27/10/12 - Tenacious

Troon was very cold and the hot porridge at breakfast was well received by
all the crew closely followed by the full cooked breakfast - another good
day for weight watchers recruits ahead!
Slipped lines, said goodbye to the Eider Ducks and seals in Troon harbour
and headed for Belfast. The temperature was just 3 degrees and everyone was
wrapped up well for the voyage against the cold.
It was light winds as we turned onto the Clyde with the sun trying to make
an appearance. The surrounding mountains looked grey and the sea was
smooth, a very pleasant start.
Some of the crew spotted porpoise of the Port bow along with Razor Bills,
Shearwaters and Gannets - great nature watch. Ahead was Ailsa Craig, the
large lump of volcanic rock marking the end of the Clyde and the start of
the Irish sea. Ailsa is home to a huge Gannet colony and is owned by the
National Trust. There is a small dwelling there for bird watchers but no
other visitors are allowed ashore because of the birds - a very beautiful
space.
With sails set and the sun in full glory, the wind picked up to f5/6 and
Tenacious cracked along reaching 9 knots at times and gave us a fantastic
sail all the way to Belfast. The course changed by 10 degrees at times to
take full advantage of the good winds and the crew basked in the sunshine on
the port side. On starboard side, some of the crew watched a glorious
sunset alongside snow clouds at the end of the Mull of Kintyre. Quite
surreal!
Because the voyage had gone so well, we were able to drop anchor in Belfast
Lough much earlier than expected which gave the opportunity to drop sails
and tidy away quicker, ready for another splendid dinner on board. Crews
changed watches, and the night watches ensured all was well overnight for
the ship and crew.
Saturday was another wonderful sunny day, temperature considerably higher
than in Troon. After breakfast, sails were put away ready for going
alongside in Belfast dock. Eager climbers followed the Bosuns Mates and
worked hard aloft to ensure all ship shape correctly. Next was smoko, then
happy hour and then a pizza lunch - very yummy.
Anchors away at 12.30 heading for the dock and the pleasures of Belfast city
at night for the crew.
AFT PORT