19 June - Wicklow
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14-15 June 2009 Fishguard to Arklow
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21st June – Wicklow to Howth
Arklow to Wicklow
We were almost weather bound as we prepared to leave Arklow on Monday, 15 June, as a sea mist appeared from nowhere. In the time it took to get out of the car and to the top of the ramp, a beautifully sunny day looked like turning into a nightmare. In just those few minutes the visibility had dropped to less than half a mile. Eugene kindly phoned Rosslare who confirmed that it had cleared there, which raised my spirits. A boat went out and reported that the mist was worse off-shore, but very patchy. Finally we got the thumbs-up from Toby and we towed into the bay accompanied by about 6 other sailing boats. In the bay, however, the visibility was again down to half a mile or less and I was almost towed back in, but I insisted on waiting another 10 minutes. Miraculously the mist started to burn off and we agreed it was safe to proceed. I've sailed in the fog before, but when you have an escort of 6 yachts the probability of a collision is hugely increased! It was a wonderful send off and many of the yachts came with us to Wicklow.
I had a cracking sail up here. With the wind largely from the South at around force 4 it was a great chance finally to show what Arty can do. We touched 14.2 kn (overground for those who want to know), albeit surfing down a wave, faster than she's ever sailed for me before. Sailing with the tide and with the wind from behind may sound ideal, but controlling the self tacking jib takes a lot of concentration. Several times I had just get her to goose wing nicely (one sail on either side of the mast) when, surfing down a wave, I'd lose it when the jib slammed back to the same side as the main. A couple of times the shackle holding the sail to the boom came undone and someone had to jump onboard to fix it - not an easy transfer at such speeds and then a risky job sitting on the foredeck to re-fix the shackle. Amazingly they managed to stay aboard a boat that must have felt like a bucking bronco! Nevertheless, it only took 2 hours to get here.
The reception in Wicklow was tremendous. The lifeboat, along with several other boats, came out to meet us. The Mayor, several Lions (including the club president) and members of the Wicklow Sailing Club were waiting on the shore.
On Tuesday night the Lions and sailing club had a fundraising party for us ad once again we were overwhelmed by their generosity as they raised 1000 euros for Hilary's Dream Trust. Last night (Friday) the RNLI had a presentation evening and gave us another generous donation. They also gave me a crew polo shirt and hat, along with a CD of pictures, a framed photo and album of our arrival. Later the sailing club committee gave us a wonderful formal welcome to the Club and made me an honorary member. THey also gave me a bargee to fly on my sail to Howth!
We have been here longer than we anticipated as the wind has been blowing a force 6 and above all week. THe sailing club have made us very welcome and allowed us to cook in their kitchen and use their facilities. We are due to leave at 02:00 on Sunday morning (tomorrow). I know that the whole crew will once again be sad to leave an Irish port.
Page last updated on 21 June 2009 at 00:58