Howth

After our forays over and back the Irish Sea, we were greedy for longer trips, but they will have to wait. So on July 24th, we sailed over to Howth. We had come around The Bailey several times before, usually a bumpy ride with tide and wind against each other, but this day, it was beautiful.

We decided to go around Ireland's Eye, the island off Howth. I had never been around the back of it and what a delight. There are so many places not far from home we have never seen properly.

It was full of life, seals, gannets & kayakers. All marine life was here.

It could have been the Atlantic coast but it's only a few miles from Dublin city centre. The gannets put on a great show as we glided by.

We crept in as close as we thought prudent, not having a depth sounder.

Sailing close to rocks on a clear, blue day is a wonderful pleasure with geological folding clear to see. Imagine the pressure needed to fold layers of rock.

Coming around the bend, we could see a cool little beach near the old Martello Tower. Another spot to land on a future sail.

Then we ran straight into a race coming out of Howth. Not what we wanted, but with nowhere to go, we went straight on and waved a lot !

Safely through and looking back.

Coming towards Howth Harbour, we spotted a classic vessel. A Howth 17.

This is Isobel, built in 1988 and going strong.

After smashing soup and sambos in Howth Yacht Club, we headed home.

Every time we go out, we try to do something or go somewhere we haven't done before, no matter how simple it might be. Our learning curve continues.