Day 21
Depart Rossaveel 1015 arrive Roundstone 1515 - 24 miles
Set the mainsail as we motored down Cashla Bay.
Wind increased the to 27 knots and there were a few anxious faces amongst the crew with the thought of a 4 hour beat into the wind. Put a reef in the mainsail.
1210 abeam Golam Head - strong current and wind on the nose - down to 3 knots boat speed. Increased engine revs to 2800 and tacked up between Golam head and Eagle island until we got onto a bearing for the Inner Passage up to Saint Macdara’s island (used the transit between Golam Head and Croaghnakeela island).
1230 engine revs reduced to 2500 as we got the mainsail to fill and making 6 knots.
Unfortunately by 1300 the wind had veered to head us again and we dropped the mainsail. Boat speed down to 3 knots even with increased engine revs.
1410 abeam Saint Macdara’s island and we were able to bear off to head onto Roundstone bay - unfurled the jib and boat speed back up to over 6 knots.
Arrived into Roundstone to find their annual regatta in progress with 10 small Galway hookers racing. An amazing sight set off by the spectacular scenery with the 12 Bens mountains in the background.
As part of the regatta the all Ireland curragh rowing championships were being held, and we were told at least two of the crews had Olympic rowers on board.
We got a good anchorage position off the north pier, and the anchor dug in quickly.
As Adam was ferrying us ashore on the dinghy he managed to foul the propeller on a rope directly in front if the ladies race start!
The crew had to visit Vaughans pub for refreshments and supper.
The town was very busy and great craic was being had with live music on the main street; what a great day to visit Roundstone.
Day 22
Depart Roundstone 0840 arrived Inishbofin 1540 - 29 miles
Weighted anchor at 0840 motoring and towing dinghy to Gorteen Bay to stop for breakfast and a swim.
Andrew made a spectacular breakfast and afterwards he and Adam braved the water (and jellyfish) for a quick swim; the two older crew were happy just to watch.
The bay was beautiful with crystal clear water and a golden sand beach. Weighed anchor 1100
Hoisted the mainsail off Caulty rock when wind angle improved.
Wind speed reduced to 10 knots and we shook out the reef and unfurled jib and enjoyed a good motor sail to Slyne Head.
1230 abeam Mullauncarrick-scoltia rock. 1315 abeam Slyne Head and the wind went directly behind us. Very big following swells and the wind made helming to the proper course difficult, and then the rain started.
1500 passed through High Island Sound (between High island and Friar Island). 1550 dropped anchor Bofin harbour.
By this stage the crew were thoroughly soaked and the mood was distinctly grey. Launched dinghy and motored ashore in full foul weather gear to dry out a bit in the covered outside deck of the Beach Bar (with a couple of beers to cheer us up).
The good news was Andrew booked us dinner at the hotel (Inishbofin House), but the bad news was the local shop wasn’t open until 1200 on Monday - too late for our planned departure, and we were short of food for the next few days!
Thankfully the hotel agreed to do us a take away meal (spaghetti bolognese) for collection in the morning; Mondays dinner sorted! After dinner everyone was tired and we retired to the boat for a nightcap and bed.
Comments