Lady Belle had an enjoyable 20 nm sail from Inish Mór to Roundstone across the outer stretches of Galway Bay. Near Saint Macdara’s island a Galway Hooker with full sail passed heading east. Arriving at Roundstone it took a second attempt before the anchor held. It was quite here with boats, just 2 other visiting yachts. There was plenty overnight southerly winds but LB was well sheltered.
Cloud cover was low and the 12 Ben’s Mountain Range were not visible this time. The visitors moorings were removed in recent years. Winds next morning were still strong from the south and any thoughts of staying were forgotten with the updated forecast giving adverse winds. LB had a great reach to Slyne Head with the seas necessitating hand steering. The shortcut through Joyce’s passage was for another day and Slyne Head was given a wide berth.
Now with the wind from behind and sails goose winged, the hand steering continued for the remaining few miles to Inisbofin. The Port entry lights are very tight here but conditions were reasonable as we entered into the shelter of the anchorage area.
Entrance to Bofin on left of pic.
Bofin is another very scenic place and it is usually possible to tie alongside the outer side of the inner east pier if preferred. The next morning I was overboard to attach a rope to a shackle at the end of the skeg. The lifting rudder had been a bit troublesome so this rope was a precaution as it could be lifted manually. Yet more strong west/ north west winds were forecast and this time with gale gusts.
Soon we had the anchor up and LB was on the way to Westport 30 nm away where we hoped to tie alongside the pontoon. It was just after low water arriving in this almost drying harbour.
There were great views of the 12 Ben’s Mountain Range, Crough Patrick, Inisturk and Clare Island along the way.
The forecasted strong north westerly winds with gale gusts delivered and kept us in Westport for 10 days.
There was plenty to do around Westport and we enjoyed the company of Donal’s son Brendan and partner Anita, who now live in here. The small problem with the rudder hydraulic system was sorted.
