Cruise to Rathlin & the North Coast

willk · 16 August 2010, 20:15

It all started when Lough Swilly RNLI were slipped a duff motor after the last refit of the AWB and they had to make a Warranty Claim. Unfortunately the small print said it was Return to Outlet, so they set off with donegaldan on board (for entertainment purposes) at 0600 yesterday bound for Troon. A mighty stretch at 10kts on wan wing, so to speak...

Anyways, deprived of crew and presented with the best day of the year, I was compelled to pressgang Mrs willk and head for Rathlin, my cover story for checking up on the passage of RNLI Tyne Class Mariner's Friend. You never know, they might have been fishing...

As chance would have it (along with an Assist from the CG) we intercepted them NE of Portrush, halfway to Troon and all at Poole will be glad to know that the crew were of Serious Demeanour and none of them were sunbathing on the foredeck

They were a little surprised to meet us, but quickly regained their normal composure and attempted to place an order for Burgers from Rathlin.

willk · 16 August 2010, 20:22

After that I had to waste a whole day touring the north cliffs of Rathlin, whiling away some time at the pub with Mrs willk and having a dander about the island.

willk · 16 August 2010, 20:26

Luckily there were lots of Redbays to oogle. I did notice that the wee Stormtroopers on the willkcraft didn't appear best pleased to be berthed alongside the Bounty Hunter on Camel Trophy No.20

tony t · 16 August 2010, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Luckily there were lots of Redbays to oogle. I did notice that the wee Stormtroopers on the willkcraft didn't appear best pleased to be berthed alongside the Bounty Hunter on Camel Trophy No.20

must be common these camel,s i bumped in to this lot on sunday in west wales greg and his mates

willk · 16 August 2010, 20:44

Rathlin is a top spot. Fair dues to the locals, they keep it in good shape. Even the tractor works, but there appears to have been some confusion about their grant application for a SeaSafari. It is much leafier and more manicured than the lumps of rock I'm used to. Good pint of Guinness too

willk · 16 August 2010, 20:50

But eventually all good things must come to an end (like my single days) and so Mrs willk and I took in a tour of the Sights of the North Coast.
Pics of: Carrickarede Rope Bridge, Giants Causeway x 2, Dunluce Castle c/w "secret" access cave from sea

willk · 16 August 2010, 20:54

Greencastle was made in time for Pizza, and full credit to Mrs willk (not a frequent ribber) for lasting a longish day afloat with no bitchin', not even when I managed to ship a green wave over the "sofa" and drench her. Thank God for Fladens and Emergency Chocolate is all...

willk · 16 August 2010, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony t

must be common these camel,s i bumped in to this lot on sunday in west wales greg and his mates

Hardy lookin' lads those. Which one is that?

jambo · 16 August 2010, 22:41

Ah Willk yesterday that would be the day the yellow thing in the sky appeared and I was in my back garden in Girvan. I left this morning for the west, arrived here and it is P.....g down with avengence!!
Nice photies you obviously had a great day and I hope you treated your fine crew to a lovely lunch with plenty wine? You certainly covered some miles mind you it was the day to do it it was fantastic.

B
I penning this to the tune of giant rain drops on the caravan roof, ah summer!!

tony t · 17 August 2010, 12:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Hardy lookin' lads those. Which one is that?

Greg goes on here by the name of martha focker ..thats what i called him when they started water bombings us the fockers ..!!! mind you they couldnt hit a barn door from 2 feet ..lol great bunch of lads tho ...

Bigmuz7 · 17 August 2010, 21:20

De willcraft looks respeccable sor

.. but is dem mercuries not covered in de bird shoi-t ?

willk · 17 August 2010, 21:56

Thanks, like meself, she's getting on a bit (10) but holding up OK

Oddly enough, she was originally fitted with Mariner/Merc 90s but they got the heave in 2004/5, hence me wee Stormtroopers.

She was specced by a nobbur called Nigel Marshall, from Isle of Arran.

I'm in the process of "tidying" her a bit...

donegaldan · 18 August 2010, 14:36

We, all were certainly startled at the target painted on the radar of a rapidly approaching rib with intercept plans, knowing it was about lunchtime i should have guessed that it was you.
It was also shocking that you managed to meet up with us and not only say hello, but circumnavigate Rathlin and meet us on the other end of the sound.

Jezzzze you think you'd have given us one of your donkeys if you were able to go that fast!

We had a good crossing, not a breaking wave c'ept the one behind us..

Will be repeating the trip shortly.... C you again ? same lunch order !!

DonegalDan

willk · 18 August 2010, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Dunluce Castle c/w "secret" access cave from sea

A friend just sent me a link which is Relevant to our Interests,
some very impressive pics taken in the seacaves of Ulster:

Clicky

It seems that the cave is called "The Mermaid's Cave", see below

AndyMcInroy · 19 August 2010, 10:12

Thanks Willk,

I am the photographer who undertook this project. I spent 3 years exploring some of northern ireland's most inaccessible sea caves, many of which had never been photographed before. I exhibited these at the University of Ulster last year.

Here's one from the project that I took on Rathlin Island

The link to the main project page can be seen here
http://www.andymcinroy.com/5port.htm

willk · 19 August 2010, 11:24

Primo stuff! Welcome to RIBnet.

A friend of mine from Bushmills gave me your website link - he's a big fan of your work and currently attempting to Coasteer some of the caves.

Keep up the good work - don't forget to post a link on here in "Other Stuff" when you have more to show us.

...and get a decent boat

jambo · 19 August 2010, 18:16

Agh you mean he dizna huv aw ridbey!!

as always
J