Jean at the Helm on the way from Dublin to Ardglass in Northern Ireland.






Jean Says: Back to reality from the virtual Caribbean.
There's a large section of sea between just North of Dublin and Strangford Lough that barely has a tidal stream and it's almost a fifty mile radius. The sea comes into the area from both sides of Ireland which neutralises the flow, although it still maintains quite a large tidal range. We were particularly looking forward to this passage, because the forecast looked great and the wind for once was predicted to be on the beam.
A few hours before we left yesterday morning, the forecast predicted stronger and more Northerly winds Force six occasionally seven! If we stuck to our plan of never going out if a F7 was mentioned at any point in a journey, we would still be in Portland marina. If we consider all the variables, then sometimes it's OK. In this case, we had no tidal stream to contend with, so there'd be a certain amount of discomfort, especially as it was a ten hour trip, but we knew we could handle it and wanted to make progress.
The forecast was right about the wind, but the visibility was excellent and although it was cold (see photo), we felt we'd made the right decision.
One of the great things about what we're doing is to be able to arrive somewhere unknown by sea, just the two of us. We are frequently the only sailors out there in the ocean, with just a few fishing boats and the occasional cargo ship keeping us company. Every day we're well occupied and on a new mission. Every day is a new adventure. We've had some pretty difficult weather so far, but we've done 560 miles and here we are in Northern Ireland in the middle of May and finally the sun is shining and Bob is having his morning cup of tea on deck. We're finally having a sense of how it's going to be when it does get warmer and calmer. We've got a lot to look forward to.
Ardglass is a lovely place (see piccie below). We went to a great pub last night for a Guinness and then on enquiring about whether they or any of the other 4 pubs in the village did food, they said we had to go to the golf club to eat. So off we went. All you golfers, if you're thinking about another tour, including Ardglass golf club on the itinerary wouldn't be a bad idea. Fantastic setting right on the cliffs ....... Oh yes, and the food is very good, especially recommend the 'champ' (mashed potato and greens).
We are moored up next to another couple, Heather and Ed, who are also sailing around Britain. They're from Swansea and Ed is Welsh so an immediate plus point for him and Bob. They're sailing an aluminium hulled, lifting keel boat, an Allures 44. Very interesting set up, enables them to get into drying harbours and sit on the mud! They're the first 'normal' people we've come across doing the same as us, so we're looking forward to meeting up with them at other places along the way.

Ardglass marina on a sunny morning!