The aim is to have as many boats as possible join on the last leg, perhaps from Weymouth, and have the flotilla arrive together at Hamble Point. To include your boat in any (or all ??) of these legs please send a private message to Graham (username "A46 Theodore"). For members who are restoring boats and would like to sail an Atalanta there are bound to be crewing opportunities, too. The Start & Leg 1 - Hamble Point to DoverThe relay commences! After a couple of days of preparation at Hamble Point, Simon and A17 cast off on Monday 24th as planned. The start of the relay has been blessed with the finest weather so far this year and Simon's first stop was Chichester harbour. Having resolved a slight problem with the boat's exhaust, by unbelievably good timing Simon was able to deliver a touching personal tribute to the Association's highly respected Patron, Charles Currey, who sadly passed away on 6th May at the fine age of 94. Charles was an Olympic Silver Medallist, Sales Director for Fairey Marine when Atalantas were in production and a devoted stalwart of the AOA for many years. Simon tied his Atalanta ( A17 Gambol) up on the mooring at the end of Charles' own garden on the very day that Charles' family and friends had gathered for a Thanksgiving Service. Nothing could have been more appropriate to acknowledge and say thank you for all that Charles had given to the Association. I'm sure he would have loved the gesture. Godspeed for the rest of the relay. Message of thanks Charles Currey's son has contacted the AOA to pass on his sincere thanks for the "moving touch" of A17's attendance on the day of his father's Thanksgiving Service. It was also mentioned that Simon had taken the effort to fully dress Gambol for the occasion. A bunch of Lightersfield Orchids was given to Simon to pass on the next boats in the relay with a request that they be dropped into the waters off Peterhead where Charles spent his early years. The relay now has a most valuable 'baton' to carry along the east coast.Leg one complete Well done Simon! A17 arrived in Dover at 6pm on Thursday, 27th May from Brighton to complete leg one. He reports that it was a frustrating week sailing wise with any wind there was being light and on the nose, but at least he knows his engine is in good shape. An excellent start to the relay.  Leg 2 - Dover to LowestoftThis leg should see more boats starting to play their part in the relay. A17 Gambol is going from Dover into the Thames estuary and maybe up to St Katherine's Dock. Jane has resolved a minor problem with A183 Bluster and will now be 'at the races'; Colin is working really hard to get A95 Hiran together and most remarkably, Fred Whiteside (with help from John Ingleby) is determined to see A99 Toco play a part in leg 2.
Update 31st May 2010 Jane Stearn informs me that A183 Bluster and A17 Gambol today sailed from Ramsgate to Queenborough (on the western side of the Isle of Sheppey where the Swale meets the Medway) in the face of strong winds. As hoped A99 Toco cast off from Erith with new owner Fred and John Ingleby crewing. Without an inboard and relying on an outboard they anchored in the dark at Chapman Sands at the south east end of Canvey Island on the northern shores of the Thames Estuary. All three owners are to be congratulated for the great efforts they have made in getting the relay off to such a good start. We can only hope that all us other AOA members and owners can try to show the same commitment - come on skippers - time to step up if you can!
Toco on the water
Bluster and Toco are hoping to rendezvous and sail together to Brightlingsea tomorrow whilst Gambol ventures upriver into the Thames. Update 1st June 2010 As expected Bluster and Toco sailed to Brightlingsea or rather motored most of the way as there was little wind and they were trying to beat the tide. Unfortunately Toco's outboard engine overheated due to the effort and without an operating inboard she had little choice but to drift in the busy Thames estuary. That is until Jane offered to tow Toco for the last twenty miles or so. no mean feat! Toco's journey has temporarily halted at Brightlingsea until some remedial work is carried out, but who would have thought that she would even participate in the relay considering her circumstances just a few short weeks ago. Well done Fred! Progress on 2nd June 2010 Jane Stearn reports that Bluster had a wonderful sail today, making an average of 4 knots whilst beating on flat seas with the sun shining(!) to arrive at Harwich mid-afternoon. She is now tied up on the Halfpenny Pier visitors pontoons whilst Jane and crew, son Jonathan and grandson Olly, enjoy a hearty meal at a nearby hostelry. How lovely for three generations of family to enjoy the relay together and Harwich could not be more appropriate as this is where the Mayflower was built that took many entire families across the seas to the shores of America in the early 17th century. Halfpenny Pier was built in 1854 and derives its name from the toll charged to pedestrians for its use. Unfortunately, today it is only half its original length due to a serious fire. Leg 2 coming to a close Today 3rd June saw Bluster make further good progress as Jane and family anchored for the night on the River Ore (which becomes