A tad breezy today – so we are popping our noses out to see how things are……might be back in Bangor very soon – watch this space!
Its now 4.30 and it has been an interesting day indeed! Our first day with a new skipper Rick. This is, in itself, a big change for us and I’m sure a bit of a challenge for Rick as he discovers the level of skill and knowledge of his crew. The forecast was for force 5/6 north westerly, and we were aiming north.
We enjoyed the sail, and thought it was great with a 17knot wind, but this steadily built until we were in a constant 20-25knots. The sail reefed in we were heeled over and powering along.
"The Hooligan" takes the helm again!
Rick keeps a close eye on John's Hooligan behaviour!
After his exertions, John took his normal afternoon siesta and really appreciated each time we changed tack – but he can normally sleep through anything!
John well heeled!
I popped down to the galley to prepare “Welsh Rarebit” for everyone each time we were on a starboard tack which helped me drop less food on the floor (sorry, the sole!) The wind increased in intensity and Chris whispered to me “when you are on a flight which feels a bit scary, you look at the air flight attendants face to see if they are still smiling, so look at Rick.” I looked over to Rick, he wasn’t smiling……the wind was now gusting to 40 knots so I could see why not! The aromas from the Welsh Rarebit wafted up from the galley, but we were in no position to eat just yet!
We proceeded with our escape plan and headed towards Larne to seek shelter, radioing to port control to ask for access. We could feel the wind ease as we made our way down the lough and we searched for somewhere to moor. I telephoned the local boat club and asked if they could kindly let us use one of their moorings, to which they answered they had seen us and were sending someone out on their rescue boat to show us where to moor. A typical Irish welcome!
The rescue boat arrived
Larne Boating Club's rescue boat - do you think they will pick us up later to put a bit of money across the bar?
A very nice young man!
And he indicated to the RNLI lifeboat buoy………Pete and John caught the mooring line
What will we do when the lifeboat want it back?
and we secured ourselves. I guess its easier for the RNLI to let us moor rather than have to rescue us later!
Just in time to eat the Welsh Rarebit before it became ruined in the oven whilst we hide in Larne!
Thinking about further passage planning, we now listen out for further weather forecasts, we wonder which bit of today’s Force 5 to 6 were the 40 knot gusts!
Time to have a nap after the exertions of todays sailing and look forward to John’s debut tonight as chef! Its his Cottage Pie tonight!
