We have had a fabulous few days of sailing, but unlucky today, as there is very little breeze and it is “right on our nose”. This means we had to motor most of the day to Arklow. This part of Ireland is very flat, marshland, with very few hills. There are however, lots of wind farms – wish they could export a little to us today.
Pete’s turn to skipper – he took this role very seriously, spent time meticulously planning his passage and ensuring everyone took their turns at the helm avoiding exhausting anyone at any point in time – even if it meant telling me to go straight to the helm as I emerged, bleary eyed from my cabin following a lovely little afternoon siesta as it was my turn!!
When we were taught about tidal streams, Fred said that it was very important that we looked at the tide times for the correct port for the tidal streams chart – if you are a sailor, you will know exactly what I am talking about, if not, just trust me, it is very important and very simple – mostly, it means looking at the times for Dover – even in Ireland (strange I know, but just something us mariners have to accept!). He also said, that although this is important, yet simple, it is a classic mistake people make!
You may remember I mentioned in yesterdays blog my teeny weeny little mistake – well it was this! I looked at the times for Milford Haven rather than Dover. I felt a bit of a twit as I promised myself I wouldn’t do this classic mistake……yet I did – but will never do it again (well, not until next time!) Guess who did exactly the same today – Fred however, alerted by me yesterday became immediately suspicious about Pete’s tidal stream timings and discovered he was using times for Cork………ahem ahem! NEXT!
I felt quite relieved not skippering today, and as we were motoring rather than sailing, it was more comfortable on the boat as we weren’t heeled over – so I set about a bit of domestics and washed the tea towels………South West Marine Training did say that this trip was an experience of a lifetime…….
Washing all done!
Arrived in Arklow at 6.30pm
and looked for somewhere to moor up, it was a little tight and we had to moor along the quay on the wall – we discovered what the fender board we had been carrying was for. Chris brought the boat in (with just a little help from Fred!) and when the call came, I bravely lept onto the quayside to secure the bow line. We had a welcoming committee however – a true Irish greeting.
Having secured the boat, I spotted an Aldi – this delighted Chris who wanted some chorizo to accompany our meal. I volunteered to go, but soon found I had 3 of the guys who joined me – Chris also wanted potatoes – so it took 4 of us to head to a supermarket to purchase this. However, with 4 of us to purchase only 2 items, this task grew a little and we came back to the boat with……chorizo, yes of course, yes, and of course potatoes….but also – tonic water, limes, 2 packets stilton, one packet brie, packet water biscuits, packet digestive biscuits, milk, brown sauce, bread, 6 bottles of wine, a case of beer and a bottle of port! Phew!
We had planned to head into town to sample Friday night in Arklow – it looked a bit dodgy so we decided we would need to lock the boat up if we left it. However, during dinner, having consumed a fair portion of the items just purchased (hic!) we decided to all stay on board
Its a tough life on the RBE!
The RBE - "it may even change your life!"
John giggling!
Our skipper has taught us many things!
Fantastic meal – thanks once again Chris, its 11pm and we are leaving at 7am to head to Howth, Dublin – so its an early night for us at 23.00!
