away from home
Moonbeam
David and Lynn Wilkie
Mon 17 May 2010 12:53
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On Friday we were up early
and crammed even more "stuff" aboard Moonbeam and cast off the mooring at 08.20;
slightly delayed because we had left the mobile phone in the house and
had to launch the dinghy again.
Despite the forecast it was grey and damp and any
wind was from the South- not the forecasted NW! We motored South and
nipped through the Dorus Mhor where Ceres and Relentless were waiting to say
cheerio and generally shout abuse. After a few chats we pushed South and by the
time we got to Craighouse the sun was struggling through and a breeze filled in
from the West.
 Paps of JuraA great sail from then on in sparkling seas and
even had a couple of slabs in the main off Islay. Despite the temptations of
Port Ellen and of 7 single malt distilleries we carried on with the fair
wind and tide all the way to Ballycastle where we berthed at 19.20: 11 hours
from home and 71 miles logged. We resisted the smell of fish and chips and had a
good walk around Ballycastle which was full of motor bikes for the
NW200.
 BallycastleSaturday- another early start as we left about 7am
to catch the tide which gave us an extra 6 knots around Fair Head and we sailed
all the way to Bangor Marina where we berthed at 12.30. Only 31 miles logged but
43 miles covered- thank goodness for tidal streams. Great showers at the
very smart marina and a walk around the town with an excellent ice cream! We
were asked aboard " Sagapo"- a Halberg 54- for drinks and a lovely dinner- thank
you to Joachim and Liz (hope the names are correct!) and also David and
Caroline
.
.
 Bangor
approachSunday-yet another early start! Paid the dues and
left at 8.30 with no wind but an interesting trip through Donaghadee Sound and
South.Some confusion while looking for the South Rock light ship which was
apparently removed 5 years ago but nobody told Navionics!
The passage into Strangford was quite straight
forward and not as complex as I had imagined and within the Lough the pastoral
scenery is very attractive. Navigating through the "pladdies" we made our way to
the River Quoile where we were welcomed alongside the club pontoon by old friend
Peter Gillespie. Out to dinner in Portaferry with Peter and John Halliday then
log writing with a dram.The Quoile Yacht Club is a lovely relaxing spot and this
might just be an opportunity to declare Monday a holiday!
 Quoile Yacht Club Strangford
Lough  !
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