1. Arthur's Coastal Cruises
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Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

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  • Day 27 - Friday, 25th July, 2014

    Day 27 - Friday, 25th July, 2014

    And so, we have decided to move on to Schull. Although it hardly needed to be checked, as a matter of habit I downloaded the Windfinder forecast for Schull/Mizen Peninsula. It is shown above in the form of a four day forecast which indicates a reason why we decided to move. Whereas today (25th July) looks extremely good the subsequent days are less than ideal. Perhaps it is a good idea to get to Schull and take a breather. Schull offers much betters facilities and resources. A town that boasts two supermarkets and several restaurants and pubs and various other retail outlets. Much more than what is on offer in Crookhaven.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Day 27 - Friday, 25th July, 2014

    Day 27 - Friday, 25th July, 2014

    We have two options. We could take the more sheltered route along the Long Island Channel. But for this trip, our first passage to Schull, we will take the longer route as highlighted above. Passage length is approx. 10 nautical miles.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 13:20... Arthur's bow is pointed towards the entrance to Crookhaven Harbour as we head for Schull.  Another day of glorious weather beckons. And another entry on my Bucket List is about to be ticked....<br />
<br />
Cruising time will be approximately 70-80 mins.

    circa 13:20... Arthur's bow is pointed towards the entrance to Crookhaven Harbour as we head for Schull. Another day of glorious weather beckons. And another entry on my Bucket List is about to be ticked....

    Cruising time will be approximately 70-80 mins.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Fastnet Rock and Lighthouse in the distance.

    Fastnet Rock and Lighthouse in the distance.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Long Island with the white tower of Copper Point in the centre of the photo.

    Long Island with the white tower of Copper Point in the centre of the photo.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Long Island on the left; Calf Island in the middle; Cape Clear/Clear Island on the right.

    Long Island on the left; Calf Island in the middle; Cape Clear/Clear Island on the right.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Copper Point at the tip of Long Island and the mouth of the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    Copper Point at the tip of Long Island and the mouth of the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 14:25...Passing Copper Point Lighthouse on Long Island at the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    circa 14:25...Passing Copper Point Lighthouse on Long Island at the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 14:30...entering Schull Harbour.

    circa 14:30...entering Schull Harbour.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 14:50...Paul uses the dinghy to secure Arthur to the mooring buoy (not the one in the photo!)

    circa 14:50...Paul uses the dinghy to secure Arthur to the mooring buoy (not the one in the photo!)

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 16:37... Having moored we take the dinghy into the mainland and explore the town.  This is Main Street, Schull. It seems like a metropolis by comparison with Crookhaven! Two supermarkets and loads of other shops, pubs, restaurants.

    circa 16:37... Having moored we take the dinghy into the mainland and explore the town. This is Main Street, Schull. It seems like a metropolis by comparison with Crookhaven! Two supermarkets and loads of other shops, pubs, restaurants.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • 16:45...heading back to the floating pontoon to take the dinghy back to 'Arthur'.

    16:45...heading back to the floating pontoon to take the dinghy back to 'Arthur'.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 17:12...'Arthur' looks at home on her visitor's mooring!

    circa 17:12...'Arthur' looks at home on her visitor's mooring!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Mary captures a shot of a happy looking skipper who has now ticked another entry on his Bucket List!

    Mary captures a shot of a happy looking skipper who has now ticked another entry on his Bucket List!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • And an equally happy-looking Mary with 'Arthur' in the background!

    And an equally happy-looking Mary with 'Arthur' in the background!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • 17:20...back on-board "Arthur" and Mary enjoys the environment.

    17:20...back on-board "Arthur" and Mary enjoys the environment.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • 'Arthur' with bow pointing towards the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    'Arthur' with bow pointing towards the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Mary's herb garden enjoys the good weather!  Mary invariably brings a 'herb garden' on each coastal cruise with some or all of the following: parsley, chive, basil, rosemary... and perhaps some others.

    Mary's herb garden enjoys the good weather! Mary invariably brings a 'herb garden' on each coastal cruise with some or all of the following: parsley, chive, basil, rosemary... and perhaps some others.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • 19:41...Taking advantage of the super weather....dining 'al fresco'!

