ETD1300, CTS South, 142nm
Departed Kilmore Quay with high water around its shallows, heading out to go between the Little and Greater Saltee islands. Clear after 4 miles we turned to 180 degrees across the Celtic Sea. Ahead of the stronger winds we were close hauled to the South Westerly 3, great progress in bright sunshine and calm sea. Wind backed so we could close reach for improved speed. A rolling watch shared among the 5, sandwiches and stew prepared, the afternoon passed to the evening with the company of dolphins and gannets diving.
Through the evening our sharp eyed skipper noted a tear starting along the leach of the genoa, a foot long on the seam where it crosses the radar and spreaders when tacking. A search for tape, speed reduced to 2kts and the huge sail dropped to effect a temporary repair on the foredeck. All taped up and raised again, we sailed on in the light wind. Will try to find a sail loft in the Isles of Scilly.
Farewell to the green and charming Eire, I lowered the green, white and orange tricolour at sundown. The sunset was amazing and encouraging as the open sea loomed ahead (screenshot of our position).
We were soon entertained by a Swallow seemingly seeking a place to rest in the sea. Twice it flew inside the saloon and in to the cabins. Thereafter we had to close down the companion way hatches to keep this determined little fella' at bay. Eventually it settled for the shelter if the steps and so all watches had to take care throughout the night. I thought I heard a crunch underfoot at one point, but all was well as the sunrise watch reported seeing it off in good health.
During the night it was beautiful to see the array of stars and sail south towards the Scorpio constellation (Night Sky app. screenshot). The stars were mirrored in the water by very bright phosphorescence, I'd not seen since the first night out of Falmouth. The sparkling plankton, spangled when disturbed by our hull, appeared like the stars thrust powering us along.
I felt suddenly caught out by a fast moving bright orange spinnaker sailing north, why would they light it up like that? A bit odd until I got the binoculars to find it was the moon rise in the East!
Mindful of sailing down the Welsh coast past beautiful Pembrokeshire sponsored for the Climate Justice Fund by David & Gill G, with Solva supported by Pam and Bryan and Milford Haven sposored by Rose.
Moving thoughts, prayers and songs during the early hours of Sunday in the wonder of the open sea. Off watch and to sleep at 0400.
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