In two weeks of vacation, the sailing possibilities from Saint Malo are not endless... At the end of summer, we decide to head for Ireland, which we had to give up last year...
It is with a light northeast breeze that we set sail from the Passagère shipyard and pass the barrage under pleasant sunshine.
Nevertheless, the expected depression has arrived, and the crew decides to make a stop at Tresco, to let the front pass and refuel the stomachs...
And some bananas flambéed with rum in honor of the birth of Paola, the new Canevet ;-)
After 36 hours of reaching in heavy to very heavy seas and a west wind of 7 beaufort gradually shifting north, forcing us to sail close-hauled and tack in the early morning, we arrive in Kinsale. We anchor in the river just upstream from the fishing port.
Once the provisions of Bulmers and Guinness are done, amidst the surrounding hustle and bustle, we seek calm in Oysterhaven, a small bay 3 miles to the east. We drop anchor alongside a beautiful schooner and set off for a jog to loosen up...
Departure the next morning under a weakening wind. In the fog, we pass Old Head Of Kinsale, accompanied by dolphins. Under engine, we reach Broadstrand bay, opposite Courtmacsherry. We take advantage of the good weather for a long hike in the Irish farmland.
After an unsuccessful hunting session and a good night, we set course for Baltimore, 30 miles to the west. A west wind forces us to tack four times.
We arrive in thick fog, thanks to electronic charting... We anchor at the foot of Sherkin Island, in the large bay of Baltimore, where France is represented by a Glénans sailing base...
A hot chocolate at the port and we set off for a tour of Sherkin Island by the "best day of the year" according to James, the island fisherman...
Then the vacation ends, and we set course for Saint Malo. After an express crossing to Aberwrach, averaging 7 knots, the NE becomes evanescent and turns east... 48 hours and a few tacks later, we finally anchor at Les Hébihens. The tranquility is over, there are 50 boats at anchor!
On Sunday, 1000 miles and 15 days later, we pass the Rance barrage again, to beach Libertaire, once more at the Passagère.
