Motor Boat & Yachting – September 2019

Inishbofi n Island from where we would be able to cruise the

relatively short 46nm to Rossaveal early on Saturday morning.

And that was what happened. We arrived in Inishbofi n on the

Friday just as the weather blew up and the waves were hitting us

on the beam as we made the approach to the island. We rafted on

to the local Inishbofi n ferry for the night and departed for

Rossaveal at 08:15 the following morning, just before the ferry

was due to commence her fi rst sailing of the day.

A lumpy section saw the winds blow to F4/F5 with 1.7m waves

midway through our passage to Rossaveal,

but we duly arrived safe and sound at the

brand new 90-berth marina. We stayed for

two weeks before commencing the fi nal

passage, 70nm down through the Aran

Islands, passing the Cliffs of Moher and

along the Clare coastline before rounding

Loop Head and then back up to Kilrush.

And so, Arthur, a 41-year-old motor boat

with an even older skipper and crew,

successfully completed a circumnavigation

of Ireland. Yes, we were very lucky with the

sea conditions, especially in July when

winds and waves were consistently very low but we also had our

fair share of challenges along the way. If we were to undertake the

same trip again I would travel in a clockwise direction and start a

couple of months earlier to benefi t from the slightly lower winds

and longer days during May and June.

In my opinion, preparation and patience are the two words

that best summarise the recipe for our cruising success. And no,

you don’t need a new, powerful motorboat for a voyage of this

nature. A well-maintained boat of older years and capable of

moderate engine speed is just fi ne. Just do the

planning and preparation and then wait

patiently for the weather windows.

Although Mary and I were the only crew on

Arthur for the entire trip, working together as a

team as we have done for the past 13 years, we

did not travel alone. Accompanying us in

virtual mode were the 200 plus subscribers to

our live Facebook blog (Travels With MY

Arthur) who offered daily encouragement.

We were also comforted by the constant

support and counsel of our boating friends,

Noel Griffi n, and Shane and Alice Ward.

My wife Mary kept the home fi res burning

and did two land-based reconnaissance trips to

Rossaveal and Broadhaven/Blacksod while we

were waiting in Killybegs. And, of course, we

owe a special debt of thanks to the Coastguard

and RNLI stations, whose constant presence gives all boaters that

extra layer of confi dence and comfort when they take to sea.

Aside from the fabulous landscapes and coastlines, without a

shadow of doubt the warmest memories centre on the boating

communities we encountered, where total strangers offered

assistance. I think this Irish proverb sums it up perfectly:

There are good ships,

And there are wood ships,

The ships that sail the sea,

But the best ships are friendships

And may they always be...

Arthur in Howth
Marina, north of Dublin

Day 90: Departing

Rossaveal

IWAICC members and Paul’s

wife, Mary (centre) raise a

glass to Arthur’s adventure

Despite her advancing age,

Arthur proved a sturdy

vessel for the voyage

Total fuel consumption 1,888L

Total fuel cost €1,594 (approx. £1,383)

FROM €0.80 per L

(approx. £0.69)

TO €1.09 per L

(approx. £0.95)

Total berthing fees €1,956 (approx. £1,697)

Cost FROM

€20.00 per night

(approx. £17.35)

TO

€41.25 per night

(approx. £35.78)

NOTE: Currency conversions as per XE Currency Converter as of 29/01/2019

NOTE: Berthing fees include four weeks in Killybegs,

two weeks in Rossaveal and ten days in Fahan

90

DAYS TAKEN

Total

passage time

118 hrs

19

PASSAGES

Average

passage time

6hrs12 m

907 m

DISTANCE

Marinas /

harbours visited

19