Wayward Winds

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As I struggled on the foredeck to hank on the no 2 jib, I cursed myself quite loudly.  My first mistake had been to believe the forecast of force 4 on the beam, so leaving the heavy sail below.  It was now force 5, nearly on the nose.  My second mistake was not to change into boots and jacket before going forward, but I knew that we would soon round another point into more exposed waters.  So I got a bit wet and a bit annoyed.  The early dawn view of "Fair Head" might have made me think twice, soon after leaving Ballycastle, but back then the seas were still quiet and we were doing 10+ knots with the tide.

Fair Head

The wind came and went, as did the no 2 jib, genoa and engine, but we made a fast 40 mile passage to Bangor, arriving before midday.

After an afternoon snooze (we are getting old for these early morning starts) we went off to find a new restaurant for the evening.  However, since we hadn't booked anywhere, we ended up back in Bokhara, our favorite Indian, and had another delicious meal.

Copeland Island, East of Bangor

After a night in Bangor, another early start and we motored down the coast of Northern Ireland, dropping anchor in Knocknelder Bay to wait out a foul tide, then sailed onwards another 10 miles with gentle winds behind and the the genoa poled out, to anchor in Coney Island Bay, where we spent a peaceful night.

Coney Island Bay

The forecast for Saturday 27th August was for light northerly winds.  This would mean that a passage to the South would enjoy endless rolling and slamming sails (I hate slamming sails, I can feel the shocks stretching them and wearing them out!).  So, a change of plan and we headed East to the Isle of Man, motor-sailing with the main and sometimes genoa, in near calm conditions.  Rosie made some more bread.

Rosie Bread-making

Visibility was brilliant and we could see the Isle of Man from Northern Ireland, 40 miles away.

Gentle Sea, Isle of Man Ahead

Three miles out from the Isle of Man, Rosie spotted a strange shape in the water and we altered course to investigate.  It turned out to be a very large, very dead and rather smelly whale.  The seagulls were very happy.  We reported it to the coastguard, who put out a securite message soon after.  We could just imagine the interesting experience of running into several tons of rotting whale meat and bones, perhaps while sailing at night.  That would be an unpleasant experience!

Floating Whale Carcass, 3 Miles WNW of Port Erin

In Port Erin, we picked up one of the three visitor's buoys and went for a walk ashore.  The winds are forecast to be weak tomorrow, so we'll stay two days.

Rapport in Port Erin, Milner's Tower Behind

Port Erin was lovely, full of sunshine, sand, holiday-makers, motor-bikers (the older, politer kind) and ice cream shops.  

Port Erin from Milner's Tower, Rapport Far Below

Calf of Man from Milner's Tower

After a walk to Milner's Tower (built in the shape of the opening for a lock key, in honour of a benefactor of the town!), the steam railway was in full swing and we enjoyed a coffee at the station cafe, watching the train puff out.  The locomotive was built in 1874, smoky but beautifully maintained and still going strong.

Isle of Man Steam Railway

In the waiting room were adverts from times past, which show just how much simpler things were back then.

Railway Poster: Bathing and Sabbath Duty


Isle of Man Steam Packet Co: "Lifebelts on all Decks"

Tomorrow we expect steady Easterly winds, to waft us South.  Well, there's no harm in dreaming, is there?











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