Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Wed 26th June 2013.......... the journey continues
Having decamped myself from the boat to head home for workafter the weekend, Simon and Robert have continued in the challenge, so am updating blog from a distance with the wonders of modern technology and the odd text from Cygnet. You may recall in the previous blog I mentioned that they were planning to turn right at Inverness, which they did and as a result managed to sail as far as Lossiemouth last night before mooring up for a few hours rest and refreshments. (I am reliably informed that this consisted of a Pot Noodle). They didnt rest long however as to catch the tide they were up at stupid oclock (4am) so that they could get wind and tide in their favour. They certainly seemed to have succeeded as a recent update from them was with much delight to say that they were sailing at 10.5 Knots. Having past Peterhead at that speed they are hoping to make Montrose tonight which will have meant they have covered 120 miles since 4 am!!. What a days sail...........................................
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Monday 24th June 2013
The Round Britain Challenge logistics continues unabated with the current tally of modes of transport to complete this adventure currently standing at:
Gaff Rigged Boat, Plane, Train, Motorbike, Coach, Taxi, Car, Shopping Cart (Long Story!!), Foot.
Each of the above modes of Transport with the exception of Cygnet has meant that Chief Blogger has been able to join in with the challenge as much as possible whilst continuining the day job which is funding it in the first place. Great fun to be had ...............and this weekend was no exception. After our filming experience with Ade, we set off through the Caledonian Canal. It is such a pretty place to visit and one in which I wish I had done so before. With a spot or two of rain, which when you have such beautiful scenery to look at one doesnt seem to notice, we headed through and soon the sight of Ben Nevis came into view. With snow still on the top one could be forgiven for thinking that it was still spring what with all the rain showers. The lush green colours are a marked contrast against the heathers and gorse. Mother Nature at its best. Not much sailing to be had as we motored through the lochs whch meant we could really admire the landscape. Soon however we arrived in Fort Augustus our next port of call. It reminded us of a pretty toy town. So cute and with such character. We met up with Witch and Moon River there who had also just arrived and also a few ofd the Dutch fleet which was fortunate as one of the crew on Leonora III handed us a fleece belonging to Howard on Bonify. I had tried to collect it from Milford Haven last time I headed home but to no avail. I quickly text the Crew of Bonify to let them know. Howard would be very pleased to be reunited with his fleece even if Sue wasnt!!!!. Anyway once moored up and settled our stomachs were rumbling loudly. The Loch Inn was recommended to us as a nice place to eat so we thought we would give it a try.We certainly were not disappointed both in terms of the quality of the food and the ambience. A great evening.
The next day saw us depart for Loch Ness. Here at last we were able to get all the sails up and have a great blow around across the Loch. At one point Robert jumped in the dinghy and began filming Cygnet as we tacked across the lake. We had such a great day's sail and grabbing these opportunities to get all the sails up is essential as wind and tide wait for no man!! (I think that's how it goes)
Having got through Loch Ness and Lochend it was time for Chief Blogger to jump ship again and head back home which consisted of a coach journey from Lochend to Fort William (2 hours), pick up next connection from Fort William to Oban (1.5 hours) collect car and drive home (8.5 hours) A long day but worth every moment to be able to be part of such a wonderful adventure.
Cygnet continues on her journey having turned right as she came out of Inverness. I shall rejoin her on my next days off as she heads home on the last leg of this journey. I do sometimes wonder what the original craftsman and owners of these beautiful wooden boats would say if they knew that a century later these boats would still be sailing and undertaking this challenge with such grace and beauty. All I know is that I have such wonderful memeories as a result of their work......................
Gaff Rigged Boat, Plane, Train, Motorbike, Coach, Taxi, Car, Shopping Cart (Long Story!!), Foot.
