DAY 4 - TUESDAY 15th JUNE
THE PLAN: KILRONAN - BURTONPORT 157NM
0900 briefing - great weather and off we all go,
The West coast of Ireland is unique and to get it in this condition is unheard of, the fleet ran up the coast and some managed to get right under the Cliff of Mohir. Black, steep, and filled with the cries of sea birds this was a unique view of one of the West coasts high lights.
The fleet than ran across the South side of the Arran Islands against a spectacular back drop and then turn North for Inishbofin Island and its pretty harbour for a quick lunch break. If yesterday was good today, was even better, why we were here was becoming clear.
It was then a fast run past Achrill Island, Crough Patrict and across to Donegal. Seamanship tested to the full finding passages between islands and rock in area that rarely will the weather allow boats to go. Past Eagle Rock, where the Round Ireland Rally had faced 45ft waves and 30 salmon fishermen had been lost in a storm.
Grey Ghost chasing Seabirds
The fleet all made it into Burtonport by 1900hrs, some stayed in Burtonport feasting at the Lobster Pot restaurant - one of the best sea food spots in the county, while some went over to Aran Mohir Island meet the locals and feasted on Pizza - good Pizza though.
Patrick met up with Owen Cavangh well retired Lifeboat man, and his wife Margret to hear about Island life and the days of simpler Lifeboats.
The GBRR is proving to be the great adventure we thought it might be. Tomorrow Bangor and a bath and good hotel – what bliss.
Patrick Byrne
Message from Andrew Bell -
"I returned home today and Paul, along with Stuart and Steve Munro (Rooster) have travelled to Waterford today along the East coast. Currently they plan to travel through the Caladonian Canal rather than travel up to Scotland single handed. I am feeling much better, and assuming Paul continues with the trip and my recovery also continues I plan to meet up with Paul over the weekend, probably when he reaches Newcastle and join him for the remaining legs."