Broad Haven to Killybegs. Posn: 54:38.09N, 08:26.49W
Circumnavigation of Ireland
Roy Ratazzi
Sat 23 Jul 2022 22:26
So a plan was made to sail to Killybeggs, north west of Sligo, a 64 nm passage, due to take about 10 hours. The initial 2 hours were demanding, with the high cliffs shielding wind until openings made for huge gusts, keeping the Skipper/helm alert. Then came the wetting rain. But, for once, the wind was on the beam, veering to the stern quarter, making for a rolling motion.
Suddenly, after 5 hours of focused sailing with 2 reefs in the sails, the wind died, requiring a few hours of motor sailing, often shrouded in mist and subjected to violent downpours.
Waiting for the winds and seas to rise to very testing conditions was on our minds throughout, but nothing above Force 5, perhaps 6 at times, confronted us. So wet and tired we made for the marina in Killybeggs, a large, serious fishing port, arriving in time for a late beer and supper on board.
This is to be Ian’s final sail with me as hoping me to venture further north will make it difficult for him to get transport to an airport to return him the England. Tomorrow will thus be a much needed rest day, with high winds expected.
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