the Alde as it passes Orford) to enjoy a meal and tranquility on board. The mouth of the river is known for its shifting sand and shingle banks and the difficulty in actually locating the channel; Jane obviously using her local knowledge and experience to good effect. Meanwhile Toco made further ground north. Fred and his new crew member Ron, a retired fisherman, sailed to Suffolk Yacht Harbour on the River Orwell between Felixstowe and Ipswich. the boat will now remain there for a few days before resuming passage to its intended home at Kings Lynn. 4th June 2010 - Leg 2 complete Bluster successfully completed leg 2, tying up in Lowestoft marina today after a good day on the water. Winds were light and engine was employed at times in order to make good time and be in position to meet with the next participating boat A31/6 on Saturday. Congratulations to Jane and her family for playing a full and enjoyable part in the relay. Ness Point, Lowestoft is the most easterly point of the United Kingdom. Leg 3 - Lowestoft to GrimsbyThe largest Atalanta model, the A31, entered the relay on Leg 3 with Bill Kennaway and his crew launching Caperdonich at Woolverstone on the Orwell. Only 12 of these yachts were produced and it is testimony to their strength and quality that Caperdonich will be sailing over 300 miles north along the east coast and back to her usual home in Scotland. Jane Stearn on Bluster reports seeing Caperdonich en route to Lowestoft and looking resplendent on the water.
Bill and Caperdonich at Woolverstone Update 8th June 2010 Unfortunately nothing to report from Caperdonich as yet. I've tried to make contact by several means but to no avail and skipper Bill assured me he would make regular contact to appraise us of progess. Due to this I have tonight contacted the Coastguard to advise them and ask for their assistance as a matter of precaution. They were very helpful and are now making enquiries. If anyone has had contact with Caperdonich since Saturday 5th can you please contact me or Humber Coastguard on 01262 672317 at the earliest opportunity. Further update 2245 hrs - Alex Harrison, Humber Coastguard, has contacted me to inform me that Caperdonich is safely tied up in Bridlington Harbour having sailed today from Grimsby. All is well and our thanks go to the Coastguard for their rapid and efficient assistance. Can I please ask that all skippers yet to participate in the relay make an advisory call to the Coastguard about your passage plan. They would much prefer it that way and it makes good sea sense. Leg 3 complete Bill Kennaway reports that they have made good progress and the lack of communication had thankfully been purely a phone problem. Having left Lowestoft on Sunday, Caperdonich had a lengthy and tiring sail direct to Grimsby. In the face of some rain and into wind the leg took 36 hours. However, the boat performed well. Not one to rest on his laurels and with little rest, the next day Bill sailed non-stop to Bridlington (11 hours) where they are now tied up and resting for a few days. This leg had fairer winds with flat seas and an enjoyable broad reach. Sadly, it was a very wet stretch with heavy rain. Well done to Bill and his crew for such a swift completion of leg 3 and progress into leg 4. From what Bill has told me he has a fairly 'mature' crew and it was quite a hard bash. Leg 4 - Grimsby to TynemouthUpdate 13th June Simon Cooper launched A104 Arosa at the end of last week and yesterday left Hull Marina at around 6pm to head downriver and anchor behind the spit off Spurn Point for the night. The spit is over three miles long, forms the north bank of the mouth of the Humber estuary and provides shelter from the ravages of the North Sea. It is as little as fifty yards wide in places. Simon's crew member is Peter Keightley of A121 Kotora. An early start this morning saw them sail north up the coast to Bridlington where they are now tied up against the South Quay. The day brought a mixed bag of weather with periods of sun, good winds, light rain and motoring because of lack of wind. Peter has already sourced a Michelin starred fish and chip shop for the evening meal! The plan is to head for Scarborough tomorrow. Ian Pollard burnt much midnight oil over recent weeks to prepare A45 Tammy Norry for the relay. His boat was severely damaged when the trailer she was on overturned whilst being towed. He has brought her back to life (and I hope he will relate his efforts to us in an article for the bulletin) and had hoped to take part in this leg. However, a last minute problem with the mast has delayed launch. He remains resolute about participating in a later leg; it would be nice to see. Update 14th June Arosa leaving Scarborough - Peter at the helm Arosa had a pleasant sail today in variable conditions along the coast to Scarborough where she is now secure for the night in the harbour immediately below the Scarborough Rock, a massive promontory which dominates the skyline and has the ruins of an 11th century castle. Scarborough is no stranger to visitors from the sea; its first true settlement was by Viking raiders. The town is probably best known for the song Scarborough Fair which celebrates a festival that was held there for over five hundred years until the 18th century.
