1. Arthur's Coastal Cruises
  2. 2013

Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2013 - Part 1

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  • Day 1,  Monday, 8th July - Arthur receiving some TLC in Connaught Harbour

    Day 1, Monday, 8th July - Arthur receiving some TLC in Connaught Harbour

    Monday, July 8th, 2013..."Arthur" in Connaught Harbour receiving some TLC from Eamon Egan and Fergal Kerney prior to setting off on our annual Coastal Cruise of the south-west coast of Ireland. Given our encounter with a nasty wind against tide in dense fog at Kerry Head last year a Garmin Radar 18 HD is being installed. And a new chartplotter, Garmin 750S, is replacing our old trusty Garmin 276c.

    The weather is currently 'super'...very low winds, and we are keen to get started. But we must cool our heels until Eamon and Fergal have completed their work on "Arthur". It looks like we will not be able to set-off until Tuesday. But, better to be safe than sorry!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Day 2, Tuesday, 9th July - Departing Portumna

    Day 2, Tuesday, 9th July - Departing Portumna

    Fergal Kerney completed the installation of the new Garmin radar and chartplotter on "Arthur" and enabled us to make the 17:30 Portumna bridge opening! So, it looks like we will only make it as far as Killaloe for today. Hopefully we will make it to Kilrush on Wednesday...a long trip but weather still looking very good.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Mary waves 'Au revoir' as Arthur heads down Lough Derg for an overnight at Killaloe.

    Mary waves 'Au revoir' as Arthur heads down Lough Derg for an overnight at Killaloe.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Weatherwise we are off to a good start.

    Weatherwise we are off to a good start.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • On the approach to Killaloe at circa 20:30. We are due at Arndacrusha circa 09:00 hrs on Wednesday.

    On the approach to Killaloe at circa 20:30. We are due at Arndacrusha circa 09:00 hrs on Wednesday.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • This was the forecast for Brandon Bay as at Saturday 6th July. Unfortunately we have not been able to benefit from the good weather on the Sunday and Monday...water under the bridge now!  But we must make way while the winds are low!

    This was the forecast for Brandon Bay as at Saturday 6th July. Unfortunately we have not been able to benefit from the good weather on the Sunday and Monday...water under the bridge now! But we must make way while the winds are low!

    WindguruBrandonBay2013

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Day 3, Wednesday, 10th July - Departing Killaloe...bound for Kilrush

    Day 3, Wednesday, 10th July - Departing Killaloe...bound for Kilrush

    We commenced our passage circa 07.00 hrs and leaving Killaloe in our wake we headed for Ardnacrusha. The photo above shows Parteen Weir in the distance.

    Plan A is to transit directly through Limerick and head straight to Kilrush...it will be a long day but given the glorious weather that we are currently enjoying, in particular the low winds, it is important to make maximum use of it and get as many nautical miles under the belt as possible!

    And Plan B is the same as Plan A... :-)

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Looking back at Killaloe with radar arch dropped and new Garmin radar at bottom of picture.

    Looking back at Killaloe with radar arch dropped and new Garmin radar at bottom of picture.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Circa 09:00hrs...arrival at Ardnacrusha.

    Circa 09:00hrs...arrival at Ardnacrusha.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Martin, one of four new lock-keepers at Ardnacrusha. They work in cycles of a week each. Martin gave us a super smooth lockdown and in great time too! Thanks Martin!

    Martin, one of four new lock-keepers at Ardnacrusha. They work in cycles of a week each. Martin gave us a super smooth lockdown and in great time too! Thanks Martin!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Pat Lysaght...the one and only....

    Pat Lysaght...the one and only....

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Entering Limerick - under the five bridges....under the watchful eye of Pat Lysaght! Click the image above to view the 3 minute video clip.

    Entering Limerick - under the five bridges....under the watchful eye of Pat Lysaght! Click the image above to view the 3 minute video clip.

    EnteringLimerick

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Anyone missing a fender?

    Anyone missing a fender?

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Untitled photo

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Anyone missing a  set of fenders?<br />
<br />
Looking upstream at King John's castle.

    Anyone missing a set of fenders?

    Looking upstream at King John's castle.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • King John's castle, Limerick

    King John's castle, Limerick

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • The Clarion Hotel looms large as "Arthur" transits Limerick City en-route to Kilrush.

    The Clarion Hotel looms large as "Arthur" transits Limerick City en-route to Kilrush.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Mary enjoying the passage as we leave Limerick behind us.

    Mary enjoying the passage as we leave Limerick behind us.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Mary 'sans' sunglasses!

    Mary 'sans' sunglasses!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Our favourite lighthouse...Beeves Rock near Aughinish Alumina, located just north of Foynes.

    Our favourite lighthouse...Beeves Rock near Aughinish Alumina, located just north of Foynes.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Wow!  As good as a the calmest day on Lough Derg! Just passing Foynes and with Tarbert in the distance.

    Wow! As good as a the calmest day on Lough Derg! Just passing Foynes and with Tarbert in the distance.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Tarbert - Killimer ferry!

    Tarbert - Killimer ferry!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Approaching Kilrush...

    Approaching Kilrush...

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Looking down the Shannon Estuary as "Arthur" makes its way into Kilrush Creek Marina.

    Looking down the Shannon Estuary as "Arthur" makes its way into Kilrush Creek Marina.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Day 4, Thursday, 11th July - Departing Kilrush...bound for Cahersiveen

    Day 4, Thursday, 11th July - Departing Kilrush...bound for Cahersiveen

    We departed Kilrush circa 10.15 hrs with a long trip, approx. 9 hours, ahead of us. ETA at Cahersiveen ... 19.00 hrs! Winds low, sun bounding from the sky and heat haze coming off the water!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Weather forecast for Brandon Bay for week beginning Thursday, July 11th 2013, courtesy of Windguru.  What a fantastic week of low winds...ideal for coastal cruising in a mobo!  And today, as we set-off for Cahersiveen, is the pick of the lot!  Low winds, low wave height, no clouds, and plenty of sun!

