Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2012 - Part 1

We set out on our annual Coastal Cruise Summer Holiday on Wednesday, 27th June,2012. This year our primary objective was to get to Lawrence Cove Marina in Bantry Bay. It would be new cruising territory for "Arthur" and her crew. The furthest south that we had reached heretofore was Cahersiveen. The problem is that the further south that you get the more time it takes to get back. And it is not just the actual cruising time...it is the time waiting for the good weather that is a pre-requisite for coastal cruising and which is not available every day! So, getting there is one thing...getting back is another story!

We departed Portumna circa 16.15 hrs heading for Limerick via Killaloe and Ardnacrusha. Upon entering Lough Derg we came across.a small boat in distress...the outboard had given up the ghost. We rafted the boat to our port side and took it over to Terryglass and then resumed our passage to Ardnacrusha.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Approaching Killaloe we encounter our good friend John Ryan ('Rapport') heading north to join the Cruising Club CIC to Athlone.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Circa 19.15, as we approach Killaloe Bridge, we note the large number of boats gathered on the new pontoons. We suspect that some are likely participants in Noel Griffin's upcoming CIC to Limerick / Kilrush.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Circa 20;30 we arrive at Ardnacrusha where Ger Reid drops us gently down through the two lock chambers in record time.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Mary holds "Arthur" in place as we prepare to descend the lower chamber.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Circa 20;55, the gate of the lower chamber is lifted and we prepare to enter the Tailrace. Miraculously only one turbine is running!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
And Pat Lysaght is on hand to lead us into Limerick! We arrive at Custom House Quay by 21.45. A good first day. And more importantly we are in a position to complete the passage to Limerick the following day in what is forecast to be almost perfect weather conditions for cruising purposes.

An 8 minute video clip of the passage from Portumna to Limerick can be viewed via the following link: [Simply click the 'play' button on the large image to right of screen]

http://www.paulscannell.net/Video-Clips/2012-06-27-Summer-Coastal/24846929_Gg2dBG#!i=2034351161&k=z9bNZFJ
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Thursday, 28th June. Circa 10.45hrs, we have exited Sarsfield Lock and are on our way to Kilrush. The Clarion Hotel looms large.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Circa 13.30 we pass our favourite lighthouse...Beeves Rock.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
A large cargo vessel at the Aughinish Alumina terminal.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
So...is this...
a) a head on a pint as it is being pulled?
b) the topping of a lemon Meringue Pie?
c) or sud in the sea-lock at Kilrush Creek Marina?
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Inside the sea lock at Kilrush Creek Marina...
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Another pint being poured!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
"Arthur" in the lock at Kilrush Creek Marina...
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
And so, after a relatively smooth passage, we arrive at Kilrush Creek Marina circa 16.00hrs. I liked the reflection of this colourful RIB.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
"Arthur" on a finger at Kilrush Creek Marina.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Cruising Club gals! (L to R) Marguerite Maher (Gerda), Fionnuala Smyth (Shee Finnaha), Mary Healy ("Arthur") in Kilrush Creek Marina. Gerda and She Finnaha are with the IWAI CIC to Limerick/Kilrush which was superbly organised by Noel Griffin ably assisted by Dave McCabe.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Paul and Fionnuala about to perform a duet!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Derry and Mary in 'sedate' mode...or keeping a watchful eye on Paul & Fionnuala!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Marguerite and Stephen (Gerda)
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Thursday, 5th July, circa 19.00hrs..."Arthur" departs Kilrush bound for Kilbaha. The previous Monday (2nd July) we had embarked on a passage to Dingle that turned out to be short-lived. Suffice to say that we hit a bad patch near the Bealbar and we eventually returned to Kilrush. A short nine minute video clip of the incident can be viewed here:

http://www.paulscannell.net/Video-Clips/2012-07-09-Arthur-heads-for/24232087_8DppMJ#!i=1972223627&k=HJVWhcF

[Good broadband recommended. Also, date as shown at start of video incorrectly states 9th July instead of 2nd July]
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
We exit Kilrush Creek Marina on 'freeflow' and head for Kilbaha. Sea state a lot better than previous Monday! Super visibility with no fog! Very calm water with virtually no wind...and lovely sunshine! Ideal conditions for a passage to Kilbaha.