Update 15th June
Arosa drying out at Whitby The relay has now reached Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast, with two Atalantas moored in the marina. Arosa arrived this afternoon after a four hour sail covering 16 nm into north-easterlies. Simon described it as a lovely sail but spare a thought for him and Peter as the stern gland has developed an enthusiastic weep. They have spoken to locals and identified a suitable patch to dry out on tomorrow to allow maintenance. However, low tide is at midnight and they intend to return to the site in the dark tonight and clear it of any potentially damaging debris. Best of luck chaps!
Meanwhile, Caperdonich stole a bit of a march and sailed into Whitby on Sunday and she will remain there until Friday when she will resume her voyage to Anstruther. Skipper Bill Kennaway reports that the sail from Bridlington was a good one.
Update 17th June Simon Cooper reports that Arosa arrived in Sunderland Marina on the Wear today after a pleasant 42nm sail along the coast. Hugging the coastline to fully enjoy the sights, it was a sunny and fairly windless day and the motor had to be used for spells. Crew Peter has now returned to Rutland where he will continue to work on his own Atalanta Kotora and Simon will single-hand to Tynemouth to meet his new crew. When we spoke Simon was sitting in the cockpit enjoying a well-earned glass of red wine. Sunderland was once known as the largest shipbuilding town in the world and as recently as the Second World War a quarter of the entire merchant ship production for the UK was built here with 246 ships built between 1939 and 1945. Sadly, the last shipyard in Sunderland closed in 1988 and the dock areas have been redeveloped as a mixture of residential, commercial and leisure facilities. Caperdonich is now tied up in Hartlepool Marina after a hard slog into a heavy swell and F5/6 northerlies that meant motorsailing some of the way. Bill's eldest son James is crewing on this leg. Hartlepool is another town that in one hundred years has gone from being the 6th biggest port in the country to being totally redundant. Over recent years the town has become best known for renovating HMS Warrior and the Foudroyant and electing a monkey as Mayor! Update 19th June Unfortunately, very strong northerlies have confined both boats to harbour. Arosa did venture out of the Wear intending to make Tynemouth but decided discretion was the better part of valour and soon returned. Leg 4 is now only a few miles from completion. 20th June - Leg 4 complete Leg 4 has today been completed. Arosa left Sunderland late in the morning once the choppy seas had settled from yesterday's stong winds and had a lovely motorsail in light winds past Tynemouth to Blyth on the beautiful Nothumbrian coast. Blyth was a submarine base during both World Wars and the first aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal was built there in 1914.
Arosa north of Blyth - Wally and Karl sailing Simon and his new crew of Wally and Karl are on a pontoon mooring at the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club, formed in 1890 and having the Duke of Edinburgh as Patron. Having originally been bought and sailed by the blue-blooded, well-heeled and military top brass in the 50s and 60s, Atalanta Arosa should feel well at home. Leg 5 - Tynemouth to Anstruther 21st June The summer solstice offered a tremendous day's sailing for Arosa as she sailed north to the Farne Islands. Lots of sun and flat seas just got better and better with a broad reach and finally a dead run for the 34nm journey. The Farne Islands number 28 at low tide and 16 at high water and there have been a number of hermitages there over the centuries, two of the best known historical residents having been St Aidan and St Cuthbert. There are no permanent residences, but a Peel tower and an old lighthouse cottage are used by NT staff. Apart from a small chapel, there are several lighthouse ruins and two working lighthouses, the most famous being the Longstone. It was from here in 1838 that the 22 year-old heroine Grace Darling and her father launched a rowing boat to pull nine people from the sea after a ship hit the Harcar rock and broke up in terrible weather with the loss of over forty lives. Arosa's anchorage at Inner Farne Simon has anchored in 2.5 metres in a natural basin called the Kettle on Inner Farne. One of his crew is a keen twitcher and they have just found the chocolate factory for birdwatchers with over 290 different species having been spotted there. Add six thousand seals to the thousands of birds and Arosa should have a peaceful night........not!
Caperdonich remains in Hartlepool until at least the weekend when Bill hopes to resume to Anstruther. Another very positive note to close today's update is that the skipper who has stepped in at the last minute to fill two of the vacant legs was today victualling his boat in preparation for imminent departure and participation in the relay. Full details will be announced tomorrow.............
