Trinc11

Bob picked us all up in the hire car, and by 10:05, (Andy’s new phone having arrived), we were on our way north.

Loch Creran to Oban

We arrived at Barcaldine on Loch Creran about 16:00 and motored Trinculo the short way to Oban. Just after 18:00 we were moored up on the visitors pontoon and went ashore to stock up with provisions. On the return, after stowing away the usual vast quantity of food and drink, we moved on to a visitors mooring.

Oban to Craighouse, Jura
Departed Oban around 10am heading for Craighouse on the Isle of Jura. We managed about three hours pleasant sailing before going on the engine for the remainder of the journey. Barry did some fishing for a while and landed one decent mackerel and two small ones. We tied up on a buoy and went ashore in the dinghy for a pint or two. On returning we had a few words with a man who ran an attitude factory ( a ferryboat! ) we returned to the yacht.

Craighonse to Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
We left Jura at 9:40 and in glorious sunshine headed for Ballycastle on the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. The sea was flat calm (no wind again) but it was a beautiful day and we tied up in Ballycastle marina at 16:30.

Ballycastle to Glenarm, NI
Departed Ballycastle at 12:15 under motor, heading south down the coast to Glenarm. The weather was fine but cloudy, but by the time we reached Glenarm at 17:00 we were in glorious sunshine having managed to get about an hour under sail. After a short walk through the village and a couple of pints of Guinness in the local pub we returned to the boat for a meal and “some” wine.

Glenarm to Donaghadee NI
We left Glenarm at 11:00am, weather fine but cloudy with not enough wind to sail. By midday we were passing Larne in bright sunshine and arrived at Donaghadee about 16:00. We went ashore and found a pub called Pier 37. Here we had an ‘earlybird’ meal which we all thought was excellent.

Donaghadee to Peel, IOM
Departing Donaghadee at 9:45 we, at last, were able to sail for about two hours before resorting to the engine. Arriving at Peel in Isle of Man at 17:15. We tied up alongside another yacht in the outer harbour and had a lovely meal of steak and vegetables etc. while we waited for the inner harbour to be opened, tide permitting about 20:00. By about 20:30 we had moored on a pontoon in the inner harbour and were on our way to the pub. On our way out we noticed a plaque saying “ Peel Harbour opened 14th September 2009” It had been officially opened just two days before by Tony Brown Isle of Man Chief Minister.
We savoured some lovely beers in a pub called ‘The Creek’, five real ales all well kept, a well deserved entry in the good beer guide. Returning to the yacht Andy scaled the gate to let us all back in.We otherwise would have had a night ‘on the tiles’

Peel to Port St. Mary IOM
We had to wait for the sill to be lowered at 12:30,so after filling up with water Andy got some Manx Kippers from Mores and I went round the small transport museum.We departed Peel sailing in a light wind at 2 knots. This was ideal as we needed to kill some time for the tides to be favourable for the Calf of Man, and it allowed Barry to fish. In no time at all he was pulling in a lovely codling, followed by 6 large mackerel. By 16:30 we had arrived at Port St. Mary and were tying up alongside a dredger and small yacht. No prizes for guessing what was on the menu for dinner.
When all the fish had been devoured we set about some repairs to the nav lights and mast light, with partial success before retiring to the Albert Hotel for a pint.(well kept real ales) .

Port St. Mary to Fleetwood
Departed Port St. Mary 9:15am and soon got under sail making 8 knots SOG at first then 6.4 knots later, bound for Fleetwood. Around half way across the wind gave up on us and we started the engine, arriving at the lock gates at 21:50. Ten minutes later they opened the gates and we entered the marina. Attempting to tie to a pontoon we grounded and had to move to another pontoon.(needs dredging). After a small snack and a little wine we hit the sack.

Fleetwood to Wardleys Marine YC
We had a lovely hearty breakfast to use up the food, then shortly after the gates were opened we set off down river for Wardleys Creek Arriving about 40 minutes before high tide we managed to slip into the new berth at a tide of 9.3 metres. As the tide receded, despite our best efforts Trinculo took on a slight list away from the jetty. When a little more water had gone we could see that we had shaved about 3 inches of mud from the entrance shelf.

                                                                                                                                                                     Philip

                                                                                                                          Sea mls.          Hrs.mins

        Friday          11th. September                Loch Creran to Oban                      9.80                2.0
         Saturday      12th.                                  Oban            to Craighouse             30.48               6.05
        Sunday        13th.                                  Craighouse    to Ballycastle              35.5                 6.50
        Monday       14th.                                 Ballycastle     to Glenarm                  21.5                 6.45
        Tuesday       15th                                  Glenarm        to Donaghadee            28.2                 5.05
        Wednesday 16th.                                 Donaghadee to Peel                        46.1                 7.40
        Thursday       17th.                                Peel               to Port St.Mary          12.4                5.50
        Friday           18th.                                 Port St.Mary to Fleetwood             65.0                12.45
        Saturday        19th.                                Fleetwood     to Wardleys Creek      6.0                  0.45

                                                                     Total                                            254.98              53.45         Eng.hrs     35.5