New crew, for the leg home

 

                                                                           Pic by Eddy


For the leg home, a fresh crew. 

Left to right: Eddy, James, me, Rory, Andrew.

Eddy Stocker, 64, a North Irishman who moved with his wife to the Clifden area a few years ago. He was a merchant marine engineer, and is highly capable at solving mechanical & electrical problems. He has his own boat, a 34 ft Moody bilge keeler and has sailed her to Scotland and down to Cork. He's been in the Fastnet, and twice in the Round Ireland race. 

James Golden, 60, also Northern Irish, keeps two homes, one in Belfast, the other near Clifden. He sails a 33 ft Westerly Discus bilge keeler, in recent years accompanying Eddy to Scotland & Cork. Now semi retired he is a civil engineer and lawyer. 

Rory Harris, 16, a Scotsman, single hands small boats. He has just acquired a 21 ft bilge keel fixer upper, and is really keen to get started. One of his talents is holding a bottle of Ireland's finest; another is playing riffs on the guitar. 

Andrew Harris, Rory's father, 50, Scots, is an A&E doctor. He has plenty of coastal experience.

Given the ethnicity of this group, England often comes under fire. And likewise the USA. 

Today we topped up diesel and water, paid off the marina, and finished up the shopping (a pound of coffee for me). Also, Eddy led the way to sorting a number of electrical and mechanical problems on Teddy, to the tune of various riffs and accompanying howlings.  Tomorrow we head off for St Kilda. Possibly Inishturk North off Mayo for a pint and some lamb with potatoes, and then home. Be 10 days or so.

We all already knew each other, largely from meetings at EJ's pub in Clifden. The camaraderie is really good, and I look forward to this sail.