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SOUTH EAST CRUISING SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER 2.05

BIG NEWS

I am now a fully fledged Mature Student studying for an Arts Deree in UCD, so my Winter/Spring will be mainly taken up with matters studious! Therefore, my sailing season will now be more or less confined to the months of June, July and August for the next 3 years – assuming all goes to plan.

Our Scotland Delivery Adventure

   This was definitely a trip of 2 halves with a very enjoyable half time break (for me)! We (Brian, Leo and myself) left Cork on Sun 22^nd and made Kilmore Quay that pm. On Monday we did 65 miles to Wicklow in 8 hours, clocking 14.1 knots off Wicklow Head in a full gale with a storm jib and 3 reefs in the main – what a sleigh ride. We had virtually no wind all the way to Bangor, but the penultimate leg up to Campbelltown, on the Mull of Kintyre was another thrill a minute. As we left Bangor, we monitored on VHF the final moments of Howth yacht “Megawatt” – check this link to read Philip Watsons account  http://www.hyc.ie/news/newsview.asp?newsid=285 . As we neared the Scottish coast, the southerly winds had been building to Force 7/8 all afternoon, creating a large following sea in poor visibility. As we were only carrying a small jib, there were no risk of an accidental jibe, but we still had a few hairy moments. A strong gust took the boat broadside onto a large wave, causing us to be almost knocked down – a lucky escape. Not long afterwards, a large wave broke over the stern of the boat, pooping our cockpit and filling my boots with sea water. Were we glad to make landfall that evening, enjoying a good steak dinner and watching Liverpool break the AC Milan superstars. Next morning, we delivered the boat to Conor in Tarbert.

From there the next part of my adventure began. While the boat was racing at Tarbert, I decided to visit the island of Islay – the only Scottish isle home to 7 distilleries. I stayed in the Youth Hostel at Port Charlotte and enjoyed a real Scottish welcome in the local pub, including a ceilidh and singsong. Next day I decided to do a long walk around the south west peninsula in wild and windy conditions, to make an amazing discovery. A farmers wife gave me a lift and at their farm, introduced me to their “wee goatie beastie”. One of their Cheviot ewes had an interspecies liaison with a wild Billy Goat and produced a GEEP/SHOAT – see the photo. Since my visit, the “wee beastie” has featured in the Scottish Farmer, Daily Mail and Oban Times – a real celebrity at 8 weeks of age.

Geep or Shoat with ewe mum.

That Sunday was open day in the local distillery at Bruichladdich (pronounced brook-laddie) to which I gravitated. They had all sorts of stalls, entertainment, tours and a whiskey masterclass, which I managed to get a late ticket for. This was one weekend I won’t forget in a hurry, I can tell you. Hic!

Back to reality and Tarbert – my return crew of Paddy, Sara and Bob arrived on Monday pm and we set off into a S/SW airflow. It was reasonably pleasant to Bangor, but that was no preparation for what was to follow. To say the rest of our passage was cold, wet, miserable and tedious would be just about the mark. Wednesday through to Saturday, we had strong to near gale force winds on the nose, with rain, mist and sloppy seas driving into the “sh1t” under engine all the way to Cork. A few rest stops along the way helped us keep our batteries topped up, but it was a tired and exhausted crew that arrived in Cork. Such are the joys of delivery trips!

 

2005 SCHEDULE

  (See SCHEDULE and SPECIALS above for courses, deals and discounts)

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Restuarant berths in Okuklje, Mjlet Is.

Our return trip to Croatian waters in September is nearly full (1 space left 16/6) – it is a beautiful unspoilt destination, with friendly warm people

- suitable for beginners who like the sun - sail on a comfortable c.40' Cruising Yacht in September 2005

7 day course 3rd to 10th Sep €800 p.p. (excl. flight)

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 We plan to join the Tall Ships in the Parade of Sail as they leave Waterford (Jul 9th) for a weekend trip (full), and maybe explore the local hotspots after they depart.

Due to a change of plan, I can now offer a 3 day return trip to Wicklow Mon 11^th to 13^th July from Waterford – cost is €240 pp (20% discount on normal fees).

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CANARIES 2006

We hope to be running our annual trip from the Canaries again next January – 1 or 2 boats chartered from a suitable location (Tenerife or Lanzarote possibly), to enable us explore 2 or 3 of the Atlantic islands. These courses are suitable for tidal mile building as well as possibly achieving your Day Skipper ticket. Unless you are possessed of a healthy sense of adventure, absolute beginners should not consider this option, as the seas and winds can be challenging. Click on Canaries above/below for more information.

Greencoasts Charter is a joint venture between South East Cruising School and Celtic Ventures Sea School - contact Egon on 0402 39418 / celticventures@eircom.net / www.celticventures.com or click here - GREENCOASTS

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More Firsts

On Friday 17^th June, I conducted an I.C.C. test with Paul Doran of Courtown SC and he achieved the singular distinction of 100% in his written test. Well done Paul.

Also, on board that day, he had a very distinguished crew – Andrew Cody of Gorey is the first Irish citizen to be accepted into the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. He is one of only 12 non-US nationals inducted in the 2005 class of 1200 hopeful cadets. Congratulations Andy and we hope all goes well for you in your Navy career.

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Saltee Dog

My school boat, Saltee Dog, has been overhauled and repainted, giving her a whole new lease of life. She is looking her best

since I got her in 1998 and belies her 26 years as an active sailing vessel. Judge for yourself – not bad for an ex-Banker!

Saltee Dog gleaming! Wow

Read Previous Newsletters –

-NL1.05

-NL2.04

-NL1.04

Toesun comes usually on our trips - he has settled in well