Ha ha ha I thought you would not of showed the running aground ...I never mentioned it to anyone.😂 was good catching up and thanks for the book for my trip and dinner...if our paths ever cross again the food and beer is on me. Safe travels ⛵️
Patrick the one and only criticism I can make of your videos is that they are not long enough! Could watch you all day! This was a nice long video, thoroughly enjoyable. I've just been learning to sail these past 3 months and your video's provide a novice like myself so much insight. Thank you so much!
Another great video, Patrick! I think your last docking was perfect! I did not know the Isle of Man was self-governing. Those little tidbits about the places you visit add an extra dimension to your travels.
Yeah, I have been more fortunate than most in getting out this Summer, but think we all share the same frustration. Hopefully this situation will soon pass into history.
I appreciate you continually showing us your dockmanship, Patrick! It doesn't matter how long you've been at it, there is always a new experience to learn from.
Certainly I would never film and show my dockmanship. I park by feel and then repaint regularly but then I don't have reverse which makes things a tad more difficult.
I learn new things every time I watch your videos. Especially docking techniques! Thanks for another great episode Patrick. Your channel is definitely among my favorites.
Another great video Patrick, thanks again! And one thing I found out I like so much is you are so modest and by no means pretend to know it all, although you are such an experienced solo sailor. Great ambassador of the sailing mankind!
Hello Patric. You never stop deliver the good stuff. Great video! I thought I heard someone whistle right before you touch Mother Earth... Isle of main and the TT race. WOW, I have to say, I hade done my best to make it, but thats me... The entrace seemed narrow for sure. But you did a good job in my book. Fair wind ,,,,,/),,,,,
Lochaline is where my ancestors came from and they set sail for Canada from Tobermory just down the Sound of Mull in 1806. I was there about a decade ago but it is wonderful to see it from the water and I hope to do the same trip this spring. Thanks for that!
It is a lovely area to visit. I went through there on two consecutive years ---- and both times struggled a bit with very low or erratic winds. That doesn't detract from the stunning beauty anyway. Fair winds.
I have fitted a thruster and it’s a help, but still so wary of wind taking me in to someone else’s boat. You can’t be there with fender and at controls at the same time. I fitted a bow fender and usually over fender the sides and hope for the best. Great channel by the way, always look forward to your next upload.
Hi Patrick. really enjoyed this as the sailing grounds from The Mull down into Belfast lough and Carrickfergus marina was the sailing area of my youth many many years ago. Back in the days when the marina just opened. Thanks for jogging the old memory
Fantastic, a new video! A treat for after work this afternoon. Thanks Patrick, your videoes are fantastic and a great inspiration :) 21:30 I don't want to give the master any advice, and think you handled it very well. but since I have a quite similar boat - Bav 42C - I'll take my chance and give some input on what I would have done. With the wind in your back it would have been possible to go slow and stall the keel, and then hold it on the engine while helping the bow to turn with your thruster :)
Yeah --- I'm sure that would work. This issue is arrival in an unknown marina, where you have to make a decision fairly rapidly, and spending a lot of time thinking about turn radius, drifting down, reversing space, depth along the sides, etc., is limited. I'd probably do as you suggest once I got comfortable with the layout of the marina.
It seems as though that side of the Atlantic has so many different obstacles depending on where you are. When you were up North, the marina or dockage areas were wide open and harbor entrance was built for easy access...but had 12ft tides and odd abuttments on everything, and virtually no one even visible, let alone assisting you when you were docking. This area has fantastic facilities and pier heading, hands everywhere, yet it's virtually impossible to even navigate to the marina! Always a challenge!
Well done Mr. Laine! I also have been in Peel singelhanded at the same place Isabelle was towed. Always enyoing your videos.Thank you! Best regards from Germany
Hi Patrick - thanks for the mention and I am glad you enjoyed my old hometown of Carrickfergus. Your experience of Rathlin is why we took the ferry across from Ballycastle.... ;-) We had a dose of nostalgia watching as you are going to the places we have just been to, Ardfern, Rathlin, Carrick and Peel. You even berthed in our usual berth in Peel and we agree about the Harbourmaster there - a great, really helpful bloke. We found easiest to reverse out and turn the stern to port with the hill behind you, then go forward and turn into the main alleyway towards the flap gate. Sorry we could not meet up, but it was great chatting on the VHF. Good luck and safe sailing in your onward journey
I figured you two would know these grounds very well. I think Carrickfergus marina/infrastructure was terrific, though I sweated the arrival far out into the channel. I was even treated to a reenactment of King William's landing in 1688 (and over which people have been arguing ever since!). The arrival in Peel was not without stress. I'm sure I'd take it in stride the next time through, but certainly in the 'challenging' category of arrivals in unknown marinas. Have a great Summer in the Hebrides.
hahaha nice ending , beautiful episode Patrick, no doubt its your skills. amazing how you just kiss the ground and reverse back so quick with full control, again salute for you.
My grandfather's family lived in the isle of man for a while back in the late 1800s , and my dad's friend used to race in the TT. It's nice to see it again.
I was in Loch Aline and Ardfern myself with friends last month. We had abit more wind. Interesting overalls and tidal races in that area. Nice videos always interesting.
What a wonderfull area to sail Patrick. Thanks to you I'm planning a round Britain trip through the Irish and Scottish waters. In the mean time keep them video's coming :-). One day you'll find your Chateau Neuve du Pape! SV Azzurro wishes you fair winds.
Beautiful places! Isle of man looks splendid... That 180° turn and downwind docking is perfect... My berth is placed the same way, buy it's way larger to get to it! Gliding in such a narrow marina was scary... Nicely done!
Thank you Patrick. We love the videos and benefit greatly from the instruction. Great to speak in the middle of the North Channel, and thanks for the shout out. We hope you noticed our fenders, we definitely have them Isabelle style nowadays. Yours Tenacious.
I try to predict how the docking is going to go, just so I can gauge my instinctual fortitude lol, and I was thinking that reversing into the last berth would have been better...then you said that perhaps you should have reversed...I was thrilled:) My husband and I always reverse because our transom drops to create a swim platform thus a nice easy transfer from boat to dock. I have been docking now more and more and so I’ve managed to develop quite a lot of confidence. It’s weird how the mind can form a total block that seems insurmountable until you push yourself beyond the point at which the thinking stops and the fear takes over. I’ve always wondered what exactly people were talking about when they spoke of a mind block until I took the helm of our boat to dock her. I am fearless on the open water but when I get into a marina I am a wreck. Your videos have helped me sooooo much and thank you again for sharing your experience. You just can’t imagine how it has helped me with that darn mind block. I also like that you include the radio discourse with the harbour staff. Oh and I checked out the French sailor video of the music attracting whales. Amazing!!!!
It's great to hear your comment SP, but I am not surprised. It is just a matter of practice to build your confidence a bit. I should reverse in more often, but I have a lot of clutter on the stern of the boat that makes getting lines over from there (solo) a bit of a challenge --- life buoy, two davits, the aft stays that go toward each corner, a GPS that I don't want to get a loop around, etc.….. I do like reversing into the wind though as the boat is super controllable then.
Just watched this Patrick. I used to keep a yacht in Peel, yes the harbour can be tricky. The Creek (the pub you were stood outside at the end) is excellent, you might well have got a decent wine - but the restaurant next door would have been a cert.
Cheers Patrick! 3 things I got from this one was I was reminded of the beautiful Ardfern, wonderful memories of a week around those parts once, and boy that Isle of man harbour was tight! And finally a small ribbon somewhere in shot with your docking manoeuvres could add to the tension of the affairs for viewers, but great stuff as always :-)
The Peel marina looked very challenging. Our boat feels so small at sea, then turns into an aircraft carrier when I have to dock it. I admire your cool approach, but there again, you were a fighter pilot and I was a desk jockey.
Hi Patrick, I would be very interested in a video from you explaining how you make and prioritise decisions when charting course for trips. I think as a pilot you would have an interesting perspective. You appear to prioritise trip preparation and navigational awareness, this is either not spoken about or not done by many other TH-cam publishers. A video at the end of the series about charting, provisioning, immigration and weather planning vs reality of the trip. Your video on crossing the channel some time ago was very helpful to me. I appreciate your effort in making these videos. I sail in Australia which is a very different set of problems and considerations to Europe. I would like to take my boat to Europe next year and have some concerns about what I don't know.
Many thanks Down Under. You know, I think you'd be surprised at my plotting/planning practice. I used to calculate every lat/lon of every turn point based on wind/current/hazards and tried to stay as close as possible to my 'blue line'. With experience, I now think of a 'cone' between waypoints rather than a line. I check a wide cone leading into the waypoints very closely for hazards, and then let the wind decide the best course to follow, rather than trying to hug a blue line. I find this a much better planning practice (for me anyway).
Best one so far. I want to visit all the places you have been to - and I most probably will. And it is really useful that you show the full approach and docking to all the lovely little harbours. I can confirm that the Isle of Man is good fun during TT week. I visited there in 1999 on my Ducati - no speed limits on the country roads. However, next time I will probably sail.
Many thanks Paul. Yeah, I can see you with a bass guitar strapped across your back riding a Ducati. ;-) I saw your video about moving the boat, but you did not say where to. ??
que l'Ecosse est magnifique, merci Patrick de nous montrer un des plus beaux paysages!! Les habitantsracont raconteront longtemps après tous tes exploits aux Pub!!.... Steph
I continue to eagerly look forward to every episode. I learn something from everyone. As you must realize your explanations regarding sailing, navigating and especially docking are so helpful for us newbies. I made my first journey to the pump out and fueling dock at my marina. I kept thinking how would patrick handle this? By the way, there is a Bavaria 40 Cruiser on the hard this week at my marina/boat yard. What a beautiful boat. I still have to order one of those docking sticks! Thanks again for another great installment!
This is the third time in this boat ---- one was clearly my fault (for not interpreting correclty what the Harbor Master was telling me), but two others really were the fault of the marina for not dredging (or putting out special guidance on their websites).
I really do enjoy your videos, learning all the time and sharing your adventures. Just one thing. This and the previous videos should have been called 'docking my boat with a little motor sailing' :) Maybe think about showing us some of the countries you visit? I don't mean like Erik, I know he is a legend, but, just some of the stuff you see and do in these great places? Thank You again, I started from the beginning and I am really enjoying your channel, hope for many more.
That's a tough one. This video was already 22 minutes long -- when my target is 15-17 mins (average watch time is 8 minutes). I decided to stick to sailing, as I have neither the cameras nor the editing skills to do justice to a travelogue…….not satisfactory, but can't really do otherwise. Thanks for watching.
When I sailed into Peel past the gate the harbour master handed me a marina layout map on the end of a big pole. Nice touch and very friendy welcome. Pity you missed out Portpatrick on your way down.
Good set up in Portpatrick with vertical stays on the walls fixed at Top and bottom and fenders that run up and down with the tide. If you tie up to them with a loop around the stay you go up and down with the tide but remain remain close to the wall. Thought it would have been a must with your name...lol
Another nice video. Thank you for sharing. I wish you could show us more of those little towns you visit. I suppose you go for walks and hikes to discover what's out there? :-)
I do indeed take advantage of these places Billy --- but I don't have the right camera equipment to make travlogue type videos, and all of my videos are too long already. I made the (difficult) decision to stick to sailing as much as I can -- as I would not do justice to the tourism side.
Beautiful scenery Peel looked nice and nice parking you make it look easy . Has to be the east coast of Ireland for me boss, Howth looks a nice stop first then who knows what hidden gems you may find Thanks for the ride Skipper
@@patricklaine6958 I see , well in that case having sang the song of ice and fire its only right you visit the land of the dragon, maybe? good marinas seem in short supply www.google.com/maps/search/marina/@52.8864848,-4.4092839,872m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!2m1!6e1
@@patricklaine6958 Wow Just looking at Dorus Mor now for the first time and im seeing what looks to be a boiling sea . You must have nerves of steel to go any near.
Well just another routine docking maneo ....berrrruuppp! Aground. That was funny. That Viking Castle was something to behold! Even if it means some viking had swallowed the anchor and bought a house.
I hope you enjoyed sailing in my local area. I regularly sail my 34 ft boat on the west coast of Scotland I’m based on the Clyde. Peel is on of my favourite places. Smoked kippers for breakfast by the marina entrance. Im sure you have moved on by now I would recommend the Irish coast, better tides towards Dublin stay in Howth for a few days. If you go down to Holyhead you will be constantly pushed towards Liverpool with very strong currents. Almost slack on the Irish side.
I had a kipper bap for lunch yesterday Keith, from the same restaurant. ;-) (Never for breakfast though………) I did Howth last year…...so looking for a new port.
