We're in an improvised anchorage, inside one of the main trawler ports, on this coast. The forecast is for southerly winds "increasing to near gale over the next 24 hours." So I wanted to be somewhere fairly bullet proof. We were making for Lawrence Cove - a bay on the north side of Bere Island. On arrival, it turned out to be rather exposed. A small warship, at anchor, was being visibly buffeted by wind and swell. Castletownbere is "plan B."
There's space, clear of the fish docks, at the head of the harbour, with enough water for Stargazer to float. It's taken up by small, unoccupied moorings. We're anchored between them. OK so long as they stay unoccupied!
Although Castltownbere is a major trawler port, the entrance is only 36m wide. Two submerged rocks form the pinch point.
Red and white striped transits guided us in - for once, under engine!
We beat up to Mizen Head in 18 knots of breeze, swooping over a long Atlantic swell, under jib and a well flattened main.
Off Sheep Head, we cracked sheets, with 25 knots of breeze on our port quarter; and surfed the rollers, funnelling into Bantry Bay.
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Location:Ireland
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