Three-Legged Race

13-14Aug13

Carrickfergus, home of the first King of Ireland and more recently as part of the titles held by William & Kate. It has to be said that it is not the prettiest of places though the marina is well run – despite the silting robbing us of around 0.5m – and an RYA centre for SailAbility.

The wind was forecast for a good sail to Peel on the IOM but as we left the morning was still and warm. As we left the lough the wind picked up and we were off. Unfortunately, we could not quite make the course as there was a little too much east in the wind and as there was a tidal gate to meet timing was essential. As the swell built we had to reassess and we tacked back towards Ardglass. On the approach the mist closed in and we were once again thankful for our AIS system as we were suddenly surrounded by FastCat ferries and tankers sounding their approach but still unseen. The mist finally cleared and the AIS warning triangles on the screen turned into a mass of fishing boats heading in random directions. We managed to keep clear and were soon filling our reserved berth ready for a brew and a hot meal.