2002 Sailing
NW Ireland, NW Scotland and the Hebrides
After a wonderful summer in 2001 in West Ireland, 2002 saw us
heading north and spending most of the summer in the Hebrides.
In May we had a glorious 2 weeks from the Shannon Northwards,
getting as far as Achill. It is says something for the remoteness of
the region, and the lack of cruising yachts, that Judicious and I
were remembered from the previous year.
Judicious spent a
couple of weeks at Clifden and then I took here up round the NW
corner to Portrush. 
This
area is very much more remote. The only place of any size we visited
was Killybegs. For about a week shopping was not really possible,
either because it was too rough for safe dinghy work or shops were
not available, so good victualling is required.
The salmon
nets are out, and as always they are not marked. A plea - salmon
netters please put flags on your marker buoys, at least that will
make them more visible. No nets are out on Friday, Saturday and
Sundays.
The weather was challenging, F6-7 winds for much of
the time, but some sun, little rain. Had a glorious sail from Lough
Swilly to Portrush in a Sly6, with a 3kn tide under us - 40 miles
over the ground in less than 6 hours. This part of the coast has
spectacular scenery.
Had a great time with the IDV Malt Whisky
Distillery cruise in the last 2 weeks in July - visitingOban and
Talisker (Skye) distilleries.
|
There has been mixed weather in the Hebrides. I have sailed
from The Sound of Jura to Fort William, then Oban and the Sound of
Mull, SW Skye to the outer Hebrides - S Uist, Benbecula, N Uist
and Harris before returning to the mainland near Mallaig.
As
always, the scenery is magnificent (when it can be seen through
the drizzle...) and the sailing comparatively gentle after the
strong winds around NW Ireland.
Compared to 10
years ago when I was last in the region I am surprised at the
number of yachts, especially in the Oban and SE Skye areas. Whilst
it is only a fraction of the number seen on the S coast of England
there has been a very significant increase.
Judicious will
be spending the winter on the West coast.
|
 |
Updated 3rd january 2003<
Click below to go to the top of the Scotland menu:
