Narrated by Mick Clough, Two Shoes
The boats: Rice Pudding VIII, Salty Fiddler, Two Shoes
Tuesday: Sailed to Piel Island, weather fair, no incidents. All three boats moored nice and snug on the club moorings, all congregated on Two Shoes and had a drink, bacon butties & loads of cheese; spirits were high for the next day.
Wednesday: Set off for Whitehaven. Two Shoes had to be woken at 07.00 hrs, set off at 07.30 trying to catch Salty Fiddler. Weather very good, sea state slight. Object spotted off Sellafield turned out to be a sailboard. Two Shoes towed it into Whitehaven for safety. About 5 miles from Whitehaven Two Shoes spotted a large fin but couldn't see what it belonged to, also heard deep whale-like sounds from astern for 10 minutes. Sailed into Whitehaven and moored in the marina, good facilities, went for the obligatory mixed grill at Wetherspoons, had a good night.
Thursday: Set off at 10.30 to a good forecast: force 2-3 & slight sea. As soon as we were out of the harbour we were in a heaving sea which lasted for the next four hours. We entered Kirkcudbright, moored to the visitors' pontoon and were greeted by a friendly harbour master. Irene and Tom on Salty Fiddler cooked a hearty meal for all (quiet night).
Friday: Rest day, shopped, relaxed, went to Brighouse Bay for barbecue with Norman's daughters, good time till rain stopped play. Bad forecast for next few days - advised to stay till Monday.
Saturday: Norman, on receiving the weather forecast, told us of a break in the weather so we decided to sail back as far as possible. We set off at 08.30 to slight seas and force 2-3 winds. All was well until we got to Walney when all hell broke loose, sea state was rough, wind force 5-6 for the next 3 hours up to Abbey Light. We all arrived safely but very tired.
Verdict: Good trip, very friendly places and a lot more experience for Lyn and Myself.
Mick Clough, Two Shoes