Ireland

Irish weather has a habit of being contrary. As we sailed The St. Georges Channel we had an eclectic mix of no wind, great wind and strong winds from the wrong direction. We had to motor most of the way to Arklow having anchored off Dulas Bay Anglesey for a short while waiting for the tide to turn. We were moored rafted up against the catamaran WindcatII which goes out to service the wind farms... a big sturdy beast which gave us good support. We stayed in Arklow overnight before setting sail for Kilmore Quay. This was a great days sailing. We hardly had to revert to the engine at all. There was one incident of note. As we made our way into harbour, looking to turn at the appropriate point after St Patricks Bridge, a fishing boat decided that it would race up behind us and then alongside us with no need to come anywhere near us.We gave him 5 long blasts on the horn and he passed in front of us. As we went along our way we noticed that he did exactly the same to a yacht in front. Obviously a fishing boat with attitude!
Kilmore Quay was packed and the welcome from fellow sailors could perhaps have been warmer. We eventually moored alongside a Halberg Rassy.