The trip up from the IOM to Northern Ireland was a bit harder than usual. It was wet and the winds were against us, The forecast was for North westerly winds becoming Westerly later. So we expected the wind to come round and it did - just as we turned West into Belfast lough. We had a day off in Bangor NI and witnessed a pipe band march -  inocuous in many places but to see the batton twirling and pipes and drums with escorted police did tend to make me feel a little uncomfortable - but its part of the culture.

Port St Mary to Bangor NI

Port St Mary is always a nice stop over - provided you don't moor onto a fishing boat as they leave at 4.am. We were lucky as we found a space on the wall by a ladder so had a peacful night. The next stage was to go through Calf Sound as the tide stream turned North and then sail over to Bangor Northern Ireland. The Forcast was for a North Westerly so we knew we'd be beating but the forcast also said it would be turning Westerly later. That suited us - or so we thought.  We beat up the West Side of the Isle of Man in fairly bouncy, cold and wet conditions and the Westerly never came. Well it did make an appearance just as we turned West into Belfast Lough this was now not very helpful.  The journey took about 14hrs.
A slight mishap with the water tank meant that a pipe came off dumping our fresh water into the bilge. Easily repaired in Bangor NI after a very large cooked breakfast.

Port St Mary

Light variable winds are forcast for Sunday so I think we'll have a day off here - looks a nice place and the people are great.

Irish Sea Shower

Idid say we were leaving today and I have paid

Well the trip started, or rather didn't on Friday morning 20th April. We did manage to get away on Friday but were delayed In Conwy Marina as someone had left a Dredger tied across the marina!  We had paid until Friday morning and told them we were definately leaving but they seemed to forget. We were blocked in and told we'd have to pay for another night if we stayed.  After some gritting of teeth pointing out we did want to leave, we had informed the marina of our departure date, why were they a little suprised at my somewhat ascertive demands that they untie the rope on the Dredger to let us through.  After a wait of an hour or so they marina staff found "a window of opportunity" to let us out!

After this false start we set off for the IOM now aiming at Port St Mary in stead of Peel.  We arrived at just after midnight having set off from Conwy at 1.30pm.

Just seen a blogsite for a guy who has set off in a Kayak round the UK - well worth following.http://clockwisekayak.blogspot.co.uk/

Hi,
Well the boat is in the water and its looking great. Unfortunately (despite all the work over the winter) there are a few things that still need fixing. Its a constant battle in yachting to keep the boat fit for purpose - they break. Gremlins seem to live in dark corners andf emerge to bite through wires or break connections or kit. At the moment Buffer's alternator has packed up ( expensive!). This means the boat is in the Marina at Conwy waiting to be fixed. There are also a couple of problems with the Radio and Automatic Identification System. I am really glad I left 10 days between the launch and the start of the trip.
My thanks go to Dave Dawson who was brilliant in winding me up the mast etc etc. Also Ian Cheek - an expert in wiring bits (recommended.)
The trip should still go as per the schedule with various st6ops for people to get on and off + some single handed bits. So 4 days to go.

Hi All,
Well the launch date comes nearer and the boat is looking good. Just a few small jobs to do. I am still hoping to set off on my round UK cruise on 20th of April. The route I 've chosen will take in all the countries of the "British Isles" and ( hopefully) an island in each of the main island groups. I'd also like to include a climb of at least three Munroes (Peaks over 3000ft). I am hoping to be back in Wales by September but may be quicker - weather dependent. I have been approached by "Hope House" Children's Hospice to do the trip as a sponsored event. I have no intention of pushing sponsorship forms under anyones nose, nor will I be twisting anyone's arm to donate, but if you do wish to give to a good cause then you can give direct on

Ian's page

www.justgiving.com.
This is direct giving and it can be anon... if you wish.
You'll be able to keep track of me on Facebook or on this Blog

Its getting nearer to launch date - met some people who want to come with me on a few legs and I've been asked by Hope House to do the trip for sponsorship - all getting very real and exciting. can't wait to get the sails up. Just the Antifouling and the fuel filters to do. Each leg will be described on this blog so I can let everyone know where I am up to. So if you want to support me donations direct to Hope House Children's Charity in Wales.