The Westerly Owners' Association - North Wales Group

Group meal at Howth Sailing Club

Westerly fleet going up the Liffey

Ships dog Archie with Irish friends (Gerry and Mary Lynch )

Final dinner at Kehoes Kilmore Quay

Wildlife in Kilmore Quay Harbour

This year the North Wales Group decided to visit some east and south coast Irish ports to extend our cruising experience and to renew friendships made in the Westerly 40th Anniversary cruise.

On the 25th May four boats set off from Holyhead on passage to Howth. Although starting with a good sail the trip eventually relied more on diesel with the wind distinctly on the nose.

On arrival in Howth the wind picked up to gale force, trapping us in the marina for the next couple of days. Still, the inclement weather did not diminish our ability to socialise with an excellent dinner in the Sailing Club, with Irish friends, and numerous shopping and sightseeing tours in the local area.

Once the weather abated we sailed round to Dublin City moorings where we enjoyed a couple of days of sightseeing in the city and, surprisingly enough, another couple of good meals ashore. A visit to the Jameson's Distillery was called for by all and helped to alleviate our spirits (excuse the pun!) which were getting a little damp by now due to the heavy downpours we were experiencing.

After Dublin City, WOA Commodore Bob Shapland left the group to make his way to Sanda for the Scottish Group muster, whilst the remaining three boats headed across to Dun Laoghaire for a few days (whilst the weather improved) before heading south for Arklow. After an overnight stay at Arklow we finally arrived at Kilmore Quay on the 5th June, where with blue skies overhead we enjoyed a pontoon party before heading off to 'Kehoe's ' on the main village road, where the 'baked cod' was absolutely fantastic.

This was the official end of the cruise and a couple of days later the boats split up going their separate ways.

Although it seems a contradiction in terms, we experienced some absolutely horrible weather but socially (and sometimes sailing) we had a pretty good time! We would do it again. For those who have not sailed in Irish waters I can certainly recommend it. We have made some very good friends who always make us feel very welcome.

Peter Boylan
Hon. Secretary - WOA

(This is an abbreviated copy - for the unabridged version please see the Winter 2007 Magazine.)