Donegal Over The Horizon
This had been a long anticipated days sailing. It was to be our longest, with considerable time spent out of sight of land. It was also a homecoming of sorts as the skippers second home!
The anchor was raised as dawn was breaking and we bade farewell to Mayo on a glorious morning. Past the staggs and Buddha rock and we were soon in the wide expanse of Donegal Bay.
Winds were light but building and it wasn't too long before the main was doing more than steadying the ship. What had been anticipated as a somewhat arduous haul turned into a stunning days sail, though Mark seemed particularly excited and almost salivated as Goose heeled with the wind.
It wasn't long before we were sailing under Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, looking resplendent in the spring sunshine.
Killybegs was soon in our sights and there was a an easing to our elation. This was to be a hiatus in our odyssey with Siobhan taking her father off to a funeral in Bristol while the skipper would head back to Belfast to celebrate Brendan Mc Cabe's 60th. Brendan had crewed Goose on her delivery trip from Kipp to Carrickfergus and as such, the skippers cap would always be doffed in his honour.
The sails were flaked like clockwork by this able crew and soon we were in a port that is the largest.(by tonnage landed) in Europe. Two European titles in such close proximity did not however prevent Goose's company from sucking their teeth somewhat at the cost of our berthage, the most expensive to date, no amenities whatsoever and whatsmore a charge for electricity and water! The companionable ways of the Donegal natives soon had us disarmed however and after tidying the ship we were off to enjoy the gastronomic delights on offer. Mark also managed to track down some local support in repairing that persistent problem with our stern gland and Siobhan having talked her husband Stevie into leaving Island Magee at 4.30am the next morning to take us home, we went early to our bunks.
Mark being the only one to stay aboard during this short break, had no short task list. On the skippers return the next day he discovered that Mark, despite some resistance from the local mechanic, had seen the stern gland fully repaired, sampled the sumptuous breakfasts available in the town, scrubbed Goose's hull and attended to many other necessary chores onboard. Who says he was on holiday??
Miriam and Louise had driven the skipper back from Belfast and while they revived over coffee and pastries the crew headed off to replenish the ships stores. What a pleasure it was to shop without Neil, fresh produce and the occasional sortee in forbidden isles saw our trolley abundant and even including some unnecessary treats. We were heady with excitement.
On returning to the port we bade a fond farewell to M & L, stored their shopping, refuelled Goose and settled into a sleep full of anticipation and uncertainty about the weather. Would it be fair enough to set off for Aranmore next morning? Onle time would tell.
.
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| Skipper Sets Foot In Donegal |
The anchor was raised as dawn was breaking and we bade farewell to Mayo on a glorious morning. Past the staggs and Buddha rock and we were soon in the wide expanse of Donegal Bay.
Winds were light but building and it wasn't too long before the main was doing more than steadying the ship. What had been anticipated as a somewhat arduous haul turned into a stunning days sail, though Mark seemed particularly excited and almost salivated as Goose heeled with the wind.
It wasn't long before we were sailing under Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, looking resplendent in the spring sunshine.
Killybegs was soon in our sights and there was a an easing to our elation. This was to be a hiatus in our odyssey with Siobhan taking her father off to a funeral in Bristol while the skipper would head back to Belfast to celebrate Brendan Mc Cabe's 60th. Brendan had crewed Goose on her delivery trip from Kipp to Carrickfergus and as such, the skippers cap would always be doffed in his honour.
The sails were flaked like clockwork by this able crew and soon we were in a port that is the largest.(by tonnage landed) in Europe. Two European titles in such close proximity did not however prevent Goose's company from sucking their teeth somewhat at the cost of our berthage, the most expensive to date, no amenities whatsoever and whatsmore a charge for electricity and water! The companionable ways of the Donegal natives soon had us disarmed however and after tidying the ship we were off to enjoy the gastronomic delights on offer. Mark also managed to track down some local support in repairing that persistent problem with our stern gland and Siobhan having talked her husband Stevie into leaving Island Magee at 4.30am the next morning to take us home, we went early to our bunks.
Mark being the only one to stay aboard during this short break, had no short task list. On the skippers return the next day he discovered that Mark, despite some resistance from the local mechanic, had seen the stern gland fully repaired, sampled the sumptuous breakfasts available in the town, scrubbed Goose's hull and attended to many other necessary chores onboard. Who says he was on holiday??
 |
| Marks Brreakfast |
Miriam and Louise had driven the skipper back from Belfast and while they revived over coffee and pastries the crew headed off to replenish the ships stores. What a pleasure it was to shop without Neil, fresh produce and the occasional sortee in forbidden isles saw our trolley abundant and even including some unnecessary treats. We were heady with excitement.
On returning to the port we bade a fond farewell to M & L, stored their shopping, refuelled Goose and settled into a sleep full of anticipation and uncertainty about the weather. Would it be fair enough to set off for Aranmore next morning? Onle time would tell.
.
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