Sailing adventures on a Hallberg Rassy 40 in higher latitudes
We arrived in Oban, Scotland on a sunny day, eager to explore. Oban proved ideal for stocking up provisions at local supermarkets. Although touristy with disappointing dining initially, we found a gem. Next, we motored to Tobermory, timed perfectly with its annual music festival. After enjoying the vibrant scene and friendly guest, our trip continued with to Canna Island, filled with historical sites and stunning natural beauty.
We have been quiet lately as we’ve been immersed in sailing life and busy provisioning and planning. We have sailed when it fitted the tide and slept light while anchoring so we have been a little groggy at times. We journeyed from Ballycastle to Oban. We have been enjoying Scotland’s majestic landscapes and people mixed with preparing for going north.
Our journey around the Coast of County Donegal was trouble free until our heating stopped. Fortunately we had planned a stop at Killybegs, (a vibrant Fishing Port with friendly locals) to service our life-raft giving us chance to fix the problem and indulge in local cuisine and rich Irish culture.
I’m Sarah a fulltime sailor with a lot of different experiences. These are some of my tips for newcomers seeking crewing experience. Finding the right boat and skipper is crucial. Whether crewing privately, paying for a spot on a commercial boat, or renting with friends, considerations vary. This guide aims to empower, ensuring memorable and safe sailing adventures.
Ballycastle is clearly a popular Summer tourist destination and as soon as we arrived here, we got the Spring feeling.
Coming into the harbour can be a little dramatic as the Atlantic swells easily get quite big. To get into the harbour you have to do a sharp turn around the break water, but as soon as you have turned the corner, the inner harbour is nice and calm.
In Belfast, we enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and great restaurants. We continued to Glenarm, a small village with lots of historic points. We took a trip to the neighbouring marina where a scene from Game of Thrones had been filmed. the the wind was right to continue to Ballycastle and sailing around the dramatic cliffs Fair Head into its well-protected harbour.
Planning an Arctic expedition demands meticulous preparation. Navigating remote areas requires a self-sufficient crew, capable of boat repairs. Polar bear encounters necessitate firearm training and permits. Extensive paperwork, including sailing, rifle, and landing permits, along with insurance, must be sorted well in advance. Despite challenges, the Arctic offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and continuous summer sunlight. Access planning resources at the provided link.
After returning from London, our plan for a smooth transition to Ireland faced unexpected delays due to persistent winds in Greenock. When the weather finally cooperated, we set sail, rediscovering the joys and challenges of life on the water. Anchoring near Belfast channel entrance before navigating the shipping channel to our marina in the vibrant Titanic Quarter.
Returning to James Watts marina ahead of a storm, the sailors secured their boat with help from neighbors. Amid rising tides and wind, they replaced a failed port light, struggled with a broken washer, and had travel plans to Glasgow disrupted by the weather. In London, they dined in Battersea, visited the American Embassy and art galleries, and enjoyed a sci-fi play in Soho before enduring a delayed train ride back to Glasgow.
13th-19th January 2024 After leaving James Watt marina we headed for Loch Goil and went castle hunting. This is quite easy in Scotland as they are everywhere! The reason for the castle hunting was that …