David Wynne Davies, crew Atlantic crossing; 4th leg 16 October
We have started our final stretch down to Bristol, and what a fantastic time we have enjoyed in Ireland. The hospitality of everyone we met and the dramatic coastline have made a great impression on us all.
The 130 mile run from Westport to Dingle was a joy – a complete contrast with a northerly wind allowing us to sail almost the whole way. Dolphins gave us a friendly reception too. Last night Aidan Ford accompanied by his 8 year old daughter, Kate, made themselves known to us having driven over especially to see Northabout in the marina. He had been following our progress on Twitter. He kindly offered us a lift 15 miles or so to the South Pole Inn at Annascaul which had been owned before the War by Tom Crean one of Captain Scott’s and Ernest Shackleton’s colleagues on expeditions to Antarctica. Tom Crean was also one of the crew that went with Shackleton to South George to raise the alarm about those stranded on Elephant Island. The pub was full of memorabilia and photographs from that period.
After my unwise and rash offer back in Greenland to buy everyone dinner on arrival in Ireland, honour was satisfied at lunch today when I stood everyone a takeaway of cod and chips. Andrew Coulthurst’s meal was appreciated by Steve Edwards, and is not refundable!
Portishead, here we come but not before we do a 360 around the Fastnet Rock! The kangaroo court will be held there where internment facilities are available.