054:58.140 N
005:57.068 W

Glenarm

We made it to this gem tucked away in the corner of a bay, behind a salmon fish farms. The Mull of Kintyre can be seen between the fish farms from the shoreline, Scotland is within reach!

Despite having checked things last night, ten minutes into our trip the impeller self-destructed (after only about +/- engine 40hrs since Dartmouth), so there we are in Belfast Lough Channel and the high pitched BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP shrieks from the control box.

Engine off, tiny scrap of jib pulled out to give us steerage / keep clear of the ferries, and Bol set to work. Initial inspection of the salt water intake found everything clear, then a eureka moment when he pulled out a thoroughly damaged impeller.  With three spares in the tool box, he soon had a new one in place so we were back underway within 20 minutes. Most impressive, and more being ordered just in case.

A fairly uneventful 25 mile motor-sail north brought us to this small harbour with a lovely town behind it. After sampling the best ice creams ever, we had a gorgeous walk in the Glenarm Estate Forest which was bursting with birdsong and so many magnificent trees 140+ ft. 

Fascinating to learn how much this harbour was buzzing in the 17^th century with exports of limestone, iron ore, timber and fish, all bound for Scotland and beyond. As such, its harbour wall is based on how it was 300 years ago, we had a bit of fun taking some ‘then and now’ photos.

Finally, the much awaited Guiness in the local pub, as smooth and delicious as anticipated, followed by a beautiful supper in the warm sunny cockpit, chatting with other boat owners as they passed by.

Our first night of midges…..