I thought CF was one of the nicest marinas I have visited; Excellent facilities -- proximity to a supermarket. Terrific. Best wishes on the Dehler. They are great boats. I'm sure you will have some wonderful adventures in it.
Another excellent video - missed the du Pape order I thought it was going to be a feature.😉 Difficult to judge on video how little room there is but if possible I would have gone up the trot and then turned to port into wind, then astern and once steerage achieved approach the berth astern. My theory is turning bow into wind minimises the wind blowing the bow off. Anyhoo just mentioned because you said you were going to reflect on it......you are the boss.👍⛵️
That will certainly work too Norman. Arriving in a strange port you don't have much time to make a decision -- and you don't know the depth of the rows ahead of you..... so I go for whatever seems easiest at the time. I often think (afterward) that there was probably a better way to do it.
We don't seem to get many travellers popping up the Bristol Channel. There are so many fabulous beaches on the Welsh side, including Dale, Barafundle Bay, Tenby, Saundersfoot, and a few on the Gower peninsular (Three Cliffs is my favourite). They are all sandy bottomed anchorages with wide and sheltered bays. I don't think I would recommend going any further up the channel, unless you want to visit Swansea for any reason.(Just a few hours from Three Cliffs, and have water, fuel and anything else you may need) If it was February/March, it would be a great experience to go to Cardiff for an international Rugby game to see how the city celebrates the occasions (You don't have to actually go to the game), but it's the wrong time of year. On the way back from the South Wales coast, you can pop into Lundy Island and the North Devon towns of Illfracombe or Padstow before passing the Needles on your way to the Isles of Scilly. Ireland is also nice, and you'll get a great welcome there. I went to Kinsale and Waterford last year, as well as Waterford (Check the river tide times), and Cork/Crosshaven
Lots of anchorages there Andrew ----- which are not a solo sailors best friend. I want to get to the pub or a restaurant to chat with the locals…… I lived in Cardiff for 7 years (before they built the barrage). Would love to go there, but it is a long way in, and a long way out. Think I'll stick with West Wales on this trip.
Sail from Peel to Carlingford Lough in Ireland lovely sail across, it’s a beautiful little place surrounded by mountains either side...... look it up in the reeds almanac
I cannot believe your luck in the Sound of Mull. Been holidaying on Mull my whole life and I think I’ve seen it that calm once!! Think Moonshadow sold as a business last year as a going concern. Was doing Hebridean charters. Think it’s left the Scotland now.
Moon shadow was a beautiful boat. I watched a few of their videos, and noticed that they often had to motor-sail through the hebrides also due to variable winds. It is a beautiful place to visit, but the winds are so affected by local terrain, that it is not an ideal place for pure sailing. Well worth the visit though.
Patrick Laine The saying goes: If you have beautiful weather, you have no wind and if you have great wind, you have terrible weather! It can be very wild!
Très belle démonstration de prise de pontons réussi, bravo car ce n'est pas toujours facile surtout en solo, moi j'ai toujours un peu d'appréhension quand j'arrive seul dans un port. A bientôt Jack
I was very close, but had not considered Ballintoy. I did Ballycastle last year, so it was either Rathlin or Portrush…… I chose to run aground over them all. ;-)
Excellent video, as usual. I really like your docking techniques; maybe we can see you cast off some time as well. I regularly berth in a similar finger to the one you had on the IoM. I tend to reverse into the area from the fairway, past the finger, and kick forwards into the berth once I'm past it. That way, momentum takes your stern towards the finger (I also have a starboard prop wash) and I use the midship cleat to cast a stern line, as the finger is shorter than the boat. I can push against it, with helm full outboard, to bring the stern in if the wind tries to take it out. That way, if I get a gust towards the finger whilst going astern, it pushes my bow in (towards the finger) and I use it to steer. What you did looked perfect, but I think I would have been a bit nervous doing it.
I hear you, but......I just arrived at a port in Dublin in high winds. I couldn't read the number of the berth they assigned me and went right past it. I stopped and reversed, and the 17 knot wind at 90° immediately blew the bow awkwardly downwind. I had to use a big burst of power to regain control and back all the way out of the berthing fairway, and start all over again. I guess it's a question of being familiar with the environment (which one is not when visiting new ports)…….. :-)
You’re dead right! Carrickfergus is great. Though it’s well worth heading all the way down to Belfast for a night in the City centre at the small Marina there.
I love that you show us the good, the bad, and the ugly. You have the most helpful sailing videos on the web. When you ran aground, what did you do to get out of it? Turn? Back out? Wait? (I haven't run aground yet, but I'm just a beginner.)
As I was going so slow, I knew I would not be to 'stuck', so I just gave a burst of power in reverse, and when I felt I was floating again, a burst of bow thruster to ail the bow away from that area. In one other occasion in France, I could not get off the mudbank. I sat there in the middle of the harbor entrance, stuck, and waited 45 minutes for the tide to lift me off. Embarrassing, but not really my fault.
I know its not Patrick’s style .. sailing channel means channel about sailing .. but i would have loved a sight of the places he visited .. restaurants, bars, people etc but never mind !
Ireland next. Over to Carlingford Lough (to Marina - 56.6nm, just arrive at the lough at slack tide), then down to Dun Laoghaire - 50nm (stunning harbour & Marina), then over to Holyhead - 55nm, then south to Pwllheli - 53nm, then south again to Milford Haven - 90nm.
Patrick Laine there’s a big race starting tomorrow at 19:00 : Dun Laoghaire to Dingle, so a nice fleet of boats to be seen including a Southern Wind 96
Not too shabby Patrick, try 'Loch-Allen' as pronunciation, one word Lochaline the main village on the Morvern peninsula..but you knew that. Lovely sailing. Just a point, I happen to be a biker who enjoys the occasional quaffable red, as a matter of fact enjoyed one from Grignan-les-Adhémar last night with my rabbit casserole....I'm still glowing!! ;-)
Berthing technique: You twice refer to your practice of heading for the outer end of the finger, then, 'when made', the middle of the berth until 'made'... etc. Define 'made'. I bang around short or single-handed in a similar sized boat and berthing, of course, is always the issue. This is particularly true in cross-wind and cross-tide conditions... otherwise known as prevailing conditions. So, what do you consider 'made'? When the bow is in line? When it just feels like you're there? And I see you generally keep power on until the boat is a third or so into the berth and then jam on the breaks. I'm sure the power issue is wind and current dependent, but what is your rule of thumb in terms of boat speed, steerage way and all that. And, btw, you're an inspiration.
