Day 26
Depart Church Pool 11.40 arrive Burtonport 1830 - 20 miles.
After some local hospitality the night before at the newly opened McCaffertys pub just outside Portnoo and more pints of Guinness than expected an executive decision was made to take shelter in the comfort of having a bed for the night at Mark and Mandy McNeills house nearby (much to Gavin’s delight after 25 days without a bed!)
Mark made us breakfast at Ballyeriston before we headed out to the boat - got a lift from George, a local boatman in Portnoo harbour.
A bulk upload of supplies was added to the boat via Mike V and a sudden realisation from Niney in that he left behind on the dock his beloved bumblebee-decorated rucksack although at the time when describing what he had left behind he was adamant it was a ‘grey’ bag much to our delight when George dropped it off, Niney could not hide from the laughter of his fellow crew!
It’s a dry morning but very overcast and wind is strong. Hoisted mainsail as we motored out past Inishkeel - big waves already.
1310 abeam Black Rock Point, the Southwest tip of Arranmore island. Seas are big swells with a strong wind driven chop - hard work.
1335 abeam Arranmore lighthouse. Wind increased to over 20 knots as we bore off around the north of Arranmore.
Lovely sail down to Calf island where we picked up a visitor mooring to wait for the tide to go into Burtonport and had a light lunch. In typical fashion after a completely dry sail the entire journey the heavens opened and torrential rain and more wind greeted us as we came to pick up the visitor mooring bouy.
The Stalwarts of the Burtonport area and local legends Laird Dinsmore and Mike Crowe came across on a rib to discuss tactics for going into the North channel into Burtonport, and also for the evening’s bbq. Laird who was concerned of our early arrival and potential to visit the pub earlier than expected did his best to convince Gavin to hold on anchor longer for an extra 2 hours using the excuse of low water in the channel to steer away any intentions of make a dart across to burtonport!
Eventually after numerous checks of the chart and tide make we motored across from Arranmore at 1830 escorted by Laird and tied up against the north side of the pier. A usually difficult channel to navigate and spectacular tide surge followed by old fashioned beacon lights giving our entry lane into the harbour to avoid the rock hazards surrounding us.
Our water taxi collected us at 1930 and we enjoyed the hospitality of Mike and Rosemary on Rutland island. Stories down through the years were discussed and lots of reminiscing of the great stories of everyone sharing boat trips together. Mike needed assistance on the BBQ as the struggle from hosting guests to putting food on the table became apparent! Ross stepped in to make sure everyone had their BBQ in the end!
Another water taxi back navigating through the hidden rock beds off Rutland island got us safely back to the boat at midnight which capped off a great day.
Day 27
Depart Burtonport 1030 arrive Downings 1550 - 35 miles
The day began dusting off the red wine from the previous night and awaking to find visitors on the port side of toucan who had tied up alongside. The 30ft yacht was crewed by two Englishman who were also taking part in a round Ireland circumnavigation and we’re trying to keep up with the pace of Gavin over the previous days!
A tactical breakfast and fry up was ordered by all onboard as preparation for the long journey to Downings ahead.
We filled the diesel tanks, water tanks and set off in glorious sunshine and a stiff breeze.
After a Rutland island send-off and residents waving us on our way we were able to navigate the tricky channel, rock hazards and tide to begin our journey to Horn Head. It quite quickly became apparent there was much more breeze than forecasted and big seas followed us.
Progress was swift and we quickly arrived at 1130 to Owey Island, inside the Stag rocks.
At this stage Ross was assigned professional photographer onboard and many pictures and videos were taken of the stunning scenery and backdrop with everyone having a go on the helm.
Wind was now becoming steady at SW 23+ knots and the sun continued to make an appearance.
After retiring from chief photographer duties, Ross on the helm at 1230 gybed in towards the shoreline to add some youth to helming duties and a jump in boat speed increased with a claimed top speed 13.8 knots! Debate on this led well into the night on dry land.
As we worked further down the coastline around 1300 we were abeam Bloody Foreland - the third corner of Ireland now rounded for Gavin and there became a sudden realisation that the trip was entering its final stretch with the home leg now very much in sight.
At this stage the sea swell increased and the mainly assigned description of Toucan IV as a cruiser for a while switched off as the crew were trying to race down the waves as if it was the original Toucan back in the day! By 1350 we were abeam Inish Beg & Inishdooey islands.
Big following sea made very confused as they funnelled between Tory Island and Inish Beg - kept Mike very busy on the wheel trying to keep on a straight path with Ross criticising the fact Mike had multiple unplanned Chinese gybes it was becoming embarrassing! Out of practice on the helm clearly!
Mikes driving out of the way and thankfully behind the crew, the Code 0 was unfurled as we approached Horn Head. Ross returned to chief photographer duties and at 1450 we were abeam Horn Head and hardened up into Sheep Haven bay. Gavin’s scrapbook of photos from the trip will have plenty from turning Horn Head!
A tight reach across the bay before picking up a visitor mooring. Gavin pointed out that was the most efficient mooring pick up of the trip and pack down but we will need to debate this with the other crews who have been involved since the start of the trip!
Chris was out on a windsurfer and came across to welcome us to Downings. After going ashore we enjoyed a final drink with Nigel in the Harbour bar before he left us after 7 days onboard; thank you Niney.
Chris offered us showers in his house and afterwards we caught up on his news with Zoe and family. Dinner in the Beach hotel before a nightcap in the Harbour bar, and of course it had to rain as we took the dinghy out to the boat.
An early night as we need to leave early tomorrow to catch the ride at Inishtrahull Sound off Marin Head.
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