I had arranged for “Airport Andy” to take us to Holyhead, he picked up Barrie, Mike and myself. We then picked up Bob at his home. Two hours and ten minutes later we were in Holyhead, the fare was £90.00. We gave him £100.00. After loading our gear and food on board, we headed for the Sailing Club bar. It was blowing a force six from the Southwest and a long discussion followed in the bar. The forecast was that the wind strength and direction would stay the same for the next day. We decided to stay put. The bar was quiet and we chatted to the organisers of the youth events at the club. They informed us that the Royal Dee Yacht Club was to take over the Clubhouse for the weekend. A Marquee was to be erected outside in the car park and a formal dinner was to take place on Saturday evening. Barrie cursed; saying that he had forgotten to bring his Black Tie.
The following morning we awoke to find little had changed, the forecast had been correct as the weather was about the same as when we arrived. The forecast for the next twenty-four hours was the wind would ease and veer to the northwest before backing back to the southwest later. We took a walk round Holyhead, had lunch in a café and did some shopping in the local Quick Save and Butchers. Barrie was chef for the evening; Steak and Mushrooms with vegetables. The evening was spent in the Sailing Club bar, which being Friday was far busier.
HOLYHEAD TO ROSSLARE.
We left Holyhead Marina at 7.30am and had the sails up before we had passed the harbour entrance. The tidal rips outside the entrance are notorious, today was no exception. The sea could only be described as rough until we were about four miles out. Once the sea had moderated; we set sail for Arklow in Ireland in what were force three winds from the northwest. After we had been sailing for about five hours, the wind backed to a westerly and was on the nose. We therefore turned south towards Rosslare. The distance was about thirty miles further, but at least we could sail. The wind came and went throughout the rest of the day and evening. The engine was started and stopped three times as the wind died and then returned. During the afternoon we had shook out the reefs in the sails. We sailed in to the night. Once darkness fell the wind increased to twenty-five knots and we reefed down again. We were still twenty-five miles from our destination and had to negotiate our way through the sandbanks north of Rosslare. Using buoys to find our way through, we finally approached Rosslare Harbour. After contacting the Harbour master by radio, we entered the West harbour and tied up to a construction barge on the west wall. It was one fifteen in the morning and a heavy swell was running in to the harbour when we finally had supper and went to bed.
We turned in to the Harbour and motored past the fishing boats, the Marina was then spotted and we tied up to a pontoon. After some confusion the Harbour Master turned up to collect our berthing fee of 20 Euro and to give us a key for the gate. He and three local Yachtsmen advised that “Kehoes”, which is the local pub, was the place to spend the evening. We did not need telling twice. We had a walk round the village and then returned to Classic Wave for a meal. The local fishermen were returning and we watched a seal in the dock doing what can only be described as “begging” fish. After a meal on board we made our way to Kehoes. The pub is decorated with nautical memorabilia mainly salvaged by the owner’s son who was a diver.
KILMORE QUAY TO DUNMORE EAST.
We left Kilmore Quay at 10.45 the next morning and sailed west in overcast but fairly comfortable conditions. The wind was from the southwest, which forced us to sail close to the wind to get round Hook Head. We could see many people watching us from the grounds of the lighthouse as we rounded the headland. It must be a tourist attraction or perhaps they were waiting to see if we would hit the rocks. We then crossed Waterford Harbour and entered Dunmore East. The wall was lined with Fishing Vessels and another Yacht was looking for a berth. We tied up to the end of the wall and waited. Two fishing vessels then left and we tied up to the wall. The other yacht rafted up to us. A gentleman then asked if we wanted to buy diesel. Bob asked the price, how much do you want was the reply. Bob had a quick think and said “two hundred litres”. Thirty-eight cents a litre came the reply. Fine was Bobs reply. We could only get 171 litres in. We then went shopping and finally found a cash point to get some Euro out. After a meal on board we spent a quiet evening in the Ocean Hotel.
