Thursday 23 July

Left Ballycastle about midday after calculating tides around Rathlin island. Had a meander across what can obviously be a notorious stretch of water in certain weather conditions. Heaps of zig zags on the plotter!!!! Then turned northward towards our destination and since the wind was in the NW, we sailed straight to Gigha without having to tack or gybe….. a rare occurrence! On our way we had the privilege of seeing dolphins, puffins, gannets, guillemots, shags, sheer waters, and a host of gulls that I can’t yet identify. Some birds of prey above Rathlin Island, but not sure what they were either.

Arrived half six into Ardminish bay , Gigha. Half way up the mull of kintyre with mists rolling from the sea my desire…………. sorry 😐

Spent the next half hour trying to get a rope through a loop in the top of a metal buoy . Managed in-the end and retired to cockpit for well deserved ( I felt) glass of wine and selfie!!!

Already posted in my excitement……

What Ive learned today : is where to have your cars in reference to trimming the sails So ….. forwards for wind behind you and towards stern for beating. I’ll remember that as something that used to happen in boys public schools.

A big thank you to all of you who are keeping in touch. Either in the blog or by what’s app or text. I may make light of it but one can feel small and vulnerable on a big ocean and we do very much appreciate all your support and enthusiasm for our little blog ….. it keeps us going!

Sue x