Update 22nd June The relay reaches Scotland! St Abb's Head from Arosa Arosa today crossed the maritime border and is on a fully serviced visitor's pontoon in the delightful harbour town of Eyemouth, about 15 nm north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The town is still a very active fishing port but keen to promote visiting yachts. Simon highly recommends it and photos on the web do show it to be very quaint. The sail there was also a delight; sunny skies, flat seas and goose-winged for much of the 30 nautical miles. They even had time to stop at Holy Island on the way to collect bread! Only a few more miles to Anstruther and the end of leg 5.
Holy Island from Arosa Scallywag finds the relay's road to Damascus........ well actually, by sea to Inverness! The anonymous skipper can today be named as Charles Finlay, long-term skipper and owner of A133 Scallywag out of Dysart. I contacted Charles only two weeks ago and informed him that due to unforeseen circumstances the Association had three vacant legs on the Scottish section. The response from returning member Charles was immediately positive and today he sailed from Dysart to position himself for legs 6 and 7 of the relay. Many thanks Charlie, we look forward to your updates.
Update 23rd June - Leg 5 complete Simon Cooper and crew completed leg 5 this evening when A104 Arosa sailed into the Fife harbour of Anstruther after a 30nm jaunt in variable winds that involved several sail changes. This section of coastline was once described as a "fringe of gold on a beggars mantle" and Anstruther was visited by some of the remnants of the beaten Spanish Armada as it fled from the English fleet and sought provisions.
Wally helming Arosa en route to Anstruther The day was much cloudier with poorer visibility at times, but the flat seas and unbelievably shallow draft of the Atalanta allowed Arosa to creep into the harbour at low tide whereas any other yacht would have had to wait a couple of hours. She is now tied up against the harbour wall. Congratulations to Simon for two excellent legs and for giving us daily updates of his progress for us to enjoy. Maybe he'll celebrate by visiting Anstruther's UK Fish and Chip Shop of the Year 2009! Deep-fried haggis perhaps?
Leg 6 - Anstruther to Peterhead
Update 24th June - Leg 6 complete Leg 6 came and soon went. It is now complete! Charles Finlay and his crew member Billy Shields (Commodore of Dysart SC) on A133 Scallywag sailed from Dysart to overnight in Arbroath before thumping along to Peterhead. They had the wind behind them all the way and had a fabulous sail "surfing along big style", completing a 60 nm passage in twelve hours. They are now in Aberdeenshire at Peterhead Marina, the most easterly town on the Scottish mainland. Charles intends to make Portsoy for the weekend to attend the 17th Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, a gathering of boats from far and wide and attended by thousands over the two days. And who would want to miss being musically entertained by the 'Peatbog Faeries' (internationally renowned?). After the Festival, Charles will complete leg 7 to Inverness.
Leg 7 - Peterhead to InvernessUpdate 26th June Charles Finlay's wife informs us that Scallywag is comfortably settled in Portsoy and fully enjoying the entertainment. Portsoy is only 60 nm east of Inverness so a fair proportion of leg 7 has already been completed - a week ahead of schedule. Simon Cooper and crew sailed Arosa back to Hartlepool with a swift overnighter from Anstruther. He will now take full advantage of another ability of the Atalanta by trailering her back to York. Bill Kennaway has resumed his journey from Hartlepool on Caperdonich with son Chris crewing. They had a very fast passage in F4/5s, averaging 5.5 knots on a broad reach to Tynemouth. They are tied up at the Royal Quays Marina at North Shields for the night. This marina is also the home of A185 Petrel which is the penultimate Atalanta built and has the unusual configuration of a single fixed fin keel. Owner Graeme Mackie has owned her for thirty years and is currently doing a bit of renovation on her. As a naval architect he has always admired the quality and innovation involved in the design and build of the Atalanta. Update 29th June The Boat Festival at Portsoy is an absolute must according to Charles Finlay who had a wonderful time - one long party interspersed by bouts of racing and periods of boat admiration. Apparently, Scallywag was of great interest to those who come down to the sea and Charles spent much of the weekend responding to questions about her. He also told me a bit more about the very fast passage they made en route. At one stage surfing on a dead run, Scallywag was making more than an incredible ten knots over the ground..............who needs a Big Dipper! Charles has temporarily left Scallywag at Portsoy and returned home because of commitments. He will shortly return, settle a couple of maintenance issues and complete leg 7 to Inverness. In the interim George Ward is preparing to sail A147 Chamois east from Oban to Inverness to immediately turn and do the reciprocal journey that is leg 8. The Association really appreciates the laudable effort both Charles and George have made at the last minute to ensure the completeness of the relay. Update 3rd July Last weekend Caperdonich arrived home in Pittenweem after covering the last 120 nm of leg 5 from Hartlepool and completing a contribution of well over 300 miles to the relay, the longest passage so far of any of the participants. On Saturday Bill and son Chris sailed from Hartlepool to Tynemouth; a fast passage with strong southerlies and an "uncomfortable and lively" entry into the Tyne. Sunday was a much easier section to Berwick. With the addition of Bill's neighbour Tom Lawrence, F3/4s , flat seas and good sun after a 4am start, they were able to indulge in a pleasant lunchtime stop at the Farne Isles. Monday saw the final passage to Pittenween in good conditions and a brief stop at Dunbar to collect son James. Caperdonich is obviously very much a 'family' boat and as a father of six sons who are all sailing, I can totally appreciate the enjoyment.
