A couple of things come together. Every spring tide there is not enough water in the pool to permanently make Kenmare Pier my home. Also, more to the point, I would like to get some serious work done inspecting the electrical system and sorting out the slab reefing. I really need to be in a Marina with access to proper facilities and marine experts. Kilrush looks like the best option, facility and cost wise, but it is over 90 nautical miles north of Sneem Harbour.
Over the weekend of the 11th, 12th and 13th there are bad north, north westerly gales. I hung out with Finbarr over the weekend. Monday, back on the boat and slowly get her ship shape for the passage north.
The first leg is an easy 30 miles to Portmagee, near Valencia Island just on the south side of the Dingle peninsula. I set off in light winds but poor visibility. The forecast is for variable weather but light winds. It is great to be moving again.
The cliffs and rock formations on the coastline are awe inspiring. The pictures don’t really do justice to the monumentality of these massive rock formations that look like they have only recently emerged from the sea. Hugging the coast line, dodging these islands I imagine I am in a landscape much like the Lord of the Rings.
Most of the 30 miles was under power. I only sailed the last 6 or 7 miles into Portmagee. Still it was a great day out and had a wonderful left field moment when a friend in London text me from Ikea, flat pack in hand.