DAY 3 - MONDAY 14th JUNE

THE PLAN: BALTIMORE TO KILRUSH 125 NM and on to KILRONAN in the Arran Islands 54 NM

1000hrs Skippers briefing - with a review of the weather and advise from a local guide; the fleet decided to continue - and rightly, as the day proved to be an outstanding RIB day with a bit of everything.  

Skellig lead the way with a desire to reach Skellig Rock - the rest of the fleet followed for a bit and left Skellig to reach its objective which given the 4 m swell was looking very difficult but in the afternoon the 11m Redbay SKELLIG OF SARK (Mike Doyle) stopped and landed on Skellig Island in an emotional moment for skipper Micky Doyle whose great-grandfather was a lighthouse keeper there.

Meanwhile the rest of the fleet had the most wonderful day in bright sun shine.  Crossing bays, exploreing channels and then going up Valencia Island Sound, where they stopped for a pint or two. Afterwards they made for Kilrush, with some hoping to make Kilronan if possible.  The afternoon was an adventure wonderful cross swells of up to 4 m, waves crashing against high cliffs - beautiful.  The fleet all made Kilrush with the idea of continuing to Kilroran abandoned. We will have some fantactic photos.  

Andrew Bell had recovered, and Evolution and Rooster (still in Kinsale) considered their options. Cool Running meanwhile was in rough seas on the South Coast and damaged the front tube, but are still trying to rejoin the rally if possible.

Skellig after there epic adventure at Skellig made Kilrush early in the morning.  The fleet was almost back together, most spent the evening in Kelly's Bar but all were ready for briefing at 0900 in the marina for day 4.

Patrick Byrne