Each of the above modes of Transport with the exception of Cygnet has meant that Chief Blogger has been able to join in with the challenge as much as possible whilst continuining the day job which is funding it in the first place. Great fun to be had ...............and this weekend was no exception. After our filming experience with Ade, we set off through the Caledonian Canal. It is such a pretty place to visit and one in which I wish I had done so before. With a spot or two of rain, which when you have such beautiful scenery to look at one doesnt seem to notice, we headed through and soon the sight of Ben Nevis came into view. With snow still on the top one could be forgiven for thinking that it was still spring what with all the rain showers. The lush green colours are a marked contrast against the heathers and gorse. Mother Nature at its best. Not much sailing to be had as we motored through the lochs whch meant we could really admire the landscape. Soon however we arrived in Fort Augustus our next port of call. It reminded us of a pretty toy town. So cute and with such character. We met up with Witch and Moon River there who had also just arrived and also a few ofd the Dutch fleet which was fortunate as one of the crew on Leonora III handed us a fleece belonging to Howard on Bonify. I had tried to collect it from Milford Haven last time I headed home but to no avail. I quickly text the Crew of Bonify to let them know. Howard would be very pleased to be reunited with his fleece even if Sue wasnt!!!!. Anyway once moored up and settled our stomachs were rumbling loudly. The Loch Inn was recommended to us as a nice place to eat so we thought we would give it a try.We certainly were not disappointed both in terms of the quality of the food and the ambience. A great evening.
The next day saw us depart for Loch Ness. Here at last we were able to get all the sails up and have a great blow around across the Loch. At one point Robert jumped in the dinghy and began filming Cygnet as we tacked across the lake. We had such a great day's sail and grabbing these opportunities to get all the sails up is essential as wind and tide wait for no man!! (I think that's how it goes)
Having got through Loch Ness and Lochend it was time for Chief Blogger to jump ship again and head back home which consisted of a coach journey from Lochend to Fort William (2 hours), pick up next connection from Fort William to Oban (1.5 hours) collect car and drive home (8.5 hours) A long day but worth every moment to be able to be part of such a wonderful adventure.
Cygnet continues on her journey having turned right as she came out of Inverness. I shall rejoin her on my next days off as she heads home on the last leg of this journey. I do sometimes wonder what the original craftsman and owners of these beautiful wooden boats would say if they knew that a century later these boats would still be sailing and undertaking this challenge with such grace and beauty. All I know is that I have such wonderful memeories as a result of their work......................
Friday, 21 June 2013
21st June 2013 The longest Day.......... Caledonian Canal...... Corpach Loch
What a day we had today. We set sail from Dunstaffnage heading off to meet the TV Crew with Ade Edmondson'Around Britain programme. He was keen to hear about the OGA challenge and the adventure and Cygnet was lucky enough to be chosen as the boat he spent the afternoon sailing up to Fort William on. The day started off not very promising with an overcast feel about it but soon we were on our way with a tail wind behind us. We had almost every sail out today I am pleased to say with the Main, Mizzen, Jib Stay sail, Top sail and Reacher. At one point we managed to get up to 6.5 knots before the wind dropped .
We were joined in the afternoon by Witch and Moon River. I am in awe of the skipper of Moon River because her skipper is sailing single handledly around britain all by herself. What an inspirational lady she is. So when Ade and the film crew arrived it was great to have some of the fleet with us to join in with the filming. Ade spent a few hours on the boat finding out about the OGA. He was particularly interested in the challenge itself and wanted to hear about the highlights of the trip. For the crew of Cygnet it was a great afternoon as Simon was able to tell Ade all about what the OGA stood for and why we were having just the best time. The Film crew spent a couple of hours with us and they have captured lots of footage of not only Cygnet but Witch and Moon River too. They will be contacting Simon to let him know when the programme goes out but it is anticipated it will be in January.
It was however a fantastic afternoon and they have some great shots of both Cygnet and Witch crossing each other as we tacked across. Cant wait to see it. And what a great way for the OGA boats to be seen. What a great day again. This evening after a spot of food on board we are retiring to the pub with the crew from the other boats as all good sailors do of course!!!!!!!!!!
