Planning 2018 Cruise - Return to Fastnet

[oceanfroggie]

It's been a few years since we were last out here on the edge of the Atlantic but looking forward to a return cruise this summer.

Fastnet Rock

Star Wars - The Skelligs

Fastnet Rock

Routes

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Is it always that flat calm and sunny? Looks nicer than the Med

 

[oceanfroggie]

Is it always that flat calm and sunny? Looks nicer than the Med

Hi Mike. For longer trips we tend to head out during spells of settled weather when the Atlantic swell has had a chance to die down. Once you get around Mizen head to the south coast the sea state can be pleasant during summer months. If needs be, to make a trip viable we have got used to the odd day of lumpy weather. What it doesn't have is med temperatures although back in 2006 we had a spell about 10 days long with temps between 25 and 30 which is exceptional in this part of the world. The Cork/Kerry coast is the most scenic cruising ground in Ireland with loads of bolt holes, and the Cork coast is the centre of Ireland's sailing and boating activity. Noel

 

[Mike k]

I will await your reports with interest Noel. Will you call in at Courtown?

 

[Pinnacle]

Is it always that flat calm and sunny? Looks nicer than the Med

Mike. I can say from personal experience it’s not always that calm. In August 1979 it was very unpleasant!

 

[IDAMAY]

Mike. I can say from personal experience it’s not always that calm. In August 1979 it was very unpleasant!

Fastnet Race by any chance? We cruised that coast in 2004 if memory serves. The weather was pretty awful but we had a wonderful time, mainly because of the warm hospitality and great crac.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

The Cork/Kerry coast is the most scenic cruising ground in Ireland with loads of bolt holes, and the Cork coast is the centre of Ireland's sailing and boating activity. Noel

Hi Noel. I've only ever seen it from the inside of a rental car (actually once from the inside of a rally car but thats another story!) and it is indeed a beautiful area. Cruising that coastline in my own boat is on my boating bucket list so I'm looking forward to your cruise reports so plenty of pics please

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Mike. I can say from personal experience it’s not always that calm. In August 1979 it was very unpleasant!

Terrible disaster. Did you finish or were you one of the unlucky ones?

 

[Pinnacle]

Terrible disaster. Did you finish or were you one of the unlucky ones?

We stopped racing and went into survival mode when the winds reached 50kts. I was one of the helms on a 4 month old 37ft Oyster. We took the main sail down and tied the boom down in the cockpit. We beam reached with a storm jib only at around 8 it’s. As the low came through and the wind veered, we kept the wind on the beam and so we ended up pointing towards land. We went into Cork (Crosshaven) and had McVities chocolate digestives and champagne for lunch. No damage to the boat and all crew ok. Whilst we were prudent, I also recognise we were lucky.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

We stopped racing and went into survival mode when the winds reached 50kts. I was one of the helms on a 4 month old 37ft Oyster. We took the main sail down and tied the boom down in the cockpit. We beam reached with a storm jib only at around 8 it’s. As the low came through and the wind veered, we kept the wind on the beam and so we ended up pointing towards land. We went into Cork (Crosshaven) and had McVities chocolate digestives and champagne for lunch. No damage to the boat and all crew ok. Whilst we were prudent, I also recognise we were lucky.

Glad to hear you and the boat made it through safely

 

[oceanfroggie]

I will await your reports with interest Noel. Will you call in at Courtown?

Well a pal of mine now lives very close to Courtown and he tells me the harbour was recently dredged so it would be a nice overnight stop on the way up the coast. He tells me though that it will be jammed full.

 

[oceanfroggie]

Hi Noel. I've only ever seen it from the inside of a rental car (actually once from the inside of a rally car but thats another story!) and it is indeed a beautiful area. Cruising that coastline in my own boat is on my boating bucket list so I'm looking forward to your cruise reports so plenty of pics please

Hi Mike

Will do. Here are some past pics to wet your appetite:

Cruise 2006 http://www.derg.ie/cruise06/part1.html
Cruise 2011 http://www.derg.ie/cruise11/list_album.php
Cruise 2015 http://www.derg.ie/cruise2015dingle/list_album.php

Whenever one day happens suggest not bothering with Dublin area instead head direct for Cork coast and get a berth for a month or two in either Kinsale or Crosshaven. Loads of overnight spots within one to three hours cruising and sheltered waters. There is an airport in Cork with reasonable connections direct to UK.

Noel