Back Onboard
Making our way to Foyle Maritime Festival, as part of the fleet for the event.
For those of you here for the sailing stories; you'll like this next series of posts, as we return to life afloat, albeit temporarily, We plan to venture North, starting with a Foyle Maritime festival, then on to the Scottish islands, most likely Wales after and ending at another boat festival in Peel, Isle of Man… But as ever; “A sailor's plans are written in sand at low tide.”
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There were a few chuckles from observers on the dock, as we loaded our dinghy (multiple times) with enough belongings to imply, we were moving back onboard. Questions about the necessity of cushions and house plants seemed fair, but a month is long enough for me to need to make a space a home.
This time, we were just a crew of three, (plus Nelly our dog), the older two remained behind. Tilly, our youngest, is keen to learn and jumped straight in to help on deck, as we prepared to leave. My duties, as usual, lay mostly below deck, sorting, cooking and stowing - making sure nothing goes flying - although not much worry about that for this trip, the forecast was for fine weather.
Sunday 20th June, pm:
We motored up the Lough to wait by Audley’s Castle near the mouth of the Lough, ready to catch the morning tide out through the narrows.
Monday 21st June:
Up at the crack of dawn…engine on…coffee on…out we went.
We motored as far as Copeland Island, opposite Donaghadee, where we anchored and waited for the tide, whilst the rain freshened our decks. Nelly, finding the motion very soporific, was happy to be allowed back on the bed and we all slept well for a few hours.
Supper made and eaten, we lifted the dinghy. A small craft motored beside us for some banter and to compliment our vessel… "You've made my day" one of the men called out… as they continued on their way.
No wind so engine on, we worked our way up the Antrim coast. Observing the changing contours of the land - shrink wrapped with a layer of green, grass and tree, with dramatic rocky edges pushing through the seams - as we passed.
10.20pm:
We pulled in to Cushunden to park up in the bay, for another tide-wait. It had been a cold trip up, but beautiful scenery all the way and was the first time I'd seen this part of the coast from the sea.
Tuesday 22nd June:
Up at 4am...well Daniel was...I slept on with the engine chugging away beneath me.
6am:
Sunlight flashed intermittently across my eyes, with the roll of the boat. I heard the sound of Nelly shaking her sleep off in the saloon.
The day continued under engine, still no wind, but flat calm motoring suits me just fine. It was a lovely day, there's something serene about expanses of calm sea reflecting blue sky, that sooth me — a buffer around me from the noisy world.
Endless cups of tea and snacking passes the time.
I monitored the horizon for boats and adjusted course as we neared the entrance to the Foyle river, waking the captain once we were nearly there.
In the distance I thought I could see the blur of a ship with unusual sails, but it was too far away to see.
11am:
Earlier than expected we entered the mouth of the Foyle, Northern Ireland one side, the Republic of Ireland the other, no visible line.
I set up my easel on the back deck and taped up paper for some mini paintings.
Incoming
The blurry shape of the ship behind came closer, fast. Then the square sails came in to view, she was closing in on us fast, all 160 - foot of her. There was no out running the Spanish Galeón, we were hers for the taking!
The radio crackled on, “Sea Snail…Sea Snail…this is the Andalucia…”
… “Which side would you like us to overtake you on?”
It's not everyday you get overtaken at close range by a full-size replica of a 17th century floating museum.…it was quite a thrill!
We knew where they were heading — to the Foyle Maritime festival — same as us. A four day event in Derry city centre, which we had been invited to take part in. It was the first time we'd attended a festival to be part of the attraction, we didn't know what to expect, other than - people would be able to walk on our decks each day between 12 and 8pm - that Sea Snail would be dressed in lights until 3am each night.
It's a four hour journey up the river to the city, a lovely scenic journey. The huge Galeón Andalucia was tied up alongside the main wall by the time we arrived, next to the French square sail ship The Phoenix, whose crew waved to us enthusiastically from the crows nest as we passed.
The first on our dock, we tied up successfully against the strong currant, thanks to the nimble leaping of Tilly. We were soon greeted by the headset wearing organiser of the event, she welcomed us heartily, complimented our vessel, then turned to discuss with her team, where we should be positioned. After a bit of shuffling forward involving a fair bit of rope walking along the dock, we settled in to our position for the event.
Wednesday 23rd June ~ day before the festival:
The waterfront was a hive of activity, market stalls were being dressed, metal fencing was being shifted around… it was all go.
We took an early morning dog walk over the Peace Bridge, immediately impressed by the well presented waterfront, bustling with life promenade, buildings and park areas… there's a lovely feel to the place.
A cafe at the end of our jetty had inviting seats in the morning sun, the temperature was rising, maybe we'd get a glimpse of the heatwave after all — Sitting in the sun with our coffee on a lovely waterfront, we could have been back in the Mediterranean again. But we couldn't linger too long, as there was much to be getting on with, so we headed back to our little ship and woke the crew — it was time to get Sea Snail ship-shape.
The friendly lighting team descended on us with bundles of lights, which were hoisted into our rigging, we were all wondering if anyone else would arrive. The British Navy vessel arrived, followed by the French Navy sailing yawl, Mutin, and our friends from Wales, on their Danish built ketch Klavia.
We grabbed a burger and chips at Pyke & Pomme, and sat in the top floor of the converted double decker bus looking out at the river, a reward for all our hard work — It had been a day of tying up ropes, polishing cabin sides and cap rails, re-washing the freshly painted decks, cleaning windows and fixing up my floating gallery sign, ready to trade from the doghouse.
We were festival ready and Sea Snail had never looked so smart and excitedly awaited whatever experiences the coming days would bring…
Sounds like a great trip so far Hanz! X