Kilmore Quays 52:10.32N
06:35.29W
3 September
Leaving Arklow was even more fun than expected. We
woke to blue skies and strong W winds - pinning us to the pontoon with the
river still near flood and flowing strongly - even near high water. First
attempt - the reverse and drift strategy didn't work - just got blown
sideways. The gap between the boats berthed on the pontoon and inner line
of mooring was less than 6m (and our beam is 3.5m) so not much leeway for a F6
crosswind. The marina berthing manager then showed up - and after a walk up and
down the pontoon, we decided to motor a little further up the river to spot where
we could turn Swallow on the dock - which we did and then headed off but got
wacked by a big gust and clunked someone's anchor - need a little work on
a section of the toe rail. Probably the trickiest departure I've ever had
the joy to undertake!
Whilst WC-Weather (wind maps) were forecasting 22kts
declining to around 18kts - Met Ireland issued a gale warning decreasing
eventually to F5-7 (ie 20-30kts). Met Ireland were spot on and we had a
very brisk sail with 2-3 reefs and increasing seas. The SE corner of
Ireland is a somewhat alarming place to sail, especially in any swell. The
banks move around and I was alarmed to be registering only 3m under the keel
when the chart was confidently saying there should be 15m. So we took a
middle route avoiding a channel called 'Sluice' and trading this for Lucifer
Bank! There are wind farms - on and offshore - all along this stretch of
coast - for good reason.
Windy Carnsore Point
Carnsore Point saw us round the SE tip of Ireland and into
some shelter fromthe swell, then it was over St Patricks Bridge (a gravel
bar) and a 'no room for error' leading line into Kilmore. I was a little
concerned about the swell and the depth at the bar -but a call to the Harbour Master
put that fear aside. Then a warm welcome - with 2 helpers to take
lines - and we are securely tied up next to the lifeboat. Very good to
arrive and almost as good not to be going anywhere tomorrow.
