Friday, 13th June. For the superstitious not a good day to go sailing....but as we are not - we went!
The meal in Rathlin was very good and the locals very hospitable the following morning. Tea and scones at Mary's while Alan and Murray cycled off to the end of the Island.
We left at lunchtime to sail across Rathlin sound and into Ballycastle. A small town with a marina. Blue sky, 20knts of wind again but still behind us – it took about an hour. There is not a lot of room in the marina but the hammerhead at the end was free so we took that. There is another pontoon in the outer harbour but it did look a bit exposed and the local neds were using it as a diving platform despite some colditz style wire fences.
Bought some great sausages from Wisman's butchers – we had met him in Rathlin on Wenesday. Also at long last found a shop with fishing rods so I got a rod and reel.
A guy had recommended the Anzac pub in the village which turned out to be very plastic and nothing going for it. We stopped for a few guinness as there didnt seem to be any other more “Irish” pubs. Does real Irish music exist???
John the harbour master failed to materialise despite many visits to his office. I think he is just a figment of my imagination. Overall I thought Ballycastle was a bit of a waste of time. I don't think I would choose to go back given Rathlin is so close and a better call.
Friday we left at lunchtime to catch the SE going tide down to Glenarm. Only a 22 mile sail and again we had blue sky and 20 knts behind us. The sea was quite lively with a bit of tide against us at the start but flatted out once we go round the NE point of Ireland. Great sail down though but it could still be warmer – only about 14 C today. Looks like the northerly winds are going to last at least a few more days so some comfortable sailing. Be nice if the 20knts would reduce a bit!
Plenty of room in Glenarm marina with few yachts in there. Good depth and loads of space to maneuver. The village looks a bit sparse with few shops but we'll try a local pub out later. Facilities seem a bit basic – and as usual no wifi.
Here's a question. What's black, red legs and lives in holes in the wall. Best guess so far is a black guillemot but any other suggestions? I must find that bird book.
Tomorrow is off down to Belfast Lough and probably into Bangor.
Comments