Day 33: Howth to Wicklow

10th May
ETD 1415, CTS South, 22 nm

A lay in saw me greeted by the crew having all returned from bracing cold showers in the most splendid of club houses. With this local information I was able to delay my shower ETD until the stream of warmer waters. The moral of the tale ...

Boat could not depart at low water so a shorter trip today after lunch. Time to explore Howth and catch up blogs. Howth Island is attractive, a local sailor told me: If you can see the island you know rain is coming'; if you can't see the island you know 'tis already 'ere. I couldn't see the island!

We are travelling down the Irish coast. There was much debate and a desire among us all to sail over to Peel on the Isle of Man, then dropping down to take on the Menai Straight at Anglesey; perhaps the Lleyn Penninsular. But the weather stopped us making those passages in our time frame. On the way south we have passed Stranraer which was sponsored by John, and Peel sponsored by Rosemary and Malcolm; I am grateful to them for their support.

To see us off we coped with a typically average round Britain luncheon from the 4 quayside fishmarkets of Dublin Bay Prawns, dressed crab and smoked fish pate. Heading off in the misty rain and swell visibility was foggy and poor across Dublin Bay. Plenty of shipping and Racons (radar transponder beacons). With our radar on we were able to observe the movements across the bay; useful training.

Visibility cleared and wind increased to sail to Wicklow. Entered Wicklow to tie up to the NE side of the harbour wall; well planked, but mucky green, yacht positions with long lines let us rise and fall with the tide. Greeted by a blue blazered and club tie member of WSC, Wicklow Sailing Club, who'd walked over to invite us to their evening Press Launch of the Round Island Race (IRC/RORC etc). A warm and cosy club house contrasted with the scale of Howth; yet it was full and full of laughter and pride in hosting this prestigious race biennially 17 times. Got one of the big 3 nights a year to arrive with wine on entry, speeches, and then we we're plied with canapés with our Guiness, and more canapes, and more... Lot's of hearty interest in our voyage; anyone fancy bringing me back to race on 24th June?