The passage from Bangor to Douglas was a bit irritating, as we were partly just drifting along south with the tide currents to kill time. Drifting from the North Channel into the Irish Sea. Time well spent on the ocean, if weather permits. A wonderful night at sea.
Fair winds…
Our sail issue got fixed to allow us to proceed with the journey. There was also a bit of time left to explore Bangor, not bad! A nice seaside resort.
We had to catch the last weather window for this month into Douglas.
Fair winds…
Days in Belfast were flying by and my focus remained on recovery to leave this nasty cold behind me, once and forever! The pharmacist the other day recommended with a smoky, rough voice and smiling face: warm whiskey!
Feeling better now and pumped up to hit the ocean again, I left Belfast in the evening hours, ETA Douglas next day 11am, 1 hour before hight tide, 80nm, weather window & tides perfectly arrange. All good until I unfurled the headsail and observed something strange at the top of the forestay.
Picture taken, shared and minutes later, after a very helpful discussion over a phone call with sailing mate Volker from SY Hexe, I concluded: not going to proceed under these conditions, need to be fixed first. Douglas can wait.
Bangor, the sailing mekka of Nothern Ireland and accredited with five golden anchors, was just 4nm ahead.
I informed Jan & Natascha from SY Auryn that they will have to proceed without our accompany.
Looking forward to understand the root cause of this issue.
Fair winds…
It was an interesting passage from Scotland to Northern Ireland. Starting with no wind and flat seas, it peaked up to 26kn gusts and 2m waves while it ended with a pleasant close hauled approach along the channel leading into Belfast. Plenty of dolphins and two young puffins were the highlights.
Fair winds…
Co-Skipper and TideMaster Jan calculated the departure time to 3am in order to maximze the benefit from the currents on our way through the North Irish Channel.
Belfast was for me the most interesting stop in Ireland. The maritime heritage is huge and well presented. The political history not less interesting but comes with a pinch of bitterness.
Next stop: Scotland!
Fair winds…
To me, the above slogan somehow summarizes the spirit here in Belfast. It might be a bit polarizing but the industrial revolution was incredible and intense in this part of Ireland during the 19th and early 20th Century. Workers were needed and they came from all over Ireland into Belfast.
The Dock Cafe next to our pontoon here in the Titanic Quarter has got an interesting concept based on donation. Any sober business man or woman would shake his or her head around it not investing a single pound or even penny, whatever the equivalent in sterling might be.
We went there and grabbed a coffee and one of the delicious cakes. Cosy, friendly and accommodating.
Honesty works since March 2012!
We have been in numerous public houses since our arrival in Ireland but Madden‘s Bar is without doubt top notch. It got it all – even on a Monday night!
A bit outside the core city centre, the political couleur shall become clear before you join the crowed inside. Read on the photo, if in doubt. Latest when the whole pub roars “Back Home in Derry“ someone should not even think about a conversation around the crown.
We will go again tonight for a final pint or two or…
It was a long ride today but I was keen to round Strangford Lough to get a first hand impression. It was nice but not spectacular. Although not much traffic at all I am impressed about the respect cars give to bikers.
Fair winds…
The rainy day was perfect to visit the futuristic Titanic Museum next to our marina. Multimedia at perfection got our presence and attention for more than three hours. A fantastic journey through time, from incredible enthusiasm and proudness to shock and pain. Very impressive!
Fair winds…