Caperdonich at Hartlepool and Pittenweem
Paying the AOA's respects to Charles Currey You may recall from very early in the relay the poignancy of Simon taking A17 Gambol to the Service of Thanksgiving held in memory of the AOA's patron Charles Currey, who sadly passed away in May this year. Charles was a hugely respected Olympic medal winner who was sales director for Fairey Marine during the time Atalantas were built and maintained his interest and connection with the boats for the rest of his life. Charles' family asked that orchids from the service be scattered in the waters off Peterhead, where he had enjoyed his childhood and early sailing. Jane Stearn's son Oliver upheld the Association's promise to do so and paying full respect on behalf of all of us the orchids were duly scattered on Saturday 12th June.
Scattering the orchids off Peterhead Leg 8 - Inverness to ObanUpdate 5th July George Ward today sailed A147 Chamois from Kilmelford on the west coast of Scotland to the sea loch, Loch Linnhe, where he has tied up a few miles south-west of Fort William for the night. George's departure was delayed by one day due to the extremely strong winds that have battered Scotland over the weekend, up to F9 at times. His intention is to make his way north-east along the Caledonian Canal to Inverness where he will turn and complete the reciprocal jouney that is leg 8 - Inverness to Oban. The AOA is grateful that George has made such an effort to continue the success of the relay.
Update 6th July Chamois has now entered the Caledonian Canal and is about to negotiate Neptune's Staircase, the longest staircase lock in the UK. It was designed by Thomas Telford and lifts boats 19.5 metres in eight locks. Each lock gate weighs 22 tons but fortunately for George the locks have now been converted to hydraulic operation. It takes approximately 90 minutes to pass from one end of the staircase to the other. The Caledonian Canal was built between 1803 and 1820 and cost a whopping over-budget £840,000. At only 14 feet deep it was shallower than Telford's planned 20 feet which meant it could not accommodate some of the larger ships for which it was intended. This was amended by a second phase of construction in the 1840s. Once finished it did allow seafarers to avoid the hazardous waters to the north and west of Scotland. The whole Canal is 60 miles long with 22 miles being actual canal and the other 38 miles being the lengths of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. There are 29 locks in total. Update 8th July Strong winds and mixed weather have not delayed Chamois' progress through the Caledonian Canal as she motorsailed most of the length of Loch Ness. George's crew consists of his wife Estelle, a very lucky fourteen-year-old friend of the family, Fraser Gillies, and George's grand-daughter Rona. They're eating on board tonight at the top lock of the Muirtown flight at Inverness, as they prepare to turn south and commence leg 8 - Inverness to Oban. Update 10th July The anomalies of British weather! After a week of strong winds, Chamois motored south with not a breath but unfortunately a lot of rain. Regardless of the conditions George has made good progress and is now moored at the top of Neptune's Staircase ready to drop back down to Fort William. Update 12th July - Leg 8 complete George Ward informs me that Chamois today sailed past Oban to complete leg 8 in the face of intermittent winds up to F7. Flat calm has now descended and he is anchoring tonight at the Garvellach Islands off the Argyll coast in the Firth of Lorne. The 'Isles of the Sea' have monastic remains and were the landing place of St Columbia after he left Ireland. George will continue back to home port Kilmelford to prepare for the completion of leg 9 to Largs. Relay passes the half-way stage The Relay is now past the half-way stage with over 800 nms under the keel and 700 still to do. Everything has well and truly turned south with no northing to make now until the remaining participants round Lizard Point in Cornwall.
