My logs in 2024 covered from Dungarvan to Carnlough, Antrim clockwise.
This year I’m starting logs from Malin Head.
I, for one, was glad to get off the west coast not due to wind but to a persistent Atlantic swell this year. By Malin Head that swell was well behind us.
Malin Head weather station records the highest average wind speeds in Ireland but that day we had moderate winds and a good sail through Garvan Sound by Malin having first double checked the tides. Our intention was to anchor just outside the pier at Malin Harbour or if possible tie alongside a fishing vessel at the pier. Leaving the main up the skipper motored in towards the pier with limited depth and space to check things out but sea conditions were not ideal to overnight and so we sailed on to Culdaff Bay. There was frantic waving from a lad fishing on the pier at Malin thinking we were never going to stop or turn around.
It was very lumpy also in Culdaff Bay with the SE winds we were having but skipper reversed into the one available berth on the new pontoon. It’s tight getting there with lots of rocks either side. It was a comfortable night there alongside. This pontoon is mostly used by local small motor boats.
We were up early next morning to catch the east going tide to Ballycastle. Marina facilities are very good here with a friendly welcome and is adjacent to the town and gorgeous beach. The water temperature here is always cooler but crystal clear and while compass jellyfish were numerous along the coast up to now this stretch is home territory to the Lions Mane jellyfish! I kept the wetsuit on.
The Firth of Clyde was decided on as I hadn’t cruised there before. Tides were favourable for a mid morning start . We set a course for Campbeltown Scotland 35 nm approx. Light winds and slack tides made for a relaxing sail through Rathlin Sound then passing Fair Head and rounding the Mull of Kintyre to Campbeltown with breath taking scenery all day.
Campbeltown is small town with a busy pontoon. Alongside is a swimming pool with one of the best views I’ve come across. The pool is on the first floor of the leisure centre and overlooks the anchoring area. Zoom in the photo.
We had a calm night there at the scenic anchorage before leaving for the nearby Isle of Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde.