We were joined in the afternoon by Witch and Moon River. I am in awe of the skipper of Moon River because her skipper is sailing single handledly around britain all by herself. What an inspirational lady she is. So when Ade and the film crew arrived it was great to have some of the fleet with us to join in with the filming. Ade spent a few hours on the boat finding out about the OGA. He was particularly interested in the challenge itself and wanted to hear about the highlights of the trip. For the crew of Cygnet it was a great afternoon as Simon was able to tell Ade all about what the OGA stood for and why we were having just the best time. The Film crew spent a couple of hours with us and they have captured lots of footage of not only Cygnet but Witch and Moon River too. They will be contacting Simon to let him know when the programme goes out but it is anticipated it will be in January.
It was however a fantastic afternoon and they have some great shots of both Cygnet and Witch crossing each other as we tacked across. Cant wait to see it. And what a great way for the OGA boats to be seen. What a great day again. This evening after a spot of food on board we are retiring to the pub with the crew from the other boats as all good sailors do of course!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, 20 June 2013
The next leg........ The crew of SS Jaguar!!!
Trains, planes and automobiles have been a significant part of this Round Britain Challenge. I checked the itinerary and there was no mention of the fact that one could not use other modes of transport to support this challenge. Which is just as well because since starting this journey I have travelled on Cygnet, Trains, Planes, Cars, Motorbikes and more recently a luggage Trolley. (As promised the story behind this will be laid bare in the last blog!!!)
Anyway we returned back to Dunstaffnage and the boat after a few days home. The crew of SS Jaguar took it in turns to do 2 hour shifts which meant that the 9 hour journey back up here wasnt nearly as bad as it could have been. Upon arrival however (7am!!!) needed a couple of hours sleep to catch up before rising at lunchtime to start the adventure again.
After a spot of housekeeping and scrubbing of Cygnet to make her look her beautiful again we repaired to the 19th hole for a spot of Gin and Tonic and some partaking of the local dialect (its a hard life but someone has to do it) and to discuss the next leg which starts tomorrow heading up the Caledonian Canal................
Anyway we returned back to Dunstaffnage and the boat after a few days home. The crew of SS Jaguar took it in turns to do 2 hour shifts which meant that the 9 hour journey back up here wasnt nearly as bad as it could have been. Upon arrival however (7am!!!) needed a couple of hours sleep to catch up before rising at lunchtime to start the adventure again.
After a spot of housekeeping and scrubbing of Cygnet to make her look her beautiful again we repaired to the 19th hole for a spot of Gin and Tonic and some partaking of the local dialect (its a hard life but someone has to do it) and to discuss the next leg which starts tomorrow heading up the Caledonian Canal................
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Cygnet's Chief blogger is back... or at least this is the story of the journey
Returning to Cygnet began last weekend and what an adventure that turned out to be. The Round Britain Challenge is not just about the boats for this blogger, its a logistical adventure too! Returning to Cygnet began last Friday with a train journey to Milford Haven from Kent to collect Skipper's car. That was a 7 hour journey and culminated in arrival at the Station and the subsequent search for the car as I wasnt sure where in the Marina it had been parked before we lset sail to Ireland. That said I was soon in the car heading north to meet the rest\ of the crew on a 506 mile trip during the night. The journery through the night could have been improved slightly however if I had been able to figur5e out how the radio worked and also if the sat nav had not taken me all the way through North Wales . At least I got to see Snowdon!!
Nevertheless arriving ay my destination was a welcome sight being so glad to be back with the Crew and was soon settling down to catch a few ZZ's before enjoying a weeknd surrounded by the most amazing scenery. Having never been that far north in Scotland before I was enjoying every moment. Saturday we met up with the rest of the fleet again enjoying the very kind hospitality of Lsra and Robert at their home for a BBQ. Liquid Refreshment was enjoyed by all. Getting back to the boat was however an interesting journey which Chief Blogger would prefer not to go inato right now but suffice to say there was a trolley involved!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At the end of this adventure I do intend to post the alternative blog which will include all those little adventures that came up which I prefer snot to reveal right now ha ha ha but will save it for then.......
