheers for that. You won't believe how happy I am to hear all this after the trials and tribulations you've been through getting to this stage.

Sail on.

[Sui]

Ready for the Off - fed with mother's cooking and four sister's cooking, Guinness from Thomas Meagher's, Dolans, and Geoff's (three bars all visitors to Waterford should attend - Tommy Meagher's (great pint, and the last place on earth NOT to serve wimin:-); Dolan's for the trad sessions (and leave your note), and Geoff's for good music, food, and company).



Rowing in Kinsale - local Kinsale lads figuring out how to row their traditional Kinsale row design. One up, one down, and then all together



Sui in Kinsale - tied up alongside at ca. 0400 6/8/12, being particularly careful not to disturb anyone. As it turns out, no-one aboard. Notice the separate line to shore - do not depend on someone else's cleats.



John Briggs - over from Nova Scotia on a 43 foot pointy sailor, via the Azores. Looks good.



Spot the junk - rafted, amongst the big'uns. I noticed, in general, that I was, by a long way, the smallest cruiser in these waters. I didn't meet anyone, or see anyone, smaller than 35' so far.



Regatta - I arrived in the middle of Kinsale YC's regatta (which takes place over two weeks, and involves the town. Very well attended, with brass band, and a huge amount of activities for children. In this pic, notice the two sets of two-kayaks lashed - children 'man' these, row to the small bridge for the marina, upon which other children throw balls at the two teams. It was a riot. Also in the pic, the slippery pole, used as well for wimin's wet pillow fights - that was interesting, from a purely sporting point of view of course :-)



Fog - visibility was minimal, at one point unable to see my own bow. This was an opportunity to use my acoustic foghorn, which I was curious about anyway. Worked well, though there was no-one there to hear it. Except...



The stags! rising out of the fog, scary...



More stags, bit closer - this is the site of the Kowloon Bridge, still the largest wreck in Europe (iron ore, and changed the design of large bulk carriers as a result)



Horseshoe Harbour - Sui



Another shot of Sui in Horseshoe



The road/track above Horseshoe - magical and wild



South Harbour (also Ineer Bay), Cape Clear Island, in fog - spot the junk



Sui in Crookhaven - noisy with all the tenders and general motorised tenders (I was the only one rowing), and especially after visiting Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island.



Mizen - and the weather from your man at the head; looks good, some water, few waves, bit of wind. Nice



The Irish Navy, keeping watch Bantry Bay, gulp! They like to patrol this area, after a €407 million haul of drugs a few years back. Didn't look like they were up to much, so I tacked around them, showing off my big blue sail, as you do



Local towing a modern dinghy with a traditional-based one - great landscape to be towing - Glengarriff (where the Irish Cruising Club was founded in 1929)



Irish navy again, this time in Bere Haven - P31, just waiting, waiting...just wait...you'll see...



Navigation update - do NOT head for the thing; the Bindini Reefer, caught fire and sank.



Sui at Dunboy Bay - by far my most favourite place. This is the landing, slippery as hell



Cows at Dunboy - normal



Devil cow at Dunboy



Sui at Dunboy, another one



Sui at Dunboy, with Puxley Castle left. A stalled development of a five-star hotel. Long may the stall last (which is likely given the current finances in Ireland)



The forested area at Dunboy - man this was quiet, green, and delightful



A three-master passed, on it's way to Bere Haven



A closer view of the three-master



The Fastnet - infamous and imposing



Spotted the three master whilst passing Fastnet - swells and distance made it difficult to capture. Probably heading for Spain or France



Stags - took the inside passage on the way to Glandore - still looks and is dangerous



Glandore - beautiful, but rolly



Sui at Glandore - spot the junk



Lovely little Gaffer sailed whilst I was walking, eh, drinking Guinness at some bar



Passed - what some people will do to pass a junk rig; 35' alu cat, flying mainsail and spinnaker. Made short work of my speed, but came very close to see and give a big wave


Some vids: click the image to play
edit: I've removed for now - will have to wait until I get a better internet connection. Kinsale, great food, crap net!

And finally (for this part of the trip)...

Well, it'll have to wait - the bleedin' net connection is painfully slow in Kinsale, painfully; it took me a DAY to get my updates online. sheesh!

[Sui]

Thanks all - looks like I'll be in Kinsale another day. Didn't fancy my original plan for Ballycotton, with F5 gusting F7 there, plus backing SE (exposed scend). So, I'll probably cast off around 0100 instead, and head straight for Dunmore East (and Waterford - should make the flood there).
Dithered on this one more than any other so far on my Irish cruise, but decided on safety in the end (though not entirely - there's a 'danger of gale force winds' in the East, where I'm headed:-)
Paschall

[ishtar]

Dose goys in dat dere Curragh. Sure doive got de owers de wrong way round. Ya shoulda told dem.

[Sui]

dem Colemans! More Oirish dan de Irish!

Aug 16, 2012 15:26:00 GMT ishtar said:

Dose goys in dat dere Curragh. Sure doive got de owers de wrong way round. Ya shoulda told dem.

