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Well I was away for about 15 weeks so over 3 months but I waited in Inverness several days as my wife joined me through the Caledonian canal which we took slowly and I spent 10 days cruising the inner western isles and a another break with my wife in Padstow. The actual circumnavigation bit was probably 3 months and I wasn’t pushing myself!

@@mikeg8335 thank you! Very soon I’ll put together some videos of my Southern Ireland trip early this summer - hope you enjoy them too.

Glad you enjoyed it! I have just had another look at it - great memories!

😂that’s my sons name so I won’t take offence! I’m not sure how many more years sailing I have in me. At 73 I’m beginning to be aware of my limitations. I’ll be posting some footage of my mostly singlehanded sailing to Southern Ireland in due course - hope you enjoy that as well.

Actually it was decided by my non sailing wife who said she would join me for the week if I transited the Caledonian! And in the event it was definitely worth doing for the fantastic scenery and having my wife with me of course!

Well that’s a possibility - some strong winds coming in later this week- is that a good sheltered spot? A marina with facilities?

Well that’s a possibility - is that a sheltered spot? A marina with facilities? Might look seriously at that.

Yes that’s where I’m heading tomorrow all being well.

@@derekhathaway - If you're still around later in the week I will say hello. I had hoped to be across sooner but work got in the way! Fair winds!

Very pleased with Lawrence Cove marina. Good bar and great walking! Currently in Glengarriff bay - stunningly beautiful. Coming around Mizen Head tomorrow aiming for Crookhaven/ Sherkin or Baltimore. Then making my way east - slowly!

Not sure if Bertie was still there as harbourmaster he was brilliant and the feature pic on that video was taken by him! If he’s not then I’m sure he will have trained up his replacement well!

You are so right about having a reliable motor. Although we all hope to sail much of the way the reality is that if you want to be sure of making fair progress you will need to motor or at least motor sail some passages. And of course getting in to harbours or anchoring especially singlehanded it is essential. There are several useful books out there - one by Roger Oliver Sailing solo around the UK and another by Sam Steele Circumnavigating UK & Ireland which will give you lots of advice. And of course check out my other more detailed videos of my circumnavigation.

I also did a blog which mentions the charity I raised money for as well as some of my experiences. Search for voyagesofthalmia.org

I spent 3months but that included 10 days in the Western Isles on a bit of a jolly and a full week going through the Caledonian canal and you can do it quicker. Also if you are up for some overnight passages it could be a lot shorter. But it’s something to savour not rush! Good comment about including something about the planning. I’ll bear that in mind for future videos - I’m heading to Ireland next week!

@@derekhathaway really appreciate this information. I do think a video about your route planning and contingencies and also perhaps a video on how you would do it faster would be very popular. Many people would consider this but don’t have the experience to work it all out.

Your very kind sir! It was well presented when I bought her - which helped persuade my wife it was a good buy!

I’ll miss not getting there this year - but maybe Southern Ireland will compensate!

Ouch that was unfortunate - now I count myself lucky the boatyard managed our launch ok. Glad you are on the water at last.

Yes gentle breezes here today! But I see the sun! Have a good sail!

I hope so too! We may just be ships passing in the night!

Hi Kate, if I’m lucky with the weather I might make it to Galway but all the way up that coast looks gorgeous!

@@derekhathaway I think you need to be very self reliant as there aren’t much in the way of facilities. Extra fuel and water maybe?

Very true - mostly anchorages beyond Dingle so looking for fair winds for sailing and lots of water on board!

Excellent! Glad its was helpful - you'll have a whale of a time! I'm setting off from the Exe towards the end of May heading west towards Salcombe and Falmouth and from there to Southern Ireland. Who knows we may see each other along the way. What is your boat's name?

Thank you for your comments and glad you found it informative

Thank you! Glad you share my good taste in music!

Sorry that was not to your taste! I’m heading to Ireland in a couple of months and I’m exploring different music options as background to my videos. Thank you for commenting.

Pink Floyd Shine on you Crazy Diamond what's not to like.

Thank you!

Hope you enjoy!

Too true! I moved up from a Sadler 26 and the extra space - and headroom - make a big difference. Thanks for the comment.

An expensive item added by the previous owner but when it’s needed it’s a real bonus!

Hi Christopher, I got back early July but that was partly because I spent 7 days in the Caledonian canal, 10 days in the Western isles and several days in Padstow. So could have comfortably done it in less time. Best to not be rushed especially best to have time to enjoy parts of the journey!

Thank you for your kind comments. Hope you enjoy the other videos. I wish I’d had the drone when I was going round Britain! I’m looking forward to using it when I visit Ireland later this year!

As do I! Only a short time away!

Next year Ireland S & SW at least will be my cruising itinerary if the weather permits. I’m looking forward to capturing some stunning scenery!

if you get chance visit Bere Island West Cork , there a lovely marina there called Lawrence Cove where my boat is moored, and a great cafe that does the best fish and chips and cups of tea@@derekhathaway

Cheers! The joy of being retired is (or should be!) that you can pick your time to go and not be under pressure to set out if the weather suggests you stay put!

I didn't get to identify it as a Westerly. It appears that it was down to the stormy conditions and presumably inadequate anchoring followed by ebbing tide leaving it stranded. It finally broke in two as it was recovered which may mean it wasn't a Westerly!!. Very sad though!

23’ Seamaster.

Thank you for watching!

Wonderful! If you need ideas of where to sail get in touch. Western isles of Scotland was my favourite area when I sailed around Britain in 2021 - I have a TH-cam video which covers that and other videos of my trip in 2021 and check out my trips to the Isles of Scilly which is also a gem and you may find interesting.

@@derekhathaway Absolutely, that would be very helpful. The yacht I have in mind is already in Ardrossan. Scotland looks amazing. I'll be in touch when I finally get there.

A friend came up the west coast from Canal du Midi last year snd had great time - and we’ve talked about a trip around the NW corner of France in a future year. I’ll be interested to follow your expedition ? On Instagram?

Thank you and best wishes to you as well!

Thanks so much! 😊

Thank you for your kind comments in excellent English!

Wind on the nose through Loch Ness and very little wind for the rest and canals not easy under sail - oh and my wife as crew for this bit and a non-sailor!

Hi Paul, I have 2x120ah lead acid leisure batteries and separate starter and windlass batteries. I have modest solar panel on the coach roof @c45watts which charges the leisure batteries via Victron MPPT controller (high spec panel from Solara - copes with some shade!) but also most days the motor ran entering and leaving port and often for longer! Always managed my electronics including autohelm without problem.

@@derekhathaway Thanks for the info. I’m doing the same next year. So your video was invaluable to me.

Thank you - I was very fortunate to be able to do the trip and the videos help me remember it all!

I think my Fulmar (32ft) would cope quite well in open water - handles cross channel well. Fin keel would be better for open water than my bilge keel which is better suited for coastal cruising but the bilge keeler would still be safe if not quite so good upwind. Other 30ft Westerly boats have done transatlantic and many larger westerlies. Personally I would want something bigger than a centaur.

Thank you for your comments! There are also many from the south coast who get to Falmouth and are beaten by bad weather and don’t make it to Scilly. I count myself fortunate to have made it many times - fortunate and retired so I can pick my weather window!

Wow! I’m impressed with the 3 times circumnavigation! Maybe I should at least make it twice! I would definitely budget time for more time in the Western Isles.