Starlink: 5 Months of Experience
We have been using Starlink for a few months now and thought it was time to share an update as we now head across the Viking Route. So far it’s been excellent but we have a few uncertainties ahead.
How to spend a week in Tórshavn and Nólsoy
We spent a week in Tórshavn harbour, where we rented a car and drove around the Faroe Islands. Following the scenic routes in the road map is very pretty, but it is a good idea to bring food and drinks on the trip. We also visited the famous bar on the island Nólsoy.
Oban and an unexpected music festival
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.
Practical Stuff and Beautiful Light in Scotland
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.
Ireland Winter Sailing – Thoughts and Resources
We had to sail back to Ballycastle to wait for the right weather to go to Scotland and continue North. But we put some of our resources in this post in case other people could find them useful. Ireland is definitely a fantastic place to sail and we
Technical Gremlins in County Donegal, Ireland
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.
The last stop in Northern Ireland – Derry/Londonderry
Sailing to Derry in Northern Ireland needed some careful planning. Swells and currents made it treacherous, but the Causeway coast’s cliffs were breathtaking. Mooring was a nightmare, akin to a Barentsburg night. Despite closed galleries, Derry’s history, food, and street art made it very memorable.
Tips for Crewing
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.
Spending some days in scenic Ballycastle
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.
Starting our trip around the Emerald Isle
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.