Thanks Mark. I wish I could define 'when made', but as you inferred, it a 'feeling' thing. I do, however, try to be very methodical with the three step approach. When angling into the wind, it is 1st aim at the end of the finger, then the corner of the berth, and if all is well, I try to center in the slip once well inside, but that isn't very important. Driving in to the corner is not a bad thing. When the wind is from the other side, I aim 1st where I imagine the stern of the other boat would be, and then toward where his bow would be…… As for speed, a lot of people critique this aspect of my approaches --- far too fast. However, I would much rather be .75 kts too fast than .75 kts too slow, and lose control at a critical moment. Go with what makes you comfortable in your boat/conditions, and ignore what the 'experts' say.
Patrick Laine - Thanks Patrick. I assume you have one of your permanent fenders rigged at the bows so that you avoid that crunching sound when you power into the corner. So when you flew, did you leave the landing gear down all the time as well? Just asking.
No, the bow fender detaches on one side, and I swing it up onto the bow sprit for almost every passage. (Waves would rip it off otherwise.) Regarding raising the landing gear, you may be on to something. Maybe that is why I had so much trouble breaking the sound barrier. ;-)
Great job in slowly running aground. If you are going to do it, do it slowly. And excellent work in the Isle of man. That was a tight spot to park the boat.
Thanks for the video. Looks like life is good! Appear to be a well founded vessel. You should tell us more about it. For example I would like to know why the main sail cover is atop the boom. Is it a furling mainsail?
It is called a Lazy Bag, and used to zip around the mainsail after you drop it (to protect from UV, as well as from having it flop around in the wind). A very convenient invention, much loved by most sailors, though racers frown at them.
if you ever plan on returning to the Hebridean islands , one that may be of interest to you is a monument to 600 US servicemen and about 150 Royal navy sailors , there were two separate incidents , first ship got torpedoed ,the second ship had a collision , on the island of Islay there is a monument at a place called the OA of mull
@@patricklaine6958 We did a fuel jetty park just like that with a giant shiny motor yacht alongside, and the coast guard in front. We got $16 propane, he got $9500 diesel on his black American express card.
Some people watch Netflix..... If I want to chill, it's Patrick. Beats meditation and I get to tour the world :)
couldn't agree more
I've learned more about docking and entering a marina in this video than watching dozens of hours of other videos. Thank you!
Far to kind Gary. Many thanks.
Ha ha ha I thought you would not of showed the running aground ...I never mentioned it to anyone.😂 was good catching up and thanks for the book for my trip and dinner...if our paths ever cross again the food and beer is on me. Safe travels ⛵️
Patrick the one and only criticism I can make of your videos is that they are not long enough! Could watch you all day! This was a nice long video, thoroughly enjoyable. I've just been learning to sail these past 3 months and your video's provide a novice like myself so much insight. Thank you so much!
Thanks for the kind feedback Brad. Delighted you enjoyed them.
Always very graceful docking.
Another great video, Patrick! I think your last docking was perfect! I did not know the Isle of Man was self-governing. Those little tidbits about the places you visit add an extra dimension to your travels.
If it were part of the U.K. proper, health and safety would have shut the TT down a long time ago.
Love these videos just started solo sailing and it’s so impressive to see docking from someone so experienced..thank you Patrick
Patrick, thanks so much. Having breakfast watching your video completely makes up for not going to the boat this weekend. So beautiful.
Yeah, I have been more fortunate than most in getting out this Summer, but think we all share the same frustration. Hopefully this situation will soon pass into history.
@@patricklaine6958 I would guess not before next summer. But yeah, let's hope.
I appreciate you continually showing us your dockmanship, Patrick! It doesn't matter how long you've been at it, there is always a new experience to learn from.
Certainly I would never film and show my dockmanship. I park by feel and then repaint regularly but then I don't have reverse which makes things a tad more difficult.
At least he doesn't have to show his wife falling overboard as he comes in to dock, like several people I know. Moi, non jamais. Well only once.
Thanks for sharing Patrick, always a pleasure to watch your videos! Fair winds..
Greetings from the tropical paradise island 🏝of Kauai. Congratulations beautiful filming, very impressed. Be safe ,be healthy. ⛵⛵⛵
I learn new things every time I watch your videos. Especially docking techniques! Thanks for another great episode Patrick. Your channel is definitely among my favorites.
Another great video Patrick, thanks again! And one thing I found out I like so much is you are so modest and by no means pretend to know it all, although you are such an experienced solo sailor. Great ambassador of the sailing mankind!
Far too kind Jeroen. Much appreciated.
Hello Patric. You never stop deliver the good stuff. Great video!
I thought I heard someone whistle right before you touch Mother Earth...
Isle of main and the TT race. WOW, I have to say, I hade done my best to make it, but thats me...
The entrace seemed narrow for sure. But you did a good job in my book.
Fair wind ,,,,,/),,,,,
Lochaline is where my ancestors came from and they set sail for Canada from Tobermory just down the Sound of Mull in 1806. I was there about a decade ago but it is wonderful to see it from the water and I hope to do the same trip this spring. Thanks for that!
It is a lovely area to visit. I went through there on two consecutive years ---- and both times struggled a bit with very low or erratic winds. That doesn't detract from the stunning beauty anyway. Fair winds.
Planning to solo sail this summer. The berthing is biggest fear so always great to watch Patrick do it so well.
Give me 25 kts of wind anytime over a difficult berthing in 12 kts! We all sweat the arrivals James.
I have fitted a thruster and it’s a help, but still so wary of wind taking me in to someone else’s boat. You can’t be there with fender and at controls at the same time. I fitted a bow fender and usually over fender the sides and hope for the best. Great channel by the way, always look forward to your next upload.
"...due to divine providence rather than the skill of the pilot." :-) I say well done skipper! :-)
Hi Patrick. really enjoyed this as the sailing grounds from The Mull down into Belfast lough and Carrickfergus marina was the sailing area of my youth many many years ago. Back in the days when the marina just opened. Thanks for jogging the old memory
I was very, very impressed by the CF marina. Great infrastructure, and excellent nearby stores. Hope to return someday.