Looking forward to going through the Caledonian Canal
Nevertheless arriving ay my destination was a welcome sight being so glad to be back with the Crew and was soon settling down to catch a few ZZ's before enjoying a weeknd surrounded by the most amazing scenery. Having never been that far north in Scotland before I was enjoying every moment. Saturday we met up with the rest of the fleet again enjoying the very kind hospitality of Lsra and Robert at their home for a BBQ. Liquid Refreshment was enjoyed by all. Getting back to the boat was however an interesting journey which Chief Blogger would prefer not to go inato right now but suffice to say there was a trolley involved!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At the end of this adventure I do intend to post the alternative blog which will include all those little adventures that came up which I prefer snot to reveal right now ha ha ha but will save it for then.......
Looking forward to going through the Caledonian Canal
Monday, 17 June 2013
Leaving Belfast
Before departing Belfast, Cygnet's Chief Blog correspondent had to leave the ship to return to Kent. Deputy Blogger Robert writes.................
Cygnet slipped from her moorings in Abercorn Basin to motor downBelfast Loch taking care to keep out of the fairway. Perchance Cygnet's Chief Bloogger's flight passed in a wide upward arc in the clear skies above to furious waving from the ship and bemused glances from the crew of a large passing barge. We couldnt see the furious waving from the aircraft but knew it would be there too.
Once at sea and with an ESE wind all sails were set including the Mizzen Staysail!!! This sail proved its worth for its size forcing Cygnet up to an incredible 7.5 to 8 Knots. This gave the crew no oend of elation!!!
Next stop was Campbletown and landfall saw us berthed alongside a welcoming yatcht from Eire. Once ashore local hospitality soon found us in the pursuit of honourable partaking and assessment of local brewery offerings. It was during the course of that pursuit that you eminent Deputy Blogger found himself engaged in conversation with a lass of more mature years and lubrication - with thestandard chat up line of " have a sin ye aroon a biforr?"
Campbletown drifted in the distance and we soon found ourselves in Tarbert. A sail loft is in evidence here just up from the harbour office, within which walls can be found a launderette. Here can be found such questions as "have you used a washing machine before??" much to the consternation of the Skipper.
Onwards to the Crinan Cranal
Cygnet slipped from her moorings in Abercorn Basin to motor downBelfast Loch taking care to keep out of the fairway. Perchance Cygnet's Chief Bloogger's flight passed in a wide upward arc in the clear skies above to furious waving from the ship and bemused glances from the crew of a large passing barge. We couldnt see the furious waving from the aircraft but knew it would be there too.
Once at sea and with an ESE wind all sails were set including the Mizzen Staysail!!! This sail proved its worth for its size forcing Cygnet up to an incredible 7.5 to 8 Knots. This gave the crew no oend of elation!!!
Next stop was Campbletown and landfall saw us berthed alongside a welcoming yatcht from Eire. Once ashore local hospitality soon found us in the pursuit of honourable partaking and assessment of local brewery offerings. It was during the course of that pursuit that you eminent Deputy Blogger found himself engaged in conversation with a lass of more mature years and lubrication - with thestandard chat up line of " have a sin ye aroon a biforr?"
Campbletown drifted in the distance and we soon found ourselves in Tarbert. A sail loft is in evidence here just up from the harbour office, within which walls can be found a launderette. Here can be found such questions as "have you used a washing machine before??" much to the consternation of the Skipper.
Onwards to the Crinan Cranal
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Sunday 9th June. Belfast
Having left the Isle of Man with the sounds of a group of young revellers singing to us as we left the mooring in Ramsey we set off for a night sail to Belfast with a smile on our face. It was clear that they had rather overdone it with the liquid refreshment but the sentiment was there and we appreciated the effort they made. At any rate their singing is much better than mine. As we headed out the sea was calm and not much of a breeze so again we motored out and began clocking up the nautical miles as we head across the Irish sea.