    Weather forecast for Brandon Bay for week beginning Thursday, July 11th 2013, courtesy of Windguru. What a fantastic week of low winds...ideal for coastal cruising in a mobo! And today, as we set-off for Cahersiveen, is the pick of the lot! Low winds, low wave height, no clouds, and plenty of sun!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Cargo ships and tankers on the Shannon Estuary as we head down the Clare side before crossing the mouth of the estuary.

    Cargo ships and tankers on the Shannon Estuary as we head down the Clare side before crossing the mouth of the estuary.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Kilcredaun Lighthouse...just south of Carrigaholt.  We are making good time. It has taken us approx. 85 mins to reach this point since we departed Kilrush.

    Kilcredaun Lighthouse...just south of Carrigaholt. We are making good time. It has taken us approx. 85 mins to reach this point since we departed Kilrush.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • 13:36 We pass the tug 'Celtic Isle' ...or more appropriately...she passes us!  And yes, we kept a close eye on the wake from the tug!

    13:36 We pass the tug 'Celtic Isle' ...or more appropriately...she passes us! And yes, we kept a close eye on the wake from the tug!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Passing the Magharees... It's been a while since we visited Fenit....maybe on the return leg!

    Passing the Magharees... It's been a while since we visited Fenit....maybe on the return leg!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • 15:34  Cruising down the Kerry coastline!. Approx. five hours since we left Kilrush Creek Marina. Time for a spot of lunch!

    15:34 Cruising down the Kerry coastline!. Approx. five hours since we left Kilrush Creek Marina. Time for a spot of lunch!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Lunch! If the passage is likely to be gentle Mary prepares lunch 'to order'. If not, then lunch is prepared BEFORE we begin the passage. Today it is egg and chive on brown bread; cucumber on brown bread; pate  topped with cherry tomato on Carr's water biscuits. And all washed down with a glass of chilled white wine!  Only 4 hours to go before we arrive at Cahersiveen!

    Lunch! If the passage is likely to be gentle Mary prepares lunch 'to order'. If not, then lunch is prepared BEFORE we begin the passage. Today it is egg and chive on brown bread; cucumber on brown bread; pate topped with cherry tomato on Carr's water biscuits. And all washed down with a glass of chilled white wine! Only 4 hours to go before we arrive at Cahersiveen!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Ahha!  We encounter a Cruise-in-Company!

    Ahha! We encounter a Cruise-in-Company!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Passing the 'Three Sisters'. And the heat haze is still with us!

    Passing the 'Three Sisters'. And the heat haze is still with us!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Skipper keeling over after lunch? No... just ensuring that my mug does not fill the lens!  Great Blasket in the background.

    Skipper keeling over after lunch? No... just ensuring that my mug does not fill the lens! Great Blasket in the background.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Transiting the Blasket Sound...

    Transiting the Blasket Sound...

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • The Great Blasket

    The Great Blasket

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Last year we encountered heavy fog whilst approaching the Blasket Sound. Fortunately it lifted and we passed through without incident.  This year the haze gave it an eerie appearance...but at least visibility was ok!

    Last year we encountered heavy fog whilst approaching the Blasket Sound. Fortunately it lifted and we passed through without incident. This year the haze gave it an eerie appearance...but at least visibility was ok!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • 17:44 hrs. We leave the Blasket Sound in our wake and head across Dingle Bay towards the approach to Cahersiveen. We have now been on the water for seven and a half hours!

    17:44 hrs. We leave the Blasket Sound in our wake and head across Dingle Bay towards the approach to Cahersiveen. We have now been on the water for seven and a half hours!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • The approach to Valentia Harbour. Beginish Island to port...Cromwell Point Lighthouse to starboard.  And weather has disimproved... it is now overcast, raining...and visibility is poorer... :-(

    The approach to Valentia Harbour. Beginish Island to port...Cromwell Point Lighthouse to starboard. And weather has disimproved... it is now overcast, raining...and visibility is poorer... :-(

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • Cahersiveen ahoy! And the sun has re-appeared... :-)

    Cahersiveen ahoy! And the sun has re-appeared... :-)

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • 19:30 hrs . Arriving at Cahersiveen Marina on the banks of Valentia River...over nine hours since we departed Kilrush Creek Marina! Note the old RIC Barracks in background, slightly left of centre of photo.

    19:30 hrs . Arriving at Cahersiveen Marina on the banks of Valentia River...over nine hours since we departed Kilrush Creek Marina! Note the old RIC Barracks in background, slightly left of centre of photo.

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

  • "Arthur" berthed at Cahersiveen Marina after a nine hour passage from Kilrush. Time to take a break before commencing the passage to Lawrence Cove Marina on Bere Island!<br />
<br />
A niggling thought at the back of my mind urges me to continue on to Bantry Bay tomorrow....but another voice in my head says...take a break...you have completed three long passages on three consecutive days!  We opt for the break!

    "Arthur" berthed at Cahersiveen Marina after a nine hour passage from Kilrush. Time to take a break before commencing the passage to Lawrence Cove Marina on Bere Island!

    A niggling thought at the back of my mind urges me to continue on to Bantry Bay tomorrow....but another voice in my head says...take a break...you have completed three long passages on three consecutive days! We opt for the break!

    From 2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

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