DUNMORE EAST TO HELVICK (DUNGARVAN BAY)
We left the following morning after a late breakfast in yet again, overcast conditions and the wind still from the Southwest. We tacked out for an hour and a half and then tacked on to a westerly direction. Our intention was to make for Youghal; it soon became apparent that it would be late at night before we made it there. We noticed a small harbour on the chart by Helvick Head in Dungarvan Bay. It looked like it would dry out, so we intended to anchor in deeper water. As we approached we noticed fishing vessels in the harbour. Bob decided to have a look inside. We can always blame him later if things go wrong! As we entered the harbour a fisherman called over to us and asked if we intended to stay overnight. He asked what our draft was and we told him two metres, he assured us that we would be all right rafting up to a blue fishing vessel, which was not going out tonight. We had to wait until another had left and we did as we were told. After checking the depth and tidal curve we were happy we would stay afloat. The fishermen were quite chatty and told us that they would be out at dusk and dawn to trawl for Prawns. They also directed us to the nearest pub. After food on board we walked half a mile up to the pub. It was quiet but the landlady and a couple of her regulars made us feel welcome.
HELVICK TO YOUGHAL (PRONOUNCED YAWL)
We awoke to another overcast day. The fishermen were just finishing off when Barrie went over and bought ten Euros worth of Prawns. It was two hours before low water when we slipped our lines and prepared to leave. One of the fishermen shouted over to us “don’t cut the corner, there is a sandbank close to the wall”. Many thanks was our reply. We had not reached the harbour entrance when we went aground, a touch of reverse power was applied and we were free. After moving closer to the East wall we tried again. This time we cleared the harbour entrance, but again ran aground just outside. A touch more forward power was this time applied and we slipped over the bar in to deeper water. As we left Dungarvan Bay, the sails were hoisted and we were again tacking Southwest. The sea state was moderate, but the visibility poor. We made our way past Mine Head and then Ram Head, the river at Youghal came in to view and we turned and sailed up stream. Passing Roache Point Lighthouse the Town came in to view. Picking up a mooring, the dinghy was launched and we dined on Prawns. There is no shortage of pubs in Youghal; our first was a small bar where the European Cup Final was being shown. Bob made his usual comment “I don’t like T.V.s in pubs. Our next was a typical Irish Bar. On the next table to us three Nurses and a Teacher were on a Girls Night out. One of them was telling jokes; we of course joined in. It was almost two in the morning before we finally got out of the pub and back to the boat.
YOUGHAL TO BALLYCOTTON.
We started to move at around nine o’clock and had breakfast. The sun was shining and we went ashore to do some shopping. We left at low water. The wind had at last changed direction and was from the South East, but was only eight knots. We sailed slowly west and pulled in to Ballycotton. We tied up to the harbour wall and the evening meal preparations were under way, when Bob who was chatting to a local, told us we have been invited for a drink. How could we refuse. We piled in the gentleman’s car and two minutes later we were in a hotel bar. Two pints later, hunger forced us back to Classic Wave. Not before Bob and our host tried out a rather expensive whiskey, which we ended up paying for. Ballycotton is a pleasant little harbour with overspill mooring buoys just outside. After our meal the sun was shining and we were almost asleep as we enjoyed a summer sunset. The Inn on the Harbour beckoned and we were topping up our alcohol levels, Bob was as usual asleep in a chair, when a local fisherman with a Mobile Phone in hand approached us. He informed us that a Fishing Vessel was coming in to unload, “could they move us along a bit”. Certainly we said and went back to our drinking. Within an hour we were back at the harbour and found Classic Wave rafted up on the outside of a Fishing Vessel. We asked if they were going out again tonight and they said no. We tied on our springs to their boat and watched as they started to unload. We were offered some Prawns, which we offered to pay for. But our money was refused and two carrier bags full of Prawns appeared. We watched as box after box of Prawns and a few boxes of flatfish were unloaded and put on a wagon.
BALLYCOTTON TO CORK (CITY).
The following morning was again fine and sunny. The wind was still from the Southeast. Sails were hoisted and we rounded Ballycotton Island. The wind was now almost directly behind us as we steered a course for the entrance to Cork Harbour. We entered Cork Harbour in bright sunshine with the tide pushing us in and calm seas. We sailed up the channel and asked the Port Authority by radio for permission to proceed up to Cork City. They told us that there was no heavy traffic (ships) moving so we could proceed. We sailed passed Cobh (pronounced cove) in almost perfect sailing conditions. The tide was still helping us and we practised our sailing skills by tacking and gybing our way passed the Cork Harbour Docks and then across Loch Mahon. As we approached Cork City the engine was started and we motored in to the River Lees. We made our way up to the first city bridge, which is right by the spot where the river Lees becomes, one again. The river Lees splits at the West End of the city and becomes two rivers. At the East End of the city it becomes one again. After berthing by the first bridge we made ready for a night on the town. By eight thirty that evening we were on the town. Barrie as usual tried and sometimes succeeded in dragging us in to the noisiest and most crowded pubs in the city centre. I later slipped away and found a quieter pub. The next day was spent in Cork. We wandered around the city centre and found close to our berth one of the largest (not the cheapest) chandler’s I have ever seen. I even found a brew pub, which I had heard about.
