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| Thats Taipan in the distance. |
Eight days and nights of rocking and rolling across the last 1140nm stretch of the North Atlantic to Ireland and we arrived in Bantry Bay on the 21st of July in the windy, foggy rain. We first had to struggle with the main sail as a result of a broken lazy jack . Eventually we managed to tame and bag the unruly beast so we could maneuver between the extensive mussel and salmon farms. Bantry harbor is about 20nm up a long narrow bay and once tied alongside the lovely new floating dock we were well protected from both wind and swell. Customs and the Harbor Master were there to greet us and complete formalities. Very informally.
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| Bantry Bay on a foggy day. |
Needless to say the first job was the Irish Pub and a Guinness or two. Then the normal clean up after a passage before the serious jobs. Not much to do really considering all the miles we've covered since the Bahamas in May.
Now we will be slowing down not just because with the local tidal range of around 5 meters we will be reduced to shorter legs or pushing current and years in the Kimberley in Australia's north west has taught us that pushing current just a waste of time.
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| Bantry House. |
Bantry House is probably the major attraction in Bantry. Dating back to the 1700 and open to the public it is also a B&B. Very attractive topiary gardens, inspired by the gardens of Europe, and expansive views over the bay make for a pleasant diversion.
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| Castletownbere |
Fresh provisions and we again headed to sea. Well the bay this time. Just 20nm out to Castletownbere a very busy fishing port with up to 80 large trawlers based from here. Nestled at the base of the rugged Caha Mountains with a very protected natural harbor this picturesque little town has also some renowned walks and is frequented by trekkers from around the world.
The forecast is not great but we will endeavor to move on towards the East along the southern coast of Ireland, making leisurely day sails as weather permits.
