ZIG ZAG first trip of the new Season
April 14th saw 'ZIG ZAG' set off from Warrenpoint, Ardglass bound, for the first trip of the season out of Carlingford Lough.
Accompanying the Skipper were Damian McCartan ( 'Muirin') and Daithi Rodgers ( 'Ares' ). Once out of the Lough a SE breeze of 3-4 made for great sailing, with both the mainsail and genoa number 1 fully set and trimmed, and our Auto Pilot 'Ray' taking over.
The return journey the following day was into the teeth of a 5-6, possibly 7 at times, meaning a long stint at the tiller under power with some exhilarating surfing up and down large waves, whilst Damian calmly caught up on some sleep.
Given the mid ebb state of the spring tide and the stiff SE wind blowing into Carlingford Lough, it was always going to be an interesting re-entry, and so it proved. Daithi calmly avoided the hair-raising overflows in the main channel, keeping us to the starboard Cranfield side of the buoys, and then it was hell for leather to arrive back at Warrenpoint pontoon with just enough water left to berth up.
Two very happy sailors....
Leaving Carlingford Lough...
Haulbowline Lighthouse in sight....
E-smokers comparing notes.....
Greencastle Pilot passing ZIG ZAG.....
Cap'n 'Fatty' Rodgers......
Hellyhunter Buoy about to be passed on the Port side.....
Daithi with a Full Irish Breakfast.....
The Mourne Mountains well to aft....
Daithi saw some wildlife....
...which he liked.....
Damian got their numbers....
Full sail set for Ardglass...
Arrival at Ardglass.....
....and a thirst to quench....
...Ardglass from the top of ZIG ZAG mast....
Daithi with a Full Irish Dinner....
...we even had a galley slave....
Return journey...and a welcome sight....the Hellyhunter
...followed by the Haulbowline Lighthouse...
...it had been an interesting return journey....
Daithi dozing at the Tiller....
....and cooly negotiating the overalls upon our re-entry into Carlingford Lough ...
Damian awake now....
Passing Greenore.....
Heading up the Lough towards Rostrevor and Warrenpoint...
Safely berthed up back at Warrenpoint....
...and someone was very happy to see Damian.....
...and what are true sailors in Warrenpoint doing...... at this time of the year ...?
Where next ....?
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