Friday 16 July 2010

Escape

Finally found the window between the gales and left Arklow at 11:00 Friday morning, pausing only to ring Joanna to wish her Happy Birthday. Niall O'Toole, the helpful Marina manager/ owner was undoubtedly sad to see us go. Virtue, a Dutch X37, left also on a similar southern route.

The careful tide and speed calculations were thrown out by the rough seas with wind against tide. Poor Sidewinder was hitting waves that almost stopped her in her tracks, so our average speed was less than predicted. Should have thought of that!

By the time we were nearing the inner passage past Tuskar we were seeing 30 kts over the deck and seriously contemplated Rosslare for the night. The anchorage looked unwelcoming and not particularly sheltered so we pressed on past Carnsore to St Patrick's Bridge and Kilmore Quay.

A slow passage west into the strong westerlies meant that diesel was again in demand. However the welcome sight of the channel buoys at St Patrick's Bridge (a very narrow and shallow passage) was enormously cheering.

Tied up at 21:00 on a pontoon in the fishing harbour. Celebrating getting round the bottom right hand corner tonight.

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