Dun Laoghaire and an unexpected surprise

Woke up at 06.15, had a quick look outside and went back to bed. Too chilly!
I didn't go back to sleep so told myself not to waste the day and by 07.00 I was on deck and started going about the work of unhooking from civilisation, disconnecting shore power and untieing the ropes etc.

I did say hello to the blond who stepped off the gin palace near me but was ignored. She was probable half asleep.
A Frenchman stuck his head through the hatch of his yacht when I started the engine. I gave him a wave which was returned before he disappeared down below again. I cast off at 07.45.

I maneuvered slowly away from the marina, took in the fenders and once out of the harbour I pointed the bow south and set Seóirse (George) the autopilot on a course. I sat back and picked up Paddy Barry's book 'So Far, So Good', I couldn't have said it better myself!!

It was flat calm when I left but I was hoping I'd get a sea breeze as the land heated up and by 11.00 it obliged.
I hoisted the sails and was soon making 4 knots heading SSW, not perfect but at least I had the tide with me.

Later in the morning it was hot enough to change into my shorts which normally chases the sun away but today was an exception.

By 13.30 speed has increased to just over 5 knots and a slight change in wind direction helped me steer a more southerly course and it looked like I'd make Howth Head without having to tack.

Unfortunally off Rockabill the wind forced me future east so I tacked out away from the coast and motorsailed for 3 miles to get a bit of room and when I tacked back in I was able to sail past Howth Head where I furled the genny for greater visibility as I crossed the busy shipping lanes into Dublin port. Ulyssey and the Dublin Swift fast ferry were heading inbound.
I motorsailed across the shipping channel and began sailing once south of them with stronger winds the rest of the journey to Dun Laoghaire.

I tied up at 20.00, helped by a man in a 34 footer who was just about to head south himself. I returned the favour in helping him cast off.

Tom Savage had visitors so couldn't meet for a drink so I headed ashore for dinner and a pint and on the way back rang Brian Shannon just to let him know where I was.
We had a nice chat and five minutes after we had hung up, he rang me back to tell me he'd be joining me for the rest of the voyage to keep an eye on me! Also I was invited to stay with them tomorrow night.
Now that I was closer to home, I was less homesick as the end was now in sight.
This was my 27th night on Eureka and I was ready to try a berth on dry land again. I immediately took him up on the offer.

Maeve, when I rang her was delighted I'd have company for the rest of the voyage and I headed back to Eureka (the other woman) to tell her about the unexpected change in plans.Read more