Fantastic, a new video! A treat for after work this afternoon. Thanks Patrick, your videoes are fantastic and a great inspiration :)
21:30 I don't want to give the master any advice, and think you handled it very well. but since I have a quite similar boat - Bav 42C - I'll take my chance and give some input on what I would have done.
With the wind in your back it would have been possible to go slow and stall the keel, and then hold it on the engine while helping the bow to turn with your thruster :)
Yeah --- I'm sure that would work. This issue is arrival in an unknown marina, where you have to make a decision fairly rapidly, and spending a lot of time thinking about turn radius, drifting down, reversing space, depth along the sides, etc., is limited. I'd probably do as you suggest once I got comfortable with the layout of the marina.
Great videos. Thank you!
It seems as though that side of the Atlantic has so many different obstacles depending on where you are.
When you were up North, the marina or dockage areas were wide open and harbor entrance was built for easy access...but had 12ft tides and odd abuttments on everything, and virtually no one even visible, let alone assisting you when you were docking.
This area has fantastic facilities and pier heading, hands everywhere, yet it's virtually impossible to even navigate to the marina!
Always a challenge!
Indeed! Well stated Wm.
Well done Mr. Laine! I also have been in Peel singelhanded at the same place Isabelle was towed. Always enyoing your videos.Thank you! Best regards from Germany
Many thanks AN. I still remember that 180° turn at Peel to get to the berth. That one gave me a few more grey hairs. :-)
Hi Patrick - thanks for the mention and I am glad you enjoyed my old hometown of Carrickfergus. Your experience of Rathlin is why we took the ferry across from Ballycastle.... ;-)
We had a dose of nostalgia watching as you are going to the places we have just been to, Ardfern, Rathlin, Carrick and Peel. You even berthed in our usual berth in Peel and we agree about the Harbourmaster there - a great, really helpful bloke. We found easiest to reverse out and turn the stern to port with the hill behind you, then go forward and turn into the main alleyway towards the flap gate. Sorry we could not meet up, but it was great chatting on the VHF. Good luck and safe sailing in your onward journey
I figured you two would know these grounds very well. I think Carrickfergus marina/infrastructure was terrific, though I sweated the arrival far out into the channel. I was even treated to a reenactment of King William's landing in 1688 (and over which people have been arguing ever since!). The arrival in Peel was not without stress. I'm sure I'd take it in stride the next time through, but certainly in the 'challenging' category of arrivals in unknown marinas. Have a great Summer in the Hebrides.
hahaha nice ending , beautiful episode Patrick, no doubt its your skills.
amazing how you just kiss the ground and reverse back so quick with full control, again salute for you.
Well done. Thoroughly enjoyable episode, nice low key. Full of admiration for your humility :)
Patrick you really do have a magic gentle touch to docking, well done Sir.
Much appreciated Phillip.
Perfect timing Patrick, I’ll watch this tonight in between work!
My grandfather's family lived in the isle of man for a while back in the late 1800s , and my dad's friend used to race in the TT. It's nice to see it again.
Yes, there was an army of bikers there. Cool!
I was in Loch Aline and Ardfern myself with friends last month. We had abit more wind. Interesting overalls and tidal races in that area. Nice videos always interesting.
What a wonderfull area to sail Patrick. Thanks to you I'm planning a round Britain trip through the Irish and Scottish waters. In the mean time keep them video's coming :-). One day you'll find your Chateau Neuve du Pape! SV Azzurro wishes you fair winds.
Welcome back Henk --- and thanks.
Beautiful places! Isle of man looks splendid... That 180° turn and downwind docking is perfect... My berth is placed the same way, buy it's way larger to get to it! Gliding in such a narrow marina was scary... Nicely done!
Stress factor 8/10. :-)
Thanks Patrick.I learn so much from your videos to take to my little 23ft Bilge keeler.
Just missed you. I got back from Peel on Saturday. Good food in that pub ( the Creek ). Keep safe 👍
Really enjoying your videos! About to sail my own sailboat on my own. This is all good information. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind feedback Travel Toon. Fair winds to you.
Nice videos Patrick too bad you missed the motorcycle race its one of a kind. Enjoyed it very much fair winds stay dry.
Another great video Patrick. Thank you for sharing, I love traveling around on your solo adventure.
Thanks for the kind feedback, Phantom Shipmate.
Thank you Patrick. We love the videos and benefit greatly from the instruction. Great to speak in the middle of the North Channel, and thanks for the shout out. We hope you noticed our fenders, we definitely have them Isabelle style nowadays. Yours Tenacious.
Hello Tenacious. Hope you guys have a great Summer in the Hebrides. :-)
I try to predict how the docking is going to go, just so I can gauge my instinctual fortitude lol, and I was thinking that reversing into the last berth would have been better...then you said that perhaps you should have reversed...I was thrilled:) My husband and I always reverse because our transom drops to create a swim platform thus a nice easy transfer from boat to dock. I have been docking now more and more and so I’ve managed to develop quite a lot of confidence. It’s weird how the mind can form a total block that seems insurmountable until you push yourself beyond the point at which the thinking stops and the fear takes over. I’ve always wondered what exactly people were talking about when they spoke of a mind block until I took the helm of our boat to dock her. I am fearless on the open water but when I get into a marina I am a wreck. Your videos have helped me sooooo much and thank you again for sharing your experience. You just can’t imagine how it has helped me with that darn mind block. I also like that you include the radio discourse with the harbour staff. Oh and I checked out the French sailor video of the music attracting whales. Amazing!!!!
It's great to hear your comment SP, but I am not surprised. It is just a matter of practice to build your confidence a bit. I should reverse in more often, but I have a lot of clutter on the stern of the boat that makes getting lines over from there (solo) a bit of a challenge --- life buoy, two davits, the aft stays that go toward each corner, a GPS that I don't want to get a loop around, etc.….. I do like reversing into the wind though as the boat is super controllable then.
Just watched this Patrick. I used to keep a yacht in Peel, yes the harbour can be tricky. The Creek (the pub you were stood outside at the end) is excellent, you might well have got a decent wine - but the restaurant next door would have been a cert.
Another excellent! video Patrick, I enjoyed it very much, thank you for sharing :)
That bow thruster sure comes in handy at times. Ireland next please. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! I don't use it very often, but I am sure glad it is there when I call on it!