CORK TO COBH .
We had decided that we would leave Cork City on the evening tide. After slipping our lines we motored down the River Lees and passed the City Docks. The wind was on the nose as we entered Loch Mahon, so the engine was left on and the sails left down. One hour and twenty minutes later we were at Cobh. We spotted an empty pontoon, which could have been the Sailing Clubs. Once tied up to it Barrie went ashore and asked if it was the Sailing Clubs pontoon. No it was not, but we could stay. The pontoon belongs to a Bar/Restaurant called “Clippers”. It was raining and we retired to the bar. It is very enterprising of Clippers to provide a pontoon. If must bring some business in to the Bar. It was of course a very short, but wet, walk back to Classic Wave.
COBH TO OYSTERHAVEN / KINSALE.
It was overcast when we awoke but there were breaks in the cloud. The wind was from the South, force three. After leaving our berth we made our way towards Cork harbour entrance and hoisted the sails. Bob had bought some detailed charts of the harbour so we were able to safely take a short cut towards the entrance. Wind over tide in the entrance produced a large swell, which slowed us down. An Irish Warship also slowed down to let us cross the channel in front of him. The engine was started to keep us moving and we motor sailed out of the Harbour. We passed Roberts Head and went between the Sovereign Rocks, after which we entered Oysterhaven. Picking up a mooring, we had lunch. Oysterhaven is a quiet river estuary, which opens up to a cove with a fairly narrow entrance to the sea. After lunch we dropped our mooring and made our way round the corner to Kinsale. This was to be Classic Wave’s home for the summer. After tying up in the Marina, the water tank was filled and a visit to the Yacht Club bar followed. I then went off to find a brew pub that I had heard about. After a meal on board we all went to try the beer in the brew pub. They all claim to be traditional, but they are not. It was better than the Smithwicks, which is available in just about every pub in Ireland. Where is the traditional hand pulled Cask Conditioned ale? I have yet to see it anywhere in the Republic of Ireland, though I have seen it in Northern Ireland. We moved on to a bar where a man was playing a keyboard and singing, mainly easy listening songs. Barrie moved us on to a disco pub; Bob and myself rebelled and returned to the bar with the keyboard player.
The following morning we went shopping with Bob, Mike arranged for a taxi to take us to the airport early that evening. We also took a walk up river; hopefully to find a spot where Bob could anchor rather than pay the Marina fees all summer. A likely spot was spotted and Bob said he would check it out later. After a walk around the village we returned to Classic Wave and packed our bags. The taxi arrived and we left for the airport. The taxi had seen better days, but it got us there. After checking in we went up to the café and were then called back to the check in. The Nitrogen Bottle in Mike’s Lifejacket was picked up during the security check. The bottle was removed and carried separately, we got it back in Manchester. Barrie was then stopped at the security check. His small penknife was not allowed to be carried. He posted it to himself at home. Chris was waiting for us when we landed and we headed for home.
Kevan
SAT 24th MAY - HOLYHEAD ROSSLARE 77.0 nmls
SUN 25th MAY - ROSSLARE KILMORE QUAY 14.3 nmls
MON 26th MAY -KILMORE QUAY DUNMORE EAST 16.2 nmls
TUE 27th MAY - DUNMORE EAST HELVICK 36.8 nmls
WED 28th MAY -HELVICK YOUGHAL 23.0 nmls
THU 29th MAY -YOUGHAL BALLYCOTTON 7.3 nmls
FRI 30th MAY -BALLYCOTTON CORK (CITY) 17.9 nnnls
SAT 31st MAY -CORK (CITY) COBH 8.0 nmls
SUN 1st JUNE - COBH OYSTERHAVEN 13.5 nmls
SUN 1st JUNE - OYSTERHAVEN KINSALE 5.2 nmls
TOTAL 198.4 nmls
