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Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

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  • DAY 15 - Monday, 6th July, 2015

    DAY 15 - Monday, 6th July, 2015

    Guess who came to dinner? Neill Barnaby (Barge: Driftin), Marine Warranty Surveyor, and currently employed by Shannon Ferries on the Killimer-Tarbert Ferry service for the summer months.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Mary and Neill.

    Mary and Neill.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • DAY 15 - Tuesday, 07th July, 2015

    DAY 15 - Tuesday, 07th July, 2015

    So, we have been stuck in Kilrush for a week since our passage from Limerick. Surely we could have moved on within the past 7 days? Well let me show you what it is like today, Tuesday 7th July. The screen-dump above shows the weather forecast for Brandon Bay...and the video below gives an idea what it was like INSIDE the Kilrush Marina! I used a hand-held anemometer to measure the wind speed.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa noon. Video shot from within the closed marina. Lock in distance.<br />
<br />
click the above image to view a 37 second video clip. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa noon. Video shot from within the closed marina. Lock in distance.

    click the above image to view a 37 second video clip. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • The small hand-held Anemometer, with carrying case and 'instruction leaflet', which I purchased via Amazon several years ago.  It comes in handy when attempting to identify wind levels. I paid £27.98 when I purchased it in January 2011... prices have reduced since then!

    The small hand-held Anemometer, with carrying case and 'instruction leaflet', which I purchased via Amazon several years ago. It comes in handy when attempting to identify wind levels. I paid £27.98 when I purchased it in January 2011... prices have reduced since then!

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • DAY 21 - Monday, 13th July, 2015

    DAY 21 - Monday, 13th July, 2015

    We have spent almost two weeks in Kilrush Marina. But now a 'window of opportunity' presents itself. Tomorrow, Tuesday 14th July, looks 'Good to go'! Our intended destination is Dingle but I have a niggling doubt re the latter few hours of the passage. A forecast of F4/F4 (Winds Force 4 with Gusts Force 4 - see forecast above) could easily become something stronger. And remember that the Windguru forecasts are issued SIX hours in advance, e.g. the above forecast was actually issued at 18:00 on Monday evening! So, we will play this one by ear. And Fenit is always there if the weather does blow up! And of course being based in Fenit for an overnight makes it possible to leave at any time in the morning...no lock to be negotiated, unlike Kilrush.

    As it stands, we plan to depart Kilrush at the earliest possible time, i.e. 08:00 when the Scattery Island ferry departs. A straight run to Dingle will take approx. 8 hours. Thus our expected arrival would be circa 16:00 just when the forecast switches to F4/F4.

    2015BrandonBay

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Pat and Geraldine on Monday evening prior to our planned departure for Dingle.

    Pat and Geraldine on Monday evening prior to our planned departure for Dingle.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Geoff, also on Monday evening, prepping for departure the following morning.

    Geoff, also on Monday evening, prepping for departure the following morning.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Monday evening, circa 21:30, Snow Mouse in her berth ready for departure in the morning.

    Monday evening, circa 21:30, Snow Mouse in her berth ready for departure in the morning.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • "Arthur", with Cool Runnings alongside her, in their berths at Kilrush Marina.

    "Arthur", with Cool Runnings alongside her, in their berths at Kilrush Marina.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Evening shot of Kilrush Marina.

    Evening shot of Kilrush Marina.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Hope that it's as calm in the morning! Quite a difference from midday on Tuesday, 7th July!

    Hope that it's as calm in the morning! Quite a difference from midday on Tuesday, 7th July!

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • DAY 22 - Tuesday, 14th July, 2015

    DAY 22 - Tuesday, 14th July, 2015

    07:52... an early start! Note the new addition inside the lock at Kilrush Marina...the floating jetty, with cleats, which enables boats to more easily be secured in the lock.. Also, out of view, is a control console which it is anticipated will enable crews to control the lock gates. Neat!

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
click the above image to view a 30 second video clip of the three cruisers as they depart Kilrush. <br />
<br />
When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page  OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    click the above image to view a 30 second video clip of the three cruisers as they depart Kilrush.

    When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Snow Mouse on the Shannon Estuary, Kilrush in the background.

    Snow Mouse on the Shannon Estuary, Kilrush in the background.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Kilrush in the background with Snow Mouse (foreground) and Cool Runnings heading down the Shannon Estuary.

    Kilrush in the background with Snow Mouse (foreground) and Cool Runnings heading down the Shannon Estuary.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Geoff helming from up top on Snow Mouse.

    Geoff helming from up top on Snow Mouse.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Cool Runnings with Kilrush in the background.

    Cool Runnings with Kilrush in the background.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa 08:40 ... approaching Carrigaholt.  Click the above image to view a one minute video clip.  <br />
<br />
When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page  OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa 08:40 ... approaching Carrigaholt. Click the above image to view a one minute video clip.

    When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • 08:42...Arklow Meadow, a general cargo ship built in 2010. 137m x 21m. Draft 8.48m. Gross Tonnage: 9758 t.  And no, we weren't that close. I cropped the original image.