The night sail was really pleasant since the sky was clear and the stars always look that much brighter with no light polution. It wasnt long before Belfast harbour came into view and the sight of the rest of the fleet all dressed magnificently made it all the more special. As we sailed in we saw Witch, Annabel J and Bonify to name a few and it somehow felt we were joining the family. It has been amazing to feel that bond you feel with your fellow sailors. Everyone is pleased to see you arrive safely and interested to hear about your journey. Its lovely.
Anyway enough of that....... Belfast was a really interesting place and was made all the more of an interest with the Titanic Exhibition right next to where we moored. The Belfast OGA also arranged for us to spend the evening of the SS Nomadic which has now been renovated and sits in a dry dock next to the Harbour. Its fame centres around the fact that it was used to transfer first class passengers to the Titanic. Stepping aboard I felt as though I was touching history. It was really quite moving. The evening began with Pimms O'Clock on Annabel J (thank you guys) ended with much singing and dancing to the sounds of the local band. The Belfast OGA really did make us feel so welcome and as I retired for the evening I reflected on my first experience of Belfast as one that I will never forget. I have so many memories from this adventure so far that it will be hard to choose which is the best.
As I woke on Sunday morning I couldnt help feel a little sad to be returning home to go back to work as Simon and Robert continued on the adventure....... roll on the weekend when I head back up to Loch Melfort. It might also give me time to come up with a much more interesting blog next time. Sue always manages to provide a much more interesting one so I will start thinking now........In the meantimne I retire to my bed thinking about the Gaffers out there at sea and wish them all a safe passage and lots of fun. See you all soon x
The night sail was really pleasant since the sky was clear and the stars always look that much brighter with no light polution. It wasnt long before Belfast harbour came into view and the sight of the rest of the fleet all dressed magnificently made it all the more special. As we sailed in we saw Witch, Annabel J and Bonify to name a few and it somehow felt we were joining the family. It has been amazing to feel that bond you feel with your fellow sailors. Everyone is pleased to see you arrive safely and interested to hear about your journey. Its lovely.
Anyway enough of that....... Belfast was a really interesting place and was made all the more of an interest with the Titanic Exhibition right next to where we moored. The Belfast OGA also arranged for us to spend the evening of the SS Nomadic which has now been renovated and sits in a dry dock next to the Harbour. Its fame centres around the fact that it was used to transfer first class passengers to the Titanic. Stepping aboard I felt as though I was touching history. It was really quite moving. The evening began with Pimms O'Clock on Annabel J (thank you guys) ended with much singing and dancing to the sounds of the local band. The Belfast OGA really did make us feel so welcome and as I retired for the evening I reflected on my first experience of Belfast as one that I will never forget. I have so many memories from this adventure so far that it will be hard to choose which is the best.
As I woke on Sunday morning I couldnt help feel a little sad to be returning home to go back to work as Simon and Robert continued on the adventure....... roll on the weekend when I head back up to Loch Melfort. It might also give me time to come up with a much more interesting blog next time. Sue always manages to provide a much more interesting one so I will start thinking now........In the meantimne I retire to my bed thinking about the Gaffers out there at sea and wish them all a safe passage and lots of fun. See you all soon x
Thursday 6th June.... Isle of Man TT!!!!
Apologies for the delay in updating the blog but have had far too much excitement with Motorbikes to contend with. Sailed into the Isle of Man during a beautiful sunset to the roar of the motorbikes as we passed Douglas. That definitely set the tone for this week! Martin (aka Gaylord) very kindly gave Simon a Aprillia Futura 1000 bike to tool around on the island for the week. This was awesome since at the first opportunity we hit the road to take a tour of the TT course. The views across the mountain into the bay are pretty spectacular as a pillion as you whizz past them at ..... miles per hour?!! What more could one ask for.
That said the week was pretty full on as we swopped a helm and sails for a crash helmet and two wheels whilst Robert was spending time back in Kent. We managed to watch all of the TT races in glorious sunshine, including the sand and stunt racing which made my stomach churn as I saw them flying through the air. We managed to get down to Peel to visit the rest of the Fleet on Tuesday but only managed to catch up with the crew of Bonify.
