donegal bay, teelin, and SliAbh Liag cliffs
Mullaghmore - Teelin - Inishkeel
Early September 2018
Early September 2018
Storyteller: Ivan Brigida
The Skipper
Depending on the West Atlantic weather is always like playing Russian Roulette, but with greater negative outcomes. So, good weather is highly-prized and long-hoped for. Few sheltered places to stay, regular currents and shallow sand banks make this region tricky for passage navigation as well. Nevertheless, it's an attractive place for someone who values unspoiled nature, small islands and deserted paths.
We were lucky enough to see three calm days at the end of the sailing season in September 2018. I arrived early Saturday morning to the small wooden pier at Mullaghmore (Co.Sligo) and couldn't wait there long, because the tide was going out. When the rest of the team came with food and drink - they were surprised to see that the boat had gone.
We were lucky enough to see three calm days at the end of the sailing season in September 2018. I arrived early Saturday morning to the small wooden pier at Mullaghmore (Co.Sligo) and couldn't wait there long, because the tide was going out. When the rest of the team came with food and drink - they were surprised to see that the boat had gone.
They arrived too late and didn't see the boat. I went back and forth several times in the dinghy to bring everyone to the boat outside the harbour.
The boat was rather small by cruising standards (35ft - Beneteau Oceanis 350). The owner, Dave, described her as "an older model but a lovely cruising boat." It had 3 reefs to reduce the sails and could run in windy conditions. We were happy as we felt prepared for anything.
Morning coffee and voyage has started
The gear. We hadn't been offered the sailing outfits contrary to the previous times and guys decided to buy some second-hand stuff for themselves. Creative pals had found rare vintage skiing clothes in one of the Dublin shops.
Andrei and Tanya in vintage skiing gear
Three types of moving clouds. It's like looking into a fire - you never get tired of it.
Low clouds touch the land, middle clouds hide the peaks of the hills, high clouds make the pattern
Entering Teelin harbour. We were trying to reach a safe place before night time. No sailor likes to arrive at night when you can see anything.
Calm waters close to the harbour
The Pirate flag. We didn't believe they still existed. But next morning we were almost pushed off the pontoon by the local guys as we entered their territory. Like medieval ages.
Years ago it might be the captain's cabin on a pirate boat
The full team gathers for an evening pint and talk.
We spent all day at sea and hesitated to decide if we should go for a night walk up to the village. In the end we went and it was better than we had hoped. We came across a truly unique 120-years old pub "The Rusty Mackerel".
We spent all day at sea and hesitated to decide if we should go for a night walk up to the village. In the end we went and it was better than we had hoped. We came across a truly unique 120-years old pub "The Rusty Mackerel".
The Rusty Mackerel hidden gem bar
A sleepy and quiet morning. Calm and foggy. Nothing in the distance visible. Mystical but quiet.
Meditating - no internet connection, no external lights, no noise and reduced visibility
Everyone in a different mood.
It's rare to find such a variety of expressions in one shot: smiling, concentrated, and deep in thoughts.
It's rare to find such a variety of expressions in one shot: smiling, concentrated, and deep in thoughts.
Three on a boat without a dog.
The same three friends