Cheers Patrick! 3 things I got from this one was I was reminded of the beautiful Ardfern, wonderful memories of a week around those parts once, and boy that Isle of man harbour was tight! And finally a small ribbon somewhere in shot with your docking manoeuvres could add to the tension of the affairs for viewers, but great stuff as always :-)
The Peel marina looked very challenging. Our boat feels so small at sea, then turns into an aircraft carrier when I have to dock it. I admire your cool approach, but there again, you were a fighter pilot and I was a desk jockey.
Trust me Phil, I always breathe a big sigh of relief when that first line is safely fixed to a cleat! :-)
Hi Skipper, I notice an inner forestay with a new jib; now you are an authentic high Seas Sailor ! Fair winds.
I bought it just for this trip to the North Atlantic. It has served me very well in some pretty tough conditions around Iceland. Thanks.
Thank you Patrick for sharing your adventure. Excellent technique in your landings. Dave & Linda M/S Olivebank S/V Banyanda
Thanks for the kind feedback. Much appreciated.
Hi Patrick, I would be very interested in a video from you explaining how you make and prioritise decisions when charting course for trips. I think as a pilot you would have an interesting perspective. You appear to prioritise trip preparation and navigational awareness, this is either not spoken about or not done by many other TH-cam publishers. A video at the end of the series about charting, provisioning, immigration and weather planning vs reality of the trip. Your video on crossing the channel some time ago was very helpful to me. I appreciate your effort in making these videos. I sail in Australia which is a very different set of problems and considerations to Europe. I would like to take my boat to Europe next year and have some concerns about what I don't know.
Many thanks Down Under. You know, I think you'd be surprised at my plotting/planning practice. I used to calculate every lat/lon of every turn point based on wind/current/hazards and tried to stay as close as possible to my 'blue line'. With experience, I now think of a 'cone' between waypoints rather than a line. I check a wide cone leading into the waypoints very closely for hazards, and then let the wind decide the best course to follow, rather than trying to hug a blue line. I find this a much better planning practice (for me anyway).
Ireland. The old sod. Nice tight harbor at the end. Thanks for posting 🍀
Best one so far. I want to visit all the places you have been to - and I most probably will. And it is really useful that you show the full approach and docking to all the lovely little harbours.
I can confirm that the Isle of Man is good fun during TT week. I visited there in 1999 on my Ducati - no speed limits on the country roads. However, next time I will probably sail.
Many thanks Paul. Yeah, I can see you with a bass guitar strapped across your back riding a Ducati. ;-) I saw your video about moving the boat, but you did not say where to. ??
Hopefully the move will happen this Friday. I will spill the beans a bit more then.
I like your time lapse approaches. I also think about the alternative ways of mooring after my boat is alongside. :) Fair winds Patrick!
I often think of a better way to do it, especially after arrival in a marina I have never been to before. Fair winds...
que l'Ecosse est magnifique, merci Patrick de nous montrer un des plus beaux paysages!! Les habitantsracont raconteront longtemps après tous tes exploits aux Pub!!.... Steph
Merci. L’Ecosse est en effet une destination fantastique pour un navigateur. Voyage, voyage. :-)
I continue to eagerly look forward to every episode. I learn something from everyone. As you must realize your explanations regarding sailing, navigating and especially docking are so helpful for us newbies. I made my first journey to the pump out and fueling dock at my marina. I kept thinking how would patrick handle this? By the way, there is a Bavaria 40 Cruiser on the hard this week at my marina/boat yard. What a beautiful boat. I still have to order one of those docking sticks! Thanks again for another great installment!
Thanks for the kind feedback Chuck. Much appreciated.
Great Video and very impressive solo sailing, well done fair winds.
Excellent docking skills Patrick
Thanks for the kind feedback Deeva. Fair winds to you.
You made it look easy. You have mad skill Skipper.
Wonderful video Patrick! Thank you for sharing.
I swear my heart stopped when u ran aground. Happened once to me in a fairway in the north sea.
This is the third time in this boat ---- one was clearly my fault (for not interpreting correclty what the Harbor Master was telling me), but two others really were the fault of the marina for not dredging (or putting out special guidance on their websites).
I really do enjoy your videos, learning all the time and sharing your adventures. Just one thing. This and the previous videos should have been called 'docking my boat with a little motor sailing' :) Maybe think about showing us some of the countries you visit? I don't mean like Erik, I know he is a legend, but, just some of the stuff you see and do in these great places? Thank You again, I started from the beginning and I am really enjoying your channel, hope for many more.
Great video's, IF you can in the future show more of the destinations. That would be helpful in planning where to cruise. Thank You!
That's a tough one. This video was already 22 minutes long -- when my target is 15-17 mins (average watch time is 8 minutes). I decided to stick to sailing, as I have neither the cameras nor the editing skills to do justice to a travelogue…….not satisfactory, but can't really do otherwise. Thanks for watching.
When I sailed into Peel past the gate the harbour master handed me a marina layout map on the end of a big pole. Nice touch and very friendy welcome. Pity you missed out Portpatrick on your way down.
Yes -- a good crew at Peel. I looked at Portpatrick ;-) but I had my fill of mooring against walls in Iceland. Maybe next time.
Good set up in Portpatrick with vertical stays on the walls fixed at Top and bottom and fenders that run up and down with the tide. If you tie up to them with a loop around the stay you go up and down with the tide but remain remain close to the wall. Thought it would have been a must with your name...lol
You make that docking look so easy.
Thanks Marinus. Much appreciated.
Another nice video. Thank you for sharing. I wish you could show us more of those little towns you visit. I suppose you go for walks and hikes to discover what's out there? :-)
I do indeed take advantage of these places Billy --- but I don't have the right camera equipment to make travlogue type videos, and all of my videos are too long already. I made the (difficult) decision to stick to sailing as much as I can -- as I would not do justice to the tourism side.
Beautiful scenery Peel looked nice and nice parking you make it look easy . Has to be the east coast of Ireland for me boss, Howth looks a nice stop first then who knows what hidden gems you may find
Thanks for the ride Skipper
I did Howth last year --- trying to visit only ports I haven't been to before, until I get back to France. :-)
@@patricklaine6958 I see , well in that case having sang the song of ice and fire its only right you visit the land of the dragon, maybe? good marinas seem in short supply www.google.com/maps/search/marina/@52.8864848,-4.4092839,872m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!2m1!6e1
I did sail right by there (when it was much calmer). I sailed through Dorus Mor. Any credit for that? :-)
@@patricklaine6958 Wow Just looking at Dorus Mor now for the first time and im seeing what looks to be a boiling sea . You must have nerves of steel to go any near.