[ishtar]

Andy (ex Plato) and myself were drinking to your success in rounding the Fastnet in the bar last night. Drinking through clenched teeth we were.

[Sui]

(K)insane! feels like that! Had to stay in Kinsale until Friday morning, too much damn wind above 7! It took my tiller cover (or some ne're do well did!) and a fender. Had another pint of Guinness whilst I considered my next destination. Unfortunately, the little'uns would have to wait until the next Irish cruise. I was going today, and set for Waterford. Small craft warnings all along the coast, up to F8 gusting, fog, mist, heavy rain, poor vis, etc. etc. So obviously I cast off at 0100, in rain, mist, and later fog, undetermined wind direction (and strength), and sea state. No wind, some wind, no wind, round and round it went. So I motor-sailed. Some seaweed decided to visit my intake, and oveheated my hard working newly-sorted raw water cooling system. Quick fix. Uneventful in the main, until 20 miles or thereabouts from Waterford. Cracking swells, F6 (maybe more), streaking crests, fog followed by mist, and a mean lee shore. All panels remained up, of course, just spilling when necessary. Nice run up the suir, before metal mickey took over to the pontoon. Stepped off at 2000 (arr. Waterford Buoy 1715), with father taking the lines. This completed the Irish part of the cruise. Not much to report for today, other than I'm tired but rejuvenated, and contemplation on what I've seen/heard/tasted, and drank! Not over until next week though...

Some vids below, now I've broadband in Waterford - click on image:

Rounding the Fastnet - dedicated to Andaaay and Coolman :


Bantry Bay 360:


A sail in the life - a quick of vid of some water:

[ishtar]

P, I've updated the 2012 chart to the best of my abilities. Check when you have a chance. I struggled and guessed a couple of times.

[Sui]

still waters of call:
Oxwich; Dale; Waterford (x2); Kinsale (x2); Horseshoe Harbour, Sherkin Island; South Harbour, Cape Clear Island; Crookhaven (x2); Glengarriff; Dunboy Bay; Glandore
tnx M

so far...

Plus, Minane Island

Aug 18, 2012 10:48:34 GMT ishtar said:

P, I've updated the 2012 chart to the best of my abilities. Check when you have a chance. I struggled and guessed a couple of times.

[ishtar]

Ah, Dunboy bay. Your original post said Bunboy bay, which sounded like fun.......

[Sui]

- I had to correct myself several times in local pubs (who took the mooring dues) - "I've just picked up a buoy outside and want to pay for it"

Aug 18, 2012 13:05:50 GMT ishtar said:

Ah, Dunboy bay. Your original post said Bunboy bay, which sounded like fun.......

[Sui]

Well, casting off at 1100 (ish), for 1330 at Hook Head, and then across the sea to Dale. F4/5 SW/SSW should make for a better return than the out, as in I will be sailing this time ;D
Tues in Dale, Weds in Oxwich, and Thurs at the bar in CYC

[simpleered]

Have a safe trip Pascal. We will have a pint of the Black nectar waiting for you. Your tales of travels and woes have been very interesting. Brian K.

[Fred]

Aug 20, 2012 15:49:13 GMT simpleered said:

Have a safe trip Pascal. We will have a pint of the Black nectar waiting for you. Your tales of travels and woes have been very interesting. Brian K.

Flying to Ireland tomorrow I look of the window for you

[Cardiff Yacht Club]

Hard luck Fred. P arrived safely in Dale earlier today!

[Fred]

Aug 21, 2012 16:22:03 GMT Cardiff Yacht Club said:

Hard luck Fred. P arrived safely in Dale earlier today!

Look out for him at Oswich bay

[sheila]

Welcome back to Wales Paschall. Can't wait to see you (or what's left of you - you're looking a bit thin!) on Thursday.

[Sui]

Planned to sail to Oxwich, drop the hook, and go again at 0500 the next morning, for the final leg to Cardiff. However, upon leaving Dale, the wind was just too good, in the right direction, and good swells to help me along - so, plan changed to direct to Cardiff. Cast off at 1230, and lowered sail at the Outer Wrach at 0300, a good 14.5 hour blast up the channel! Swell correction was a pain, and my arms ached for some time. This was my fifth night sail, and the brightest - the BC is like a Christmas tree! Came upon Coracle on the way, who was stopped for lunch and a change to wet gear - it was a long lunch. Another great sail, and a fitting end to my Oirish Cruise, 2012. Full of firsts, but not full of lasts!
now, for some maintenance



Coracle playing with the waves


last sunset of the Oirish Cruise, on the BC


a happy junker - NO concentration needed; by now well adjusted to this particular position - where's the bleedin' land?!?!? ;D

[rbhorti]

Well done Paschal - was it downhill all the way back from Eerlaund!!!
Russell
'Annie'

[Romantica]

Pascal,
Thanks for the mention.
Well done - you passed me like a man on a mission.
I've heard of the Flying Scots man, but you were like the flying Irish man.
You were sailing Sui like you stole it !!!!!!!!
Sui and her junk rig seemed to favour the conditions as well as looking impressive.
Good to see all the boats returning at the club from various summer locations.

Cheers
Steve