We watched John McGuiness take the crown at the Senior's race on the last day and after a early evening BBQwe then set sail for Belfast. The TT was over for another year but the Roundf Britain Challenge wasnt and there was more exciting adventures to be had and more beautiful scenery to discover. Next stop Belfast!!!
That said the week was pretty full on as we swopped a helm and sails for a crash helmet and two wheels whilst Robert was spending time back in Kent. We managed to watch all of the TT races in glorious sunshine, including the sand and stunt racing which made my stomach churn as I saw them flying through the air. We managed to get down to Peel to visit the rest of the Fleet on Tuesday but only managed to catch up with the crew of Bonify.
We watched John McGuiness take the crown at the Senior's race on the last day and after a early evening BBQwe then set sail for Belfast. The TT was over for another year but the Roundf Britain Challenge wasnt and there was more exciting adventures to be had and more beautiful scenery to discover. Next stop Belfast!!!
Saturday, 1 June 2013
1st June 2013 Poolbeg Yacht Club
We arrived to much pomp and ceremony yesterday into Poolbeg to see lots of the fleet moored up and enjoying the festivities. Great to see familiar faces again, Bonify, Witch are moored near us and the rest of the gang scattered around. The Dublin OGA have really made us feel welcome at the event.
We set off from Howth for the short hop across the bay yesterday and I had the opportunity to helm for the trip, which was fantastic. Sailing has been a huge learning curve for me but so very enjoyable and I have had such fun since starting. Those sailors amongst you who have been doing this for years are to be much admired. I take my hat off to all of you for the knowledge and skill you have. I managed ... just... to instruct the crew to trim the sails and monitor the traffic in the bay, whilst I kept an eye on the depth, direction of travel and wind as I managed to achieve 7 knots across the bay. Pales into comparison to everyone else I know but for someone who has only started sailing last year it was a symbolic event for me and one that made me feel like there was hope for me yet......
Anyway enough of that, having arrived and moored up we had a spot of lunch before we took to the local transport system and headed into Dublin Centre for a little exploratory. Very busy and vibrant city . We didnt stay long however as we needed to get back for the evening presentation by the Dublin OGA. Much frivolity was had by all with a glass or two of social lubricant and to the sounds of a great bunch of lads who were excellent.
This morning we gave the organised race a miss in order to make preparations of the next leg of the journey across the Irish Sea for the Isle of Man TT races. It is a whole day sail so chart plotting and victualling is the order of the day before the festivities begin again tonight. Shall be sad to leave Ireland but looking forward to the next leg of the journey with great enthusiasm.
We set off from Howth for the short hop across the bay yesterday and I had the opportunity to helm for the trip, which was fantastic. Sailing has been a huge learning curve for me but so very enjoyable and I have had such fun since starting. Those sailors amongst you who have been doing this for years are to be much admired. I take my hat off to all of you for the knowledge and skill you have. I managed ... just... to instruct the crew to trim the sails and monitor the traffic in the bay, whilst I kept an eye on the depth, direction of travel and wind as I managed to achieve 7 knots across the bay. Pales into comparison to everyone else I know but for someone who has only started sailing last year it was a symbolic event for me and one that made me feel like there was hope for me yet......
Anyway enough of that, having arrived and moored up we had a spot of lunch before we took to the local transport system and headed into Dublin Centre for a little exploratory. Very busy and vibrant city . We didnt stay long however as we needed to get back for the evening presentation by the Dublin OGA. Much frivolity was had by all with a glass or two of social lubricant and to the sounds of a great bunch of lads who were excellent.
This morning we gave the organised race a miss in order to make preparations of the next leg of the journey across the Irish Sea for the Isle of Man TT races. It is a whole day sail so chart plotting and victualling is the order of the day before the festivities begin again tonight. Shall be sad to leave Ireland but looking forward to the next leg of the journey with great enthusiasm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)