    19:41...Taking advantage of the super weather....dining 'al fresco'!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • A toast to 'Arthur' and her crew. And to the chef who has prepared a gorgeous prawn salad starter!

    A toast to 'Arthur' and her crew. And to the chef who has prepared a gorgeous prawn salad starter!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Day 28 - Saturday, 26th July, 2014

    Day 28 - Saturday, 26th July, 2014

    Circa 07:40...I had a so-so sleep and rose early. Caught this gorgeous calm morning... bow pointed at the Harbour Master's Office, the large white building in the background. And as you can see, mobos are significantly outnumbered in all coastal harbours!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • And looking out towards the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    And looking out towards the entrance to Schull Harbour.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 17:15...took this shot from our dinghy on the return from a trip to town.

    circa 17:15...took this shot from our dinghy on the return from a trip to town.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • A catamaran moored near us.

    A catamaran moored near us.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Day 29 - Sunday, 27th July, 2014

    Day 29 - Sunday, 27th July, 2014

    Reminds me of the old 'Spot the ball' competitions in the Irish Press of many years ago! So, find your RIB/Dinghy is the name of this game! This pontoon is primarily for users of dinghies/RIBS. We came into the town to get Sunday newspapers and some groceries. And we then discovered that the Annual Schull Agricultural show was taking place that day.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • The Annual Schull Agricultural Show which was held on the outskirts of the town. Some locals suggested that it was only a half-mile walk from the town. Two miles later we discovered the reality...and also that a free shuttle bus service was operating between the show and town... :-(

    The Annual Schull Agricultural Show which was held on the outskirts of the town. Some locals suggested that it was only a half-mile walk from the town. Two miles later we discovered the reality...and also that a free shuttle bus service was operating between the show and town... :-(

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 13:00...took the dinghy back to "Arthur" to catch up on the newspapers that we had amassed over previous days and had yet to read!  Our daily diet is usually three newspapers: IrishTimes, Irish Indo and Irish Daily Mail. Sometimes when we are on a coastal cruise the number of unread newspapers accumulates.  Mary stacks them in neat bundles: today's, yesterday's, previous day, day before that...and so on.  And we do read them in the right order.

    circa 13:00...took the dinghy back to "Arthur" to catch up on the newspapers that we had amassed over previous days and had yet to read! Our daily diet is usually three newspapers: IrishTimes, Irish Indo and Irish Daily Mail. Sometimes when we are on a coastal cruise the number of unread newspapers accumulates. Mary stacks them in neat bundles: today's, yesterday's, previous day, day before that...and so on. And we do read them in the right order.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Day 30 - Monday, 28th July, 2014

    Day 30 - Monday, 28th July, 2014

    circa 10:20...another fine day. But I notice the little ripples on the water...in a relatively sheltered harbour!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Mooring buoy (yellow) with pick-up buoy (red) attached.  We have had great fun and games (sometimes not so much fun!) trying to secure a line to a mooring buoy, despite the acquisition of a Moorfast a number of years ago.  Each time is an adventure!  And we have used various techniques / approaches over the past couple of years. Still trying to perfect it!

    Mooring buoy (yellow) with pick-up buoy (red) attached. We have had great fun and games (sometimes not so much fun!) trying to secure a line to a mooring buoy, despite the acquisition of a Moorfast a number of years ago. Each time is an adventure! And we have used various techniques / approaches over the past couple of years. Still trying to perfect it!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 13:40...came ashore to get the newspapers and some groceries. Decided to try and tie up at the slipway...had to make mental note re tide!

    circa 13:40...came ashore to get the newspapers and some groceries. Decided to try and tie up at the slipway...had to make mental note re tide!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Harbour Master's House and Chandlery (large white building at centre of photo).

    Harbour Master's House and Chandlery (large white building at centre of photo).