Leg 9 - Oban to LargsUpdate 17th July Yesterday Chamois, crewed by George and his daughter Morag sailed from Kimelford to resume leg 9 to Largs in the face of strong winds and registering a highest wind speed of 33 knots! Today was a lot easier and they have tied up for the night in the Crinan Canal near Ardrishaig. The Canal was built between 1794 and 1801 and links Loch Gilp to the Sound of Jura, providing a navigable route between the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides that avoids rounding the Kintyre peninsula and the exposed and occasionally difficult Mull of Kintyre.
Update 20th July After leaving the Crinan Canal, George salled south in Loch Fyne to overnight in East Tarbert, home to the second largest annual boat festival in the UK and well worth a visit. Usually held in May/June, the Scottish Series (locally known as the Tarbert Boat Race) attracts over 200 entries. Tarbert itself is a smashing little harbour and much has been done over recent years to provide visiting boats with good facilities. Chamois is now anchored in Loch Riddon at the northern-most part of the Kyles of Bute where the west and east sections meet and is relaxing with a meal on board. Today the weather has been kind with sun and light winds, but only yesterday the mixed conditions saw gusts of over 33 knots. I can speak from personal experience that the day I spent sailing in the Kyles some years ago was one of the most glorious day's sailing I've ever experienced. The scenery is breath-taking and unspoilt. If you ever get the chance to visit do not decline it.
Update 22nd July Chamois has spent another night at anchor, this time in the northern reaches of Loch Striven, north of the Isle of Bute. These waters provide sheltered anchorage for the lay-up of many large commercial boats, but many visitors will be totally unaware of their historical significance. The loch was used for the training of the X-Craft midget submarine crews in WWII as it was similar to the fjord the German battleship Tirpitz was sheltering in. It was also used to test the Highball, a smaller version of Barnes Wallis's Dambuster bouncing-bomb, some of which were recovered from the water only last week! George took full adantage of the Atalanta's very shallow draft and was able to enjoy a pleasant walk ashore. Today the crew savored a superb day's sailing with sun and light winds to Rothesay, the principle town on Bute, and Glaswegian holiday destination in days gone by. They are tied up on a pontoon in the harbour for the night. The town was the home of the young Scottish songstress Lena Zavaroni whom no doubt older members will remember well from her success on Opportunity Knocks in the 70s. She remains the youngest person ever, at ten years old, to have a top-ten UK album. Lena tragically died in 1999 at only 35 years old.
Update 24th July - Leg 9 complete The sea miles continue to slip under the keel or in this case the keels as George sailed Chamois into Largs yesterday to complete leg 9 of the relay. A lovely moment for the Association was the meeting on the water off Inverkip of the two Atalantas, Chamois and Mourne Goblin, before they sailed in company to Largs Marina. George has today turned north to home waters after sailing both leg 8 and 9, but not forgetting that to ensure a true and complete relay he actually sailed leg 8 in both directions, a total of almost 300 nms during a period of particularly poor and testing weather. Great effort George and many thanks to your crew. Dominic and his crew have spent the day preparing Mourne Goblin for departure on leg 10 tomorrow. After a long and painstaking renovation A90 developed a small leak just prior to the relay which threatened her participation. Dominic has now resolved the matter and is looking to complete at least one leg. Dependent on weather imposed time schedules, he may also consider going onto Caernarvon. Leg 10 - Largs to PeelUpdate 25th July Dominic and crew Henry Stringer and Pamela Geddes left Largs today on Mourne Goblin and made good time to Portpatrick on the west coast of the Rhinns of Galloway. With a combination of sail and motor they averaged a healthy 5 knots. They are alongside the harbour wall and contending with an 8 metre tidal range...............and supporting the local economy, viz. hostelries!
 A90 Mourne Goblin at Port Patrick
Update 27th July - Leg 10 complete! Yesterday was a day spent tinkering with a few niggling issues on the boat before an early start this morning, destination Isle of Man. Another good average of 5 knots saw Mourne Goblin make landfall at Port St Mary at the south west part of the island just before 8pm this evening. The day started with drizzle and liitle wind but developed into a pleasant afternoon. Dominic intends to do a bit of local touring before sailing onto Peel for the weekend's boat festival. Leg 10 has come and gone very swiftly. Well done Dominic. The relay has completed almost 1000 miles and there are now only three legs remaining, albeit lengthy ones. Come on, you things of beauty, almost there.
Leg 11 - Peel to Caernarvon
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 July 2010 21:06 )
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