As my first submarine captain said to me (newest ensign onboard), any docking you can walk away from is a good one.
I'm not as demanding as your first skipper RC......I consider any docking I can swim away from as satisfactory. ;-)
Well just another routine docking maneo ....berrrruuppp! Aground. That was funny. That Viking Castle was something to behold! Even if it means some viking had swallowed the anchor and bought a house.
Great video...you make coming alongside seem so simple...
I do have colorful arrivals too -- trust me!
@@patricklaine6958 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I hope you enjoyed sailing in my local area. I regularly sail my 34 ft boat on the west coast of Scotland I’m based on the Clyde. Peel is on of my favourite places. Smoked kippers for breakfast by the marina entrance.
Im sure you have moved on by now I would recommend the Irish coast, better tides towards Dublin stay in Howth for a few days. If you go down to Holyhead you will be constantly pushed towards Liverpool with very strong currents. Almost slack on the Irish side.
I had a kipper bap for lunch yesterday Keith, from the same restaurant. ;-) (Never for breakfast though………) I did Howth last year…...so looking for a new port.
Patrick Laine try Graystones, just south of Dublin bay. Never been told its very good.
Any docking you walk away from :-)! That was a narrow gap just before the 180 turn too!
That one aged me a bit, but no harm done!
You visited my home marina, Carrickfergus. Great film of Peel Marina.
Currently selling my Finnsailer in favour of a Dehler!
I thought CF was one of the nicest marinas I have visited; Excellent facilities -- proximity to a supermarket. Terrific. Best wishes on the Dehler. They are great boats. I'm sure you will have some wonderful adventures in it.
Another excellent video - missed the du Pape order I thought it was going to be a feature.😉 Difficult to judge on video how little room there is but if possible I would have gone up the trot and then turned to port into wind, then astern and once steerage achieved approach the berth astern. My theory is turning bow into wind minimises the wind blowing the bow off. Anyhoo just mentioned because you said you were going to reflect on it......you are the boss.👍⛵️
That will certainly work too Norman. Arriving in a strange port you don't have much time to make a decision -- and you don't know the depth of the rows ahead of you..... so I go for whatever seems easiest at the time. I often think (afterward) that there was probably a better way to do it.
We don't seem to get many travellers popping up the Bristol Channel. There are so many fabulous beaches on the Welsh side, including Dale, Barafundle Bay, Tenby, Saundersfoot, and a few on the Gower peninsular (Three Cliffs is my favourite). They are all sandy bottomed anchorages with wide and sheltered bays. I don't think I would recommend going any further up the channel, unless you want to visit Swansea for any reason.(Just a few hours from Three Cliffs, and have water, fuel and anything else you may need)
If it was February/March, it would be a great experience to go to Cardiff for an international Rugby game to see how the city celebrates the occasions (You don't have to actually go to the game), but it's the wrong time of year.
On the way back from the South Wales coast, you can pop into Lundy Island and the North Devon towns of Illfracombe or Padstow before passing the Needles on your way to the Isles of Scilly.
Ireland is also nice, and you'll get a great welcome there. I went to Kinsale and Waterford last year, as well as Waterford (Check the river tide times), and Cork/Crosshaven
Lots of anchorages there Andrew ----- which are not a solo sailors best friend. I want to get to the pub or a restaurant to chat with the locals…… I lived in Cardiff for 7 years (before they built the barrage). Would love to go there, but it is a long way in, and a long way out. Think I'll stick with West Wales on this trip.
Hey Patrick! New Sailor here! My nerves were with you the whole way going into every berth man... Especially into Peel harbour! LOL
That was not an easy one, but I didn't really come up with a way to do it any better (givent he wind direction). Two more grey hairs.
I think that this harbor in the Isle of Man is my favorite so far entrance by the look of it.
A bit sporty!
Another great video Patrick 👍🏻
Thanks for the kind feedback Steve. Fair winds.
Your boatsmanship never ceases to amaze me Patrick, that last harbor was a little tight!
Tes navigations nous font voyagées. Merci
Merci bcp Fréd! Quand tu voudras !
We knew that you are a good sailor... but to get the writing “Oyster 68” turning with your boat, this is proper editing!
Sail from Peel to Carlingford Lough in Ireland lovely sail across, it’s a beautiful little place surrounded by mountains either side...... look it up in the reeds almanac
Nice area, but almost due West. I need to keep heading South. Am in serious need of a defrost.
thought u were cutting it a little short by the kelp there , nice vid again.
It was OK in my two pilot guides…..but there you go. :-(
I cannot believe your luck in the Sound of Mull. Been holidaying on Mull my whole life and I think I’ve seen it that calm once!! Think Moonshadow sold as a business last year as a going concern. Was doing Hebridean charters. Think it’s left the Scotland now.
Moon shadow was a beautiful boat. I watched a few of their videos, and noticed that they often had to motor-sail through the hebrides also due to variable winds. It is a beautiful place to visit, but the winds are so affected by local terrain, that it is not an ideal place for pure sailing. Well worth the visit though.
Patrick Laine The saying goes: If you have beautiful weather, you have no wind and if you have great wind, you have terrible weather! It can be very wild!
Beautiful, thanks for sharing Patrick!
Très belle démonstration de prise de pontons réussi, bravo car ce n'est pas toujours facile surtout en solo, moi j'ai toujours un peu d'appréhension quand j'arrive seul dans un port. A bientôt
Jack
Merci. Croyez-moi, même après l’avoir fait des centaines de fois, je stresse à chaque arrivée. C’est normal.
@@patricklaine6958 ça me rassure je stresse aussi beaucoup même a l'appareillage je stresse aussi. bon vent a bientôt
Jack
Lots of harbors that are on my list to visit in this episode! No overnight in Ballintoy? ;P
I was very close, but had not considered Ballintoy. I did Ballycastle last year, so it was either Rathlin or Portrush…… I chose to run aground over them all. ;-)
@@patricklaine6958 Ballintoy just looks so charming, unless winds are from the North!
Excellent video, as usual. I really like your docking techniques; maybe we can see you cast off some time as well.
I regularly berth in a similar finger to the one you had on the IoM. I tend to reverse into the area from the fairway, past the finger, and kick forwards into the berth once I'm past it. That way, momentum takes your stern towards the finger (I also have a starboard prop wash) and I use the midship cleat to cast a stern line, as the finger is shorter than the boat. I can push against it, with helm full outboard, to bring the stern in if the wind tries to take it out.
