Day 5
Storm bound in Kilmore Quay.
The well forecasted westerly storm arrived overnight and the marina was full of boats taking shelter. A rest day for the crew with some walking and sightseeing. Then lunch and an inter crew pool challenge which ended all square. An afternoon siesta for the crew in preparation for a planned very early start on day 6.
Dinner in Kehoes with some live entertainment and back to the boat for an early night.
Day 6
Depart Kilmore Quay 0410 arrive Kinsale 2030 - 87 miles (a very slow nearly 18 hour slog to windward)
0417 sunrise followed by a sunny and calm early morning; motor sailing with the mainsail up, what wing there is on the nose.
Wind gradually increased and unfurled the jib; wind angle too tight to steer the laylon course so we had to bear off to keep some speed. The westerly wind increased throughout the day and made for slow progress (the tide was also against us for a large part of the journey). 1300 abeam Ram Head
1430 abeam Capel Island
1800 crossing Cork harbour
As we crossed the approaches to Cork Harbour the wind eventually veered to WNW, increased to 20+ knots and we had a super sail for the next 2 hours. As we approached the Sovereigns (imaginatively named Small and Large) it started to rain and we got absolutely soaked as we motored up Kinsale.
The KYC marina manager had kindly offered us the choice of 2 berths depending on wind conditions, and tall the crew were relieved to be tied up and took shelter in the cabin. By the time we walked into town all the restaurants were closed so we headed to Kitty Ó Sé’s bar for Guinness and crisps, and entertained with live music - I think the staff thought we were dancing but actually we were still swaying!
No rocking required to get to sleep when back on the boat.
Day 7
A lay day for crew changeover. Toby leaves us, Mike and Wendy join for the next leg!
Topped up the water tank and refuelled. Watching the SA v Ireland match in the Trident hotel as I type this.
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