A short 2 mins and 36 secs video of our passage from Kilrush to Kilbaha is available at the link below:

http://www.paulscannell.net/Video-Clips/2012-06-27-Summer-Coastal/24846929_Gg2dBG#!i=2033956715&k=hXnxn66

[Good broadband recommended.]
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Looking down the Shannon Estuary as "Arthur" proceeds to Kilbaha where we have been assured (by a local!) that there is at least 1.5m of water at the end of the pier!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
We arrive at Kilbaha just after 21.00hrs on the back of a lovely passage from Kilrush. Photo shows Keatings Bar & Restaurant overlooking Kilbaha Harbour. Shot taken from "Arthur" which spent the night rafted to a local fishing boat!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Friday, 6th July, 2012...circa 07.15....View of Kilbaha Bay (across Kilabaha Pier) with Kilcloher Head in distance. We are about to embark on a passage to Dingle. Overnighting at Kilbaha will save us approx 2 hrs in the passage time as compared with taking the direct route from Kilrush.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
"Arthur" in Kilbaha Harbour just before setting out on passage to Dingle. Weather forecast is super good.... low swell, little wind and a bonus of a following sea.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Approx. 08.20hrs... we are an hour on the water and behind us is the Clare side of the Shannon Estuary. Passage so far as been perfect...little swell and virtually no wind. And the sun is emerging!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Mary at the helm while I take some photos.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
circa 09.40... Kerry Head in the distance as we cruise down the Kerry coastline. Sea remarkably calm. A lovely passage. Weather conditions do not just happen...you have to be patient...and have the time to be patient. But so worth it when you can and it does!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Smerwick Bay
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Looking astern....with Brandon Hd and Brandon Pt in the distance and Smerwick on the right-hand side of the photo.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
The 'Three Sisters' in the background as we approach Blasket Sonud.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Sybil Pt
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Entering the Blasket Sound.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
One of the few vessels that we encountered during this passage. Sometimes you might only meet the odd fishing boat or occasional yacht during a lengthy passage on the coast. Coastal cruising can be a solitary experience!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
It is not often that the Blasket Sound is this calm!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
The Great Blasket with beach on the right of picture.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Looking back through the Blasket Sound
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
The Great Blasket
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
As we completed our passage through the Blasket Sound we decided to eat the sandwich lunch which Mary had prepared before commencing the passage. And for a split second we took our eye off the ball and nearly paid a price!

Suddenly, a smaller than normal lobster pot appeared at Arthur'[s bow. Fortunately I was able to reverse before any damage was done. We focused on the job in hand and made our way to Dingle without any more close encounters!

Click on the 'Play' button above to view a short (one minute) video clip of the incident, complete with sound of in-cockpit exchange between crew!

[Good broadband recommended.]
2012 Lobster pot Blasket Sound
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Circa 14.50, approx 7 and half hours after departing Kilbaha we approach Dingle Harbour.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Looking back at the entrance to Dingle Harbour from Dingle Bay.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Dingle Marina. There is also a commercial harbour designated for fishing boats and Funghi sight-seeing boats.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
"Arthur" nestling in the same berth that she occupied two years ago.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
"Arthur"...back in Dingle once more!
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
View of Dingle Marina from the town side.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Wednesday, 11th July circa 14.30hrs "Arthur" departed Dingle in the hope of completing a passage to Lawrence Cove. Unfortunately sea state not comfortable as we approached Valentia Island and we made the decision to divert to Cahersiveen.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!
Looking astern....Dingle Bay...with the Blasket Islands in the distance.
From 2012-06-27 Arthur's 2012 Summer Holiday - A Busman's Version!