sailscotland 2020

unfortunately it became rather evident around 4pm that our projected time of arrival at the head of Loch Swilly would be around 9pm. Having never sampled Loch Swilly and being a little unsure of untried distant anchorages we had a crew discussion and altered course for Port Ellen on the South coast of Islay, finally mooring alongside in the marina just after dusk. We had a very peaceful night after a great day’s sailing. After sampling the first-class ablution facilities within the Harbour Masters domain, we strolled down to the handy Co-op for a supplies re-stock and then enjoyed the delightful haggis breakfast they serve in the Sea Salt Bistro. We left Islay just after midday on route for Ballycastle. Unlike our Tuesday start, we had a fantastic point of sail and Midnight Mirage relished the opportunity to romp along! The day saw copious quantities of cup-a-soups, pot noodles & a wide variety of liquid refreshment gleefully consumed on route, dished up by our resident chef down below, on duty for the whole crossing. We eventually moored up in the town’s marina just before dusk.

We found that the facilities in the Harbour and Marina Visitor Centre were excellent and we had the bonus of helpful and informative staff who were very willing to divulge all attributes of what was on offer in the locality. Having been at sea for three days, it was time for a day’s relaxation so we headed off to the Giant’s Causeway by bus, enjoying the marvellous coastal scenery on route. Great evening meal had by all in McHenry’s Central Bar on return to Ballycastle. It was unfortunately time to leave Ireland and even more unfortunate to be heading across the North Channel rounding Fair Head at less than 1 knot across the ground. Plenty of information on the Raymarine Axium- Pro Screen and from AIS enabled us to efficiently negotiate a steady stream of commercial shipping using the North Channel. Initially on route for Lochranza at the Northern tip of Arran, our passage had to be drastically reduced given our speed across the ground crossing the North Channel. We had the accompaniment of common dolphins for a short while rounding the

Mull of Kintyre on route for our revised destination, taking up a very welcome mooring buoy in Campbeltown. It was Friday, our last day and it was time to get back to Largs. Little interest was shown in an early rise, although our resident chef’s offering of porridge adorned with fruit did manage to stir one or two. Rather than going on the most direct route to Largs we decided to deviate through the lovely Kyles of Bute. We had a great point of sail heading North along the West coast of Arran and across into the Kyles. Due to our rather leisurely start to the day it was dark when we got back to Largs, so we missed out on last orders in the marina bar and a chance to celebrate a truly marvellous weeks entertainment thanks in the main, to the presentation of a very well fettled yacht. The following day it was sadly hand back time and the long journey back down South! Thanks to Rico Cornwell and Crew. Paul Turner SeaSpray Scotland Yacht Charters www.seasprayscotland.com

SeaSpray Yacht Charters. Explore the West Coast. Yachts from 36ft to 50ft. Magnificent Sailing. Lovely Scenery.

Call us at: 07939 517540 Email: charter@seasprayscotland.com Visit our website: seasprayscotland.com

sail scotland 2020

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