    08:42...Arklow Meadow, a general cargo ship built in 2010. 137m x 21m. Draft 8.48m. Gross Tonnage: 9758 t. And no, we weren't that close. I cropped the original image.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Circa 09:39.04... Cool Runnings on the Shannon Estuary. Note that I have shown the time in HH:MM.ss format. The next photo was taken two seconds later.

    Circa 09:39.04... Cool Runnings on the Shannon Estuary. Note that I have shown the time in HH:MM.ss format. The next photo was taken two seconds later.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Circa 09:39.06... Cool Runnings on the Shannon Estuary. Note that I have shown the time in HH:MM.ss format. The previous photo was taken two seconds earlier. Switching backwards and forwards between the two photos you can get an idea of the motion of the boat in the water. The sea state is a gentle F3/F3.

    Circa 09:39.06... Cool Runnings on the Shannon Estuary. Note that I have shown the time in HH:MM.ss format. The previous photo was taken two seconds earlier. Switching backwards and forwards between the two photos you can get an idea of the motion of the boat in the water. The sea state is a gentle F3/F3.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Circa 09:40... Cool Runnings (left) and Snow Mouse (right) cruising towards Kerry Head.

    Circa 09:40... Cool Runnings (left) and Snow Mouse (right) cruising towards Kerry Head.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa 09:45... Cool Runnings with Loop head in the background. Click the above image to view a 33 second video clip. <br />
<br />
When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page  OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa 09:45... Cool Runnings with Loop head in the background. Click the above image to view a 33 second video clip.

    When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    20150714094554

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Circa 09:49... Cool Runnings with Loop Head in the distance.

    Circa 09:49... Cool Runnings with Loop Head in the distance.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • circa 11:17... we have made the decision to detour to Fenit and overnight there before continuing to Dingle in the morning. I did some considerable thinking as we rounded Kerry Head. The passage had been very smooth up to that point and my heart was saying to continue onto Dingle but my head was cautioning otherwise.

    circa 11:17... we have made the decision to detour to Fenit and overnight there before continuing to Dingle in the morning. I did some considerable thinking as we rounded Kerry Head. The passage had been very smooth up to that point and my heart was saying to continue onto Dingle but my head was cautioning otherwise.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa 11:17... Heading into Fenit. Click the above image to view a 23 second video clip. <br />
<br />
When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa 11:17... Heading into Fenit. Click the above image to view a 23 second video clip.

    When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    20150714111729

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • circa 11:18... we left Kilrush circa 3 and a half hours ago. Fenit here we come.

    circa 11:18... we left Kilrush circa 3 and a half hours ago. Fenit here we come.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa 11:26... On the approach to Fenit...Samphire Island ahead but not clearly visible yet. Click the above image to view a 49 second video clip. First 20 secs of the audio is significantly impacted by wind... :-(  <br />
<br />
When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa 11:26... On the approach to Fenit...Samphire Island ahead but not clearly visible yet. Click the above image to view a 49 second video clip. First 20 secs of the audio is significantly impacted by wind... :-(

    When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    20150714112611

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • circa 12:00...Mary with paper charts at her fingertips. We always use paper charts in addition to our chartplotter.

    circa 12:00...Mary with paper charts at her fingertips. We always use paper charts in addition to our chartplotter.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa 12:02... Passing Samphire Island and lighthouse.  Note the effect that the wind has on the accompanying audio.  Click the above image to view a 21 second video clip. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa 12:02... Passing Samphire Island and lighthouse. Note the effect that the wind has on the accompanying audio. Click the above image to view a 21 second video clip. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    20150714120058

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • 12:03...we pass Little Samphire Island and lighthouse as we approach the entrance to Fenit Harbour. It has been a few years since we visited Fenit. In recent years we have developed a habit of doing Kilrush-Dingle in a single passage. A long passage...but it gets you there in one day! Still, it's nice to be back in Fenit.

    12:03...we pass Little Samphire Island and lighthouse as we approach the entrance to Fenit Harbour. It has been a few years since we visited Fenit. In recent years we have developed a habit of doing Kilrush-Dingle in a single passage. A long passage...but it gets you there in one day! Still, it's nice to be back in Fenit.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • 12:28...three happy mates!  Safely berthed in Fenit after a smooth passage from Kilrush.

    12:28...three happy mates! Safely berthed in Fenit after a smooth passage from Kilrush.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • A thumbs up from Pat  who has just completed his first coastal passage.

    A thumbs up from Pat who has just completed his first coastal passage.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • We visited 'RCC Suirbheir', one of two high speed Cutters operated by the Revenue's Customs Service, which was temporarily berthed in Fenit Marina. Built in Finland in 2009 and operated by a crew of six they are 23 meter Cutters. Capable of 25 knots, they are equipped with an array of surveillance systems and use  a 38-knot RIB to provide rapid response to board vessels at sea.

