Day 3 - Sanda Island to Glenarm

Not the best night’s sleep at anchor in the Sanda Island anchorage as the wind gusted during the night pushing the boat to and fro’.  But we weren’t in a rush to get going this morning so jumped in the dinghy for another walk on the island trying to keep Bea out of the bracken. The last time was stopped off here she ended up shedding maltesers from her coat a couple of days later.

We set off at 10:00 with rain and light starting winds from the south expected to veer towards the NW later in the day. Ahead of schedule we suddenly had 22 knots, gusting 26 knots, as we headed out into the North Channel separating Scotland and Northern Ireland. Engine off and main and jib reefed we were on a beam reach with short sharp waves heading for Glenarm at 7-8 knots.

As we approached the Irish coast it offered some protection from the gusty conditions and the heavy clouds began to thin. A quick call to the harbourmaster confirmed we had a berth for the night and that they be there to take our lines.

As promised, as we swung into the well protected little marina at 13:45 we could see Billy and Davey waiting for us on the visitors’ pontoon. Formalities done we headed up to Glenarm Castle and gardens. Unfortunately, Bea was fido non grata so we went back to the pretty town and headed up the High Street to the forest walk. And a lovely walk it was too with our senses tingling at the scent of wild garlic and the sound of water tumbling over the rocks in the streams and river.

With a longer passage ahead of us tomorrow an early night beckons us.  

Night…night!