Strangford to Howth
Moonbeam
David and Lynn Wilkie
Thu 20 May 2010 22:09
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53:23.383N 006:04.039W
Monday...a peaceful night at the Quoile and it was
quickly apparent that the surroundings had worked their charm- we weren't going
anywhere!
We both worked at boat jobs and generally joined in
with the activity atmosphere: including lifting a mast and shimming up another
to reeve a stay! A bit of walking in the sunshine and a visit to the bird
reserve
all took up time! Lots of yachts here have been to
Ardfern at some point so it is very sociable.
 Most people put their Yacht Club on the
stern!
Tuesday
It would be very easy to stay and it had already
been suggested that we were around for the Saturday BBQ!
We are not in a hurry but after a cup of tea with
Isobel aboard Glance we set off at L.W to explore the West side of the Lough
with just a portion of the genoa unrolled. Fascinating sailing but a grey day so
no photos. A plan was to visit Sketerick Island and " Daft Eddy's" pub but the
anchorage was exposed to fresh S/SE wind back down to Ringhaddy and a
comfortable mooring in the lee of Islandmore.The anchor has not been used yet
but its time will come!
 RinghaddyWed 19th May
Quiet night but not a special morning as far as
weather goes! Slipped the mooring at 10.00 and motored South out of the sound
leaving Verda rocks to port and made for the narrows. There was still some
ebb
on after Angus Rock light and there was a standing
sea at the entrance; the Southerly wind was only light so it is definitely a
place to be avoided in the wrong conditions! A fitful wind meant that the engine
stayed on until we entered friendly Ardglass Marina. A pleasant quiet town with
an excellent butcher and helpful ironmonger but everybody's wi-fi was password
protected so no blog updates! By early evening the fog came in thick and the fog
horn at St.John's Head was easily heard.
 . Ardglass Thursday 20th May
Up early and away at 6am. Sun came out as we
motored in light head winds for Howth.Gave the watermaker a run and it filled a
20 litre jerry can in 30 minutes which is excellent performance as it is rated
at 30 litres per hour. Very little shipping about and by 11.30 the sun had given
way to grey skies.Wind absolutely on the nose and we did not feel like
tacking.................... Past Rockabill and then Ireland's Eye and made for Howth Marina. Filled up with diesel (must do more
tacking) and paid for berth which was the most expensive yet (AYC clients please
note). A pleasant walk around Howth and if we are to maximise the South going
ebb we have to leave early so we don't even maximise the value from our pontoon
berth!
 Howth HowthPlenty of activity in this friendly marina with
several yachts craned out for pre regatta scrubs during the late
afternoon.
 A week into our cruise we opened a bottle of
champagne aboard Moonbeam.
The next photo was taken by Jane Rentoul in the
Sound of Jura last Friday.
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