    We visited 'RCC Suirbheir', one of two high speed Cutters operated by the Revenue's Customs Service, which was temporarily berthed in Fenit Marina. Built in Finland in 2009 and operated by a crew of six they are 23 meter Cutters. Capable of 25 knots, they are equipped with an array of surveillance systems and use a 38-knot RIB to provide rapid response to board vessels at sea.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Mary, alongside RCC Suirbheir, is holding a PhotoBook of Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 which features one of my favourite photos...a shot of RCC Faire as she powered past us towards Valentia as we headed for Bantry Bay. So, we wondered if it was Faire that was in Fenit on this occasion and then discovered otherwise. Photo of RCC Faire, from 2014, re-produced below.

    Mary, alongside RCC Suirbheir, is holding a PhotoBook of Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2014 which features one of my favourite photos...a shot of RCC Faire as she powered past us towards Valentia as we headed for Bantry Bay. So, we wondered if it was Faire that was in Fenit on this occasion and then discovered otherwise. Photo of RCC Faire, from 2014, re-produced below.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • RCC Faire ... 19th July 2014...between Dursey Head and Valentia Island. This is one of my favourite photos.

    RCC Faire ... 19th July 2014...between Dursey Head and Valentia Island. This is one of my favourite photos.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • The crews of Arthur and Cool Runnings enjoying a dinner in the West End restaurant in Fenit after a nice passage from Kilrush.

    The crews of Arthur and Cool Runnings enjoying a dinner in the West End restaurant in Fenit after a nice passage from Kilrush.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • With the proprietor, Mr O'Keeffe, after a lovely meal.

    With the proprietor, Mr O'Keeffe, after a lovely meal.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • DAY 23 - Wednesday, 15th July, 2015

    DAY 23 - Wednesday, 15th July, 2015

    Well, well, well. Look what happened in the latter half of Tuesday. Note how the wind and gust levels rose. Wind to F4 and gusts to F5. We did well to detour to Fenit instead of continuing on to Dingle. This was subsequently confirmed by a sailor who took his yacht from Fenit to Dingle on Tuesday. He encountered rough weather as he made his way through the Blasket Sound and then onto Dingle. And like us, the earlier part of his passage was quite smooth!

    Anyway, we made it to Fenit and now have a passage to Dingle in what looks like much more favourable weather. Wind and Gust are both showing F3...and the wave height is lower....less than a metre... :-)

    2015BrandonBay

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • circa 07:50 A panorama of Tralee Bay as viewed from Fenit Harbour. Samphire Island and lighthouse in distance. Samphire is a little green vegetable which is sometimes referred to as 'Asparagus of the Sea'!  A lovely treat when lightly boiled (or steamed) and then tossed in a little butter or a hollandaise sauce or similar.

    circa 07:50 A panorama of Tralee Bay as viewed from Fenit Harbour. Samphire Island and lighthouse in distance. Samphire is a little green vegetable which is sometimes referred to as 'Asparagus of the Sea'! A lovely treat when lightly boiled (or steamed) and then tossed in a little butter or a hollandaise sauce or similar.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • It's circa 07:55 and all three boats and crews are getting ready to depart Fenit bound for Dingle.

    It's circa 07:55 and all three boats and crews are getting ready to depart Fenit bound for Dingle.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • circa 08:10... and we have departed Fenit. Tralee Bay looks calm. And the sun is belting down from a mostly clear blue sky.

    circa 08:10... and we have departed Fenit. Tralee Bay looks calm. And the sun is belting down from a mostly clear blue sky.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa 08:07... click the above image to view a 39 second video clip of the three cruisers as they depart Fenit. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa 08:07... click the above image to view a 39 second video clip of the three cruisers as they depart Fenit. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    20150715080748

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Samphire Island and Lighthouse ahead as we make our way through Tralee Bay.

    Samphire Island and Lighthouse ahead as we make our way through Tralee Bay.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • VIDEO<br />
<br />
circa 08:13... click the above image to view a 30 second video clip of Cool Runnings and Snow Mouse as they depart Fenit Harbour. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.<br />
<br />
NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    VIDEO

    circa 08:13... click the above image to view a 30 second video clip of Cool Runnings and Snow Mouse as they depart Fenit Harbour. When the video is 'Loaded' you will need to click on the 'Play' button to start the video playback.

    NOTE that viewing the video will cause another page to open in which the video will play. To return to the PhotoJournal click on the X at top right-hand corner of the video page OR hit the 'Back' button on your browser.

    20150715081301

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • Cool Runnings and Snow Mouse departing Fenit.

    Cool Runnings and Snow Mouse departing Fenit.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

  • circa 08:55 and Magharee Sound lies straight ahead.  However the sea state has become less settled than when we initially departed Fenit although the above picture doesn't quite show the rollers that we started to encounter at this point in our passage. Perhaps a bit of 'wind against tide'. We departed Kilrush approx. three hours after high tide.

    circa 08:55 and Magharee Sound lies straight ahead. However the sea state has become less settled than when we initially departed Fenit although the above picture doesn't quite show the rollers that we started to encounter at this point in our passage. Perhaps a bit of 'wind against tide'. We departed Kilrush approx. three hours after high tide.

    From 2015-07-14 Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2015 - Part 2

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