We are in Baltimore Harbour on a buoy and well sheltered from the easterly
gale now starting to blow through. Navtex is saying severe gale Force 9
expected soon so we are glad we made the passage from Valentia yesterday -
65nm along the most spectacular coast we have ever sailed. Passage inside
Great Skellig, the Bull, the Cow and Calf and around Mizen Head! We had
sunshine all day and had a few Guiness last evening looking out over the
harbour and setting sun - a real summer evening and one of those magical
sailing moments after a good passage.
Ruffian had decided to sail on to Kinsale today before crossing the Celtic
Sea to Lands End only to get back to the boat last night and find the gale
warning - they are still here.
Apart from the scenery yesterday the other excitement was being "pulled" by
two Customs boats well out at sea - a Customs cutter and its RIB. They came
in from both sides at speed and the RIB came alongside to ask if we had been
checked by Customs since arriving in Irish waters. We had already been
checked in Finit Marina so the left somewhat disappointed. Never been
checked by Customs before so twice in a week is impressive.
Baltimore is a great place - we spent 2 weeks here in 1996 sailing our
Drascombe Lugger around the 100 islands. Some exploring to do later - we
plan to stay here for a few days - but now the heating is on, its blowing
30kts and our books are good.
Rob and Jen
|