That way, if I get a gust towards the finger whilst going astern, it pushes my bow in (towards the finger) and I use it to steer.
What you did looked perfect, but I think I would have been a bit nervous doing it.
I hear you, but......I just arrived at a port in Dublin in high winds. I couldn't read the number of the berth they assigned me and went right past it. I stopped and reversed, and the 17 knot wind at 90° immediately blew the bow awkwardly downwind. I had to use a big burst of power to regain control and back all the way out of the berthing fairway, and start all over again. I guess it's a question of being familiar with the environment (which one is not when visiting new ports)…….. :-)
Great video Patrick⛵️👍
That 180 was amazing!
Three more grey hairs.
So beautiful there x
You’re dead right! Carrickfergus is great. Though it’s well worth heading all the way down to Belfast for a night in the City centre at the small Marina there.
Yeah -- one year I stopped at Carrick, and the next year my port call was Bangor. The next time will have to be Belfast. :-)
Patrick Laine Abercorn basin. It’s very small but right in the centre. Perfect for the Titanic museum and lots of great pubs.
I love that you show us the good, the bad, and the ugly. You have the most helpful sailing videos on the web. When you ran aground, what did you do to get out of it? Turn? Back out? Wait? (I haven't run aground yet, but I'm just a beginner.)
As I was going so slow, I knew I would not be to 'stuck', so I just gave a burst of power in reverse, and when I felt I was floating again, a burst of bow thruster to ail the bow away from that area. In one other occasion in France, I could not get off the mudbank. I sat there in the middle of the harbor entrance, stuck, and waited 45 minutes for the tide to lift me off. Embarrassing, but not really my fault.
I know its not Patrick’s style .. sailing channel means channel about sailing .. but i would have loved a sight of the places he visited .. restaurants, bars, people etc but never mind !
Ireland next. Over to Carlingford Lough (to Marina - 56.6nm, just arrive at the lough at slack tide), then down to Dun Laoghaire - 50nm (stunning harbour & Marina), then over to Holyhead - 55nm, then south to Pwllheli - 53nm, then south again to Milford Haven - 90nm.
Dun Laoghaire tomorrow --- I need to keep a Southern vector in the equation. I'll have a Guiness for you.
Patrick Laine there’s a big race starting tomorrow at 19:00 : Dun Laoghaire to Dingle, so a nice fleet of boats to be seen including a Southern Wind 96
great as always
thanks for sharing
lake superior you should
but the places you've just shown us had to be spectacular
maybe one day ………..
I'd love to Higgins. Maybe one day…..
Not too shabby Patrick, try 'Loch-Allen' as pronunciation, one word Lochaline the main village on the Morvern peninsula..but you knew that. Lovely sailing. Just a point, I happen to be a biker who enjoys the occasional quaffable red, as a matter of fact enjoyed one from Grignan-les-Adhémar last night with my rabbit casserole....I'm still glowing!! ;-)
What an ace you've become .... :) :) fab! cheers
Welcome back Ducati. (Lots of them here on Isle of Man this week.)
Châteauneuf du Pape? :) Really! This is EXACTLY what you should ask at Filbey's, a common port pub on the tiny Isle of Man! :))
Filbey's was closed during my few days on the IOM. I'll remember it for the next time.
2:05 anybody know the make/model of the yacht in the adjacent slip? It’s a beauty!
Berthing technique: You twice refer to your practice of heading for the outer end of the finger, then, 'when made', the middle of the berth until 'made'... etc. Define 'made'. I bang around short or single-handed in a similar sized boat and berthing, of course, is always the issue. This is particularly true in cross-wind and cross-tide conditions... otherwise known as prevailing conditions. So, what do you consider 'made'? When the bow is in line? When it just feels like you're there? And I see you generally keep power on until the boat is a third or so into the berth and then jam on the breaks. I'm sure the power issue is wind and current dependent, but what is your rule of thumb in terms of boat speed, steerage way and all that. And, btw, you're an inspiration.
Thanks Mark. I wish I could define 'when made', but as you inferred, it a 'feeling' thing. I do, however, try to be very methodical with the three step approach. When angling into the wind, it is 1st aim at the end of the finger, then the corner of the berth, and if all is well, I try to center in the slip once well inside, but that isn't very important. Driving in to the corner is not a bad thing. When the wind is from the other side, I aim 1st where I imagine the stern of the other boat would be, and then toward where his bow would be…… As for speed, a lot of people critique this aspect of my approaches --- far too fast. However, I would much rather be .75 kts too fast than .75 kts too slow, and lose control at a critical moment. Go with what makes you comfortable in your boat/conditions, and ignore what the 'experts' say.
Patrick Laine - Thanks Patrick. I assume you have one of your permanent fenders rigged at the bows so that you avoid that crunching sound when you power into the corner. So when you flew, did you leave the landing gear down all the time as well? Just asking.
No, the bow fender detaches on one side, and I swing it up onto the bow sprit for almost every passage. (Waves would rip it off otherwise.) Regarding raising the landing gear, you may be on to something. Maybe that is why I had so much trouble breaking the sound barrier. ;-)
Great job in slowly running aground. If you are going to do it, do it slowly. And excellent work in the Isle of man. That was a tight spot to park the boat.
Thanks for the video. Looks like life is good! Appear to be a well founded vessel. You should tell us more about it. For example I would like to know why the main sail cover is atop the boom. Is it a furling mainsail?
It is called a Lazy Bag, and used to zip around the mainsail after you drop it (to protect from UV, as well as from having it flop around in the wind). A very convenient invention, much loved by most sailors, though racers frown at them.
if you ever plan on returning to the Hebridean islands , one that may be of interest to you is a monument to 600 US servicemen and about 150 Royal navy sailors , there were two separate incidents , first ship got torpedoed ,the second ship had a collision , on the island of Islay there is a monument at a place called the OA of mull
I wish I had known you where going to Ardfern I would have come and said hello and my boat was is in your video but unfortunately its not the Oyster.
I just hate parking next to expensive stuff ---- makes me nervous just thinking about it. ;-)
@@patricklaine6958 We did a fuel jetty park just like that with a giant shiny motor yacht alongside, and the coast guard in front. We got $16 propane, he got $9500 diesel on his black American express card.
Missed you in Carrickfergus Patrick, hopefully next time.
Very nice marina environment!