A Bit of A Stretch
The plan was for the NYC cruising group to sail, in company, to the Isle of Man. It would be for some of the smaller boats a bit of a challenge, with the comfort of having other boats in the vicinity should something go wrong. Despite all the planning, a forecasted south westerly half gale for the sail home meant alternative destinations had to be considered. The fleet ultimately settled on Arklow, a 35-mile passage down the Irish coast, with a follow up the next day for the more adventurous to Kilmore Quay, a further 50 miles south. Following the last skippers briefing at 21.00 in the NYC Thursday, 12 yachts departed Dún Laoghaire in the early dawn, southbound on the ebb tide. Despite a fluky and light breeze, most skippers decried the use of their engine, many tacking out to sea to get a little more breeze. It was a most pleasant, if challenging sail, in bright sunshine, most of the fleet getting around Wicklow head before the tide changed. Some boats experimented with different sail settings, BOD flying an asymmetric kite which had sat in a sail locker, unused since new, for two years. Arklow, reached in the late afternoon, was most welcoming, with all the boats tying up on the newish pontoon along the north side of the river. While most crews dinned on their own boats that evening, a real test of cooking skills, the socialising was held in the Arklow Sailing Club later, a surprising and welcoming find, with cheap pints and bad pool.
The forecast the following morning, while not looking good for Kilmore Quay, was perfect for an afternoon romp back to Dún Laoghaire. While a number of sensible skippers took the latter option, two foolhardy crews decided to press on south at 06:00 the following morning. It proved to be a challenging sail, with winds occasionally reaching 26 knots, south westerly, and waves between the Tuscar Rock and Carinsore Point reaching 3 metres on occasion. After a nervous crossing of Saint Patrick’s Bridge, the calm inside Kilmore Quay was quite a welcome sight.
Meanwhile back in Arklow the remainder of the fleet took the opportunity to recover from the exceptional hospitality of the Arklow Sailing Club, stretched their legs to clear their heads and familiarise themselves with the offerings of the Arklow area. The more industrious of the crews, realising their vessels were not quite ready for the rigorous return sail to Dún Laoghaire, took the opportunity to make much needed repairs and modifications. The highlight for the Arklow crews was the epic battle which took place on the
Arklow Sailing Clubs’ pool table between Jack Shanahan and the youngest and mightiest member of the cruising crew, Cillian Power. Despite Jacks best efforts the 12 year old Cillian proved victorious handing Jack the defeat which he of course accepted graciously.
While we all had been looking forward to the downwind blast forecasted for Sunday, it delivered more than expected. The Kilmore Quay crew left early in order to join up with the remaining boats departing Arklow around noon. It was a sight to see 8 NYC boats sailing and company, blasting downwind around Wicklow Head, in 25 knots. Bray Head, however, had a surprise for all of us as a squall hit the fleet, with wind speeds reaching 35 knots. Some boats had difficulty initially setting the second reef, but good seamanship ensured all boats got back on course and had a great sail back to Dún
Laoghaire. No doubt details will be more exaggerated over a few pints in the National Yacht Club. Thanks for all the boats that took part, it was a great blast, ensuring all boats and crew we’re fully tested and stretched.
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