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 14:40...back on-board and we decided to see could we passage to nearby Clear Island.

    circa 14:40...back on-board and we decided to see could we passage to nearby Clear Island.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • View of Fastnet Rock from just outside Schull Harbour.  Sea-state not so good and waves were catching us on the beam. We aborted the planned passage to Cape Clear and returned to Schull... :-(

    View of Fastnet Rock from just outside Schull Harbour. Sea-state not so good and waves were catching us on the beam. We aborted the planned passage to Cape Clear and returned to Schull... :-(

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • I created this panorama of Schull Harbour as we returned from our aborted trip to Clear Island.

    I created this panorama of Schull Harbour as we returned from our aborted trip to Clear Island.

    Schull

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Day 31 - Tuesday, 29th July, 2014

    Day 31 - Tuesday, 29th July, 2014

    Decision time.... We are in Schull which is 4 x long passages from returning to the Inland waters, i.e. 1 day passage from Schull to Lawrence Cove; 1 day passage from Lawrence Cove to Dingle; 1 day passage from Dingle to Kilrush; and 1 day passage from Kilrush to Limerick/Killaloe. Each of these days needs to be good by our standards of acceptability for coastal cruising. It could be easy to get caught at any of these locations. And we HAVE to be back in Portumna before the end of August. The Windfinder report above shows forecasts for the next 6 days. Your objective is to get to Lawrence Cove. Which day do you choose and why?

    In retrospect, I think that I made the wrong choice. And we certainly paid for it!

    And by the way...we have an understanding on "Arthur". If either of the crew voice unhappiness with the conditions on the water we turn back and re-group. No argument.

    I made a decision to try for Lawrence Cove on Tuesday, 29th July. Some plusses: low wave height (below one metre); wind direction N/W ( we would be heading into the waves).

    On the minus side: wind and gusts higher than we would like.

    Yes, Sunday, 3rd August looks very attractive AT THIS POINT IN TIME. The question is whether or not it will hold. And this year, more than any previous year, I have noticed that weather has NOT been holding, even over short 24-48 hour periods.

    We planned to leave circa noon.

    2014WindfinderforMizenHead

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 12:00.... 'Arthur' departs Schull bound for Lawrence Cove via the Mizen Head. I note the little ripples in the water in the sheltered confines of Schull Harbour.

    circa 12:00.... 'Arthur' departs Schull bound for Lawrence Cove via the Mizen Head. I note the little ripples in the water in the sheltered confines of Schull Harbour.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • 12;30...Mizen Head in distance, to right of bow. I voiced the observation 'No white horses in sight'   .... I should have added '...at least not yet'!

    12;30...Mizen Head in distance, to right of bow. I voiced the observation 'No white horses in sight' .... I should have added '...at least not yet'!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Farewell Fastnet Rock...hope to return in 2015 and circumnavigate it!

    Farewell Fastnet Rock...hope to return in 2015 and circumnavigate it!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • 15:30... Photo taken after the s..t hit the fan!  The sea-state got progressively worse as we approached Mizen Head. And eventually the radar arch collapsed backwards towards the stern.  Mary secured it with a rope and we continued on our way to Lawrence Cove. <br />
<br />
And so how come we didn't turn back? Well, in subsequent discussion it came to light that each of us was having the same thought: it will get better!  And when it didn't we both, independently, took the view that we would get through it and get on to Bantry Bay quicker than turning around and heading for Crookhaven.  And then there would have been the not necessarily so easy task of turning our 37ft cruiser in the face of moderate waves (1.5m - 2.5m) with F5 gusts. Getting hit by a wave on the beam at the wrong time could be very unpleasant or worse!   And so we pushed on, perhaps comforted by the thought of the rising tide on Bantry Bay!  More of that anon!

    15:30... Photo taken after the s..t hit the fan! The sea-state got progressively worse as we approached Mizen Head. And eventually the radar arch collapsed backwards towards the stern. Mary secured it with a rope and we continued on our way to Lawrence Cove.

    And so how come we didn't turn back? Well, in subsequent discussion it came to light that each of us was having the same thought: it will get better! And when it didn't we both, independently, took the view that we would get through it and get on to Bantry Bay quicker than turning around and heading for Crookhaven. And then there would have been the not necessarily so easy task of turning our 37ft cruiser in the face of moderate waves (1.5m - 2.5m) with F5 gusts. Getting hit by a wave on the beam at the wrong time could be very unpleasant or worse! And so we pushed on, perhaps comforted by the thought of the rising tide on Bantry Bay! More of that anon!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • This video footage (approx. 41 secs) was recorded after the radar arch crashed. <br />
<br />
Click anywhere on the black image above to play this short video clip.<br />
<br />
1) Press the ESC key on your keyboard after video clip ends to return to the PhotoJournal.<br />
<br />
2) Unfortunately the wind impacted on the sound recording and makes it difficult to hear what I am saying.<br />
<br />
3) Note the presence of 'white horses' a clear indication of the less than comfortable sea state.

    This video footage (approx. 41 secs) was recorded after the radar arch crashed.

    Click anywhere on the black image above to play this short video clip.

    1) Press the ESC key on your keyboard after video clip ends to return to the PhotoJournal.

    2) Unfortunately the wind impacted on the sound recording and makes it difficult to hear what I am saying.

    3) Note the presence of 'white horses' a clear indication of the less than comfortable sea state.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 15:40...approximately three and a half hours after departing Schull and we are approaching the west entrance to Berehaven.  However, what I had originally seen as a plus was the rising tide that we would encounter on Bantry Bay.  Unfortunately I had forgotten that we would NOT be cruising UP Bantry Bay...but rather ACROSS it... :-(  And so we endured the constant onslaught of waves catching us on the beam as we headed across Bantry Bay towards the entrance to Berehaven. We tacked a little and eventually made it to the entrance of Berehaven.

    circa 15:40...approximately three and a half hours after departing Schull and we are approaching the west entrance to Berehaven. However, what I had originally seen as a plus was the rising tide that we would encounter on Bantry Bay. Unfortunately I had forgotten that we would NOT be cruising UP Bantry Bay...but rather ACROSS it... :-( And so we endured the constant onslaught of waves catching us on the beam as we headed across Bantry Bay towards the entrance to Berehaven. We tacked a little and eventually made it to the entrance of Berehaven.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Passaging ACROSS Bantry Bay against a rising tide on the bay which was catching 'Arthur' on the beam! Video clip has a duration of approx. 48 secs.<br />
<br />
Click anywhere on the black image above to play this short video clip.<br />
<br />
1) Press the ESC key on your keyboard after video clip ends to return to the PhotoJournal.<br />
<br />
2) Again, the wind impacted on the sound recording and makes it difficult to hear what I am saying.

    Passaging ACROSS Bantry Bay against a rising tide on the bay which was catching 'Arthur' on the beam! Video clip has a duration of approx. 48 secs.

    Click anywhere on the black image above to play this short video clip.

    1) Press the ESC key on your keyboard after video clip ends to return to the PhotoJournal.

    2) Again, the wind impacted on the sound recording and makes it difficult to hear what I am saying.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • circa 16:05... Arthur is on the calmer waters of Berehaven and heading for Lawrence Cove Marina where we will assess the damage and the crew will take a well-earned rest!

    circa 16:05... Arthur is on the calmer waters of Berehaven and heading for Lawrence Cove Marina where we will assess the damage and the crew will take a well-earned rest!

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Day 33 - Thursday, 31st July, 2014

    Day 33 - Thursday, 31st July, 2014

    Two days after our saga at Mizen head! Mary relaxing on-board 'Seagulls & Salt' and about to enjoy lunch with Anthony & Catherine.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Anthony & Catherine of 'Seagulls & Salt'

    Anthony & Catherine of 'Seagulls & Salt'

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Two happy-looking crews.

    Two happy-looking crews.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Day 34 - Friday, 1st August, 2014

    Day 34 - Friday, 1st August, 2014

    circa 10:30...Phil Harrington, the doyenne of Lawrence Cove Marina, visits the crew of 'Seagulls & Salt' who will be departing for Crosshaven later in the day.

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

  • Mary on her way to chat with Anthony & Catherine

    Mary on her way to chat with Anthony & Catherine

    From 2014-07-25 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 - Part 3

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