Hey, Hey, Amazing Skelling!
Dolphin and Baskin shark Attack
Dolphin and Baskin shark Attack
Baltimore - Crookhaven - Skellig Islands - Valentia Island (Knight's Town) - Bere Island
19-22 Apr 2019
19-22 Apr 2019
Storytellers: Daria & Ivan
Crew and founders of the Club. We have started Realmistic sailing club as a couple in 2017 and now we are family. But our sailing family is even bigger. Join us for the next trip!
The Easter holidays gave us a good opportunity to use a 4-day break wisely for sailing again.
The Ocean was unusually calm and we took a chance to go along the Atlantic coast aiming to reach the Skellig Islands, Puffin Island, and Valentia Island. All three are gems - a tourist can easily discover such places by 1-day commercial 'tours' available online.
The Ocean was unusually calm and we took a chance to go along the Atlantic coast aiming to reach the Skellig Islands, Puffin Island, and Valentia Island. All three are gems - a tourist can easily discover such places by 1-day commercial 'tours' available online.
DAY #1
A short and safe passage through the islands of Baltimore Bay.
A short and safe passage through the islands of Baltimore Bay.
Ready to depart on "Inishleigh", a 43-ft boat named after one of the islands in the region.
We set off before the sunset to reach a nearby sheltered place for the night.
We had just two hours to get to Crookhaven - the nearest point to the open ocean. It was a test run for the team to get used to the rocking of the boat.
Fooling around taking photos and obsessed by the sea life of Baltimore Bay.
A hammock is great for the Middeterranian sailing with no wind and warm weather, but in Ireland it can be rarely used and only in calm conditions.
We were lucky to have a "chef" on our team - Anya was fond of cooking every single minute of our trip and pleased to see our happy faces. The first evening she cooked amazing Shakshuka - the delicious Middle Eastern egg dish.
DAY 2
The next day everyone was excited by the adventure to reach the marvellous Skellig Islands. We knew that it was a long journey a minimum of 9 hours - a challenging distance for inexperienced sailors. Part of the team took pills for seasickness and fell asleep for half of the day. Another part of the team was relishing the calm waters and the mysterious haze that concealed the coast.
The next day everyone was excited by the adventure to reach the marvellous Skellig Islands. We knew that it was a long journey a minimum of 9 hours - a challenging distance for inexperienced sailors. Part of the team took pills for seasickness and fell asleep for half of the day. Another part of the team was relishing the calm waters and the mysterious haze that concealed the coast.
Dolphin Attack!
We met large flocks of dolphins that were coming again and again to play with our boat. Baby dolphins were jumping from the water near our boat and having fun while larger dolphins were just swimming around us.
We met large flocks of dolphins that were coming again and again to play with our boat. Baby dolphins were jumping from the water near our boat and having fun while larger dolphins were just swimming around us.
Synchronous jump
Baby dolphin full body jump out of the water
View from the bow. Large flocks of dolphins.
We got so used to them after 30 min, stopped taking pictures, and just continued to watch the beautiful creatures playing.
Lets "Attack" that shark, captain
Few hours later someone noticed shark's fin sticking out of the water.
It was slow and lazy, not paying attention to the boat. It was a breathtaking moment as most of us never seen sharks before. We were circling around in a couple meters from the fish trying to get photos and see it full-size.
It was slow and lazy, not paying attention to the boat. It was a breathtaking moment as most of us never seen sharks before. We were circling around in a couple meters from the fish trying to get photos and see it full-size.
Basking Shark close to the water surface
Basking shark is quite rare to stumble upon - it was the second time in 2 years monthly sailing trips in Ireland. It's not dangerous for people as the only food basking shark eats is plankton. However, it's scary huge and I would never ever swim in that area again as if I see this shark near me I would definitely die from the heart attack, haha.:)
Hey, Hey, Amazing Skelling!
We noticed plenty of birds and their nests on the island when getting closer
On the Way to Great Skellig
Magnificent nature. Unique and dramatic rock formations located about five miles off the southwestern coast of Ireland.
DAY 3. Valentia Island
We had a professional yoga instructor on the board, who was very happy to reach the land and showed us the nice poses.
Yoga again: Warrior II stand at the pier
Bear Island
On the way back we tried a new west passage with a lighthouse to Bear Island
On the way back we tried a new west passage with a lighthouse to Bear Island
Back to Baltimore. The End.
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