Final Leg for Teddy

Teddy prepares for her final leg of the 2026 Greenland adventure back to Clifden.

Bad weather set in for a few days delaying our departure from Reykjavik so the crew spent their time visiting local sights including the tall ship Gloria from Columbia and victualling Teddy.

On the 17th Aug the winds finally died and we departed Reykjavik harbour with an excited crew ready for the adventure ahead. On entering Reykjavik bay we were greeted by minke and humpback whales - a true delight. Off Keflavik we stopped to catch some fresh cod, sufficient for a few dinners. The winds were Northerly force 3-4 so gave us a lively few days with the boat rolling, this is when Nick showed his legendary ability to set the sails for self steering. Reefing the mainsail and backing the jib did the trick. It was a true delight to watch Nick so in tune with his boat, the rest of the crew are Bermuda sloop sailors so this was a rare treat. 

The crew settled into the daily routine of watches, starting with 3 watches - 2hrs on and 4hr off, it took about 2 days for everyone to settle in. After 3 days and with updated forecasts via in-reach, the winds backed South Westerly making if difficult to maintain a southerly course to Clifden so we made course for the Hebrides. 

Since Andrew had to be Edinburgh by the following Saturday we considered sailing to Barra however the winds backed further Easterly allowing us to make a direct course to Clifden, this time with a jib, staysail, main and mizzen sail up and all self steering. As we got closer to land we had some stowaways in the form of birds, 3 song birds in total that had been blown offshore, we managed to save 2 but unfortunately on perished. After 8 days at sea we spotted land off the coast of Mayo Ireland. As a very welcome sight, the sun went down just off Black Rock we watched the Green Flash an unforgettable experience. 

A night passage down the west coat of Ireland offshore of Innishbofin, High Island and Craugh concluded with an uneventful entry to Clifden bay and a temporary stop at the Clifden Boat Club mooring before sailing up Clifden harbour channel to tie up against the harbour wall. Teddy had completed her 2026 Adventure to Greenland and Iceland with a well satisfied skipper and crews - many thanks to Nick and Teddy.

The Crew taking a tour of ARC Gloria

The Crew anticipating a great voyage

Andrew and Ruairidh jamming on deck
 

Catching Cod off Keflavik
 

Three old men of the sea!


A Stowaway taking a rest - a welcome visitor



A Stowaway action shot!


Black Rock at Dusk shortly followed by the green flash


A great view of Teddy from the Bowsprit

Clifden Harbour hoves into view at dawn


Teddy all tucked up and sage at home in Clifden Harbour








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