Sunday 18 December 2016
Anchor Storage
When not on the bow of the boat, the anchor has been stored in an old plastic laundry basket in the aft locker. This took up quite a lot of space and has now started to fall apart. Therefore a solution was needed. The frame shown here hopefully will stop the anchor moving around in the locker and prevent it causing any damage to the boat.
Friday 25 November 2016
Some winter mods
This was my first experience of using West Epoxy. There are some good instructions, which can be downloaded. http://www.westsystem.com/ss/use-guides/. How strong and durable it is, only time will tell once the new season begins. The flare storage tube is made from plastic drain pipe, something we have always done while sea kayaking.
The crew had repeatedly complained about the "knife edge" on the cabin's entrance, so a piece of hard wood was added to try and make this more comfortable. The hair dryer worked well to keep the area warm while the resin cured. The picture has a "blue tint" because the winter "tarp" was kept on during the process and helped keep the warmth in.
The finished edge.
Sunday 2 October 2016
DCA @ Derwent
Derwent Marina is situated in Portinscale, which is on the western side of Keswick. Although Derwent is not the largest of lakes, it provides a pleasant venue, with islands to explore and opportunities for several Café stops. There is a good slipway and plenty of space for parking. Although the actual mooring space is a little tight. There are toilets and showers, as well as a quite well stocked chandlery.
There many good lunch spots and along with the islands there is plenty to explore. There is a footpath that goes all round the lake, so it is easy to meet up with non-sailing friends and family. There are some shallows to be avoided and these are marked. It is possible to sail round all the islands, but it does get shallow on the east side of Lord's Island and I did need to life the centre board, to clear some soft mud.
Saturday Evening
A short sequence during Sunday morning
Sunday 4 September 2016
DCA @ Ullswater
One of the great things about DCA rallies is the opportunity to see such a wide variety of boats, ranging from established classes of dinghy to home designed and built craft. Many having unique features that have been incorporated to facilitate living on board.
Ullswater YC were excellent hosts and opportunity to have bacon rolls for breakfast were especially appreciated. The weather didn't totally cooperate, with generally light winds and rain on the Saturday but everyone still enjoyed themselves.
Saturday 27 August 2016
Scottish West Coast
After passing through Cuan Sound it is a short sail to Easdale, under jib and mizzen. Easdale is 16 miles south of Oban. 'Eilean Eisdeal', the Easdale Island Community Development Group, is a charitable organisation run by residents and friends of the island to carry out projects on the island of benefit to the community and with the long term aim of regeneration and sustainability for the island.
Passing Duat Castle on the Isle of Mull with a following spring flood tide, which continued to flow all the way up the Sound of Mull to Loch Aline. Trying to head south against this flow would be difficult. There is plenty of room to anchor in the SE corner of Loch Aline. The pilot indicates that this area is full of moorings, but a shoal draft boat can come inside these and anchor on the 5 metre contour. There are pontoons on the west side of the loch which gives easy access to the village of Lochaline. There is also an old quay wall, with tyres hanging down, at the village which would provide a temporary stopping point but is in tidal flow, which is quite strong and would not be recommended for a long stay.
Heading north in Loch Linnhe, looking back at Rubha An Ridire.
There are a number of well protected anchorages at the north end of Lismore, in Port Ramsey. The most protected is a pool on the east side of Eilean Droineach. The chart shows the entrance to the pool has only 0.4 metres of water at LWS, so this should keep the big boats away!
Oban marina is currently up for sale, but it provided a good stopping off point and gave easy access to walking on Kerrera, which would easily occupy a day. The marina charged £16 for a pontoon and showers were £1. Water comes from a spring and it is recommended it is boiled before used for drinking.
Heading south through Clachan Sound at high water, there was quite a strong south flowing current.
Anchored in Ardinamir Bay, on the east coast of Luing, this provides a very sheltered overnight stay. It is easy to walk over to Cullipool and visit the Atlantic Centre, which has an excellent café and exhibition about life on the island. There are now five moorings on the west coast next to the village, which are run by the community.
Monday 15 August 2016
West Cork Run
After the rally there was a four day cruise from Baltimore to Cork, where we finally pulled the boat out at a public slip, which was at The Point, Crosshaven, after taking a bus back to Baltimore to collect the trailer and car. The trip took us round some exposed headlands and it was reassuring to have company of other boats, who had completed the trip before.
The first day finished at Glandore, where we anchored just outside of the small harbour, on the north side of the bay. Just inside the harbour there is a small pontoon, which we tied up alongside in the morning. There are public toilets just up the hill, as well a couple of excellent pubs which gave an excellent view across the estuary.
On a rising tide it is possible to reach Timoleague, where we spent the second night. There is a ruined abbey and interesting church. The channel is well marked and there is a pontoon in a pool, with an honesty box. Officially you should obtain permission to stay overnight. There are public toilets opposite the pontoon. We estimated you could reach here 2 hours either side of high water, although I wouldn't want to leave it too late on a falling tide.
The third and final night was spent at Kinsale Yacht Club Marina, this cost 20 euros plus 4 euros harbour dues. The marina was well organised and the club house had excellent showers, a bar and served meals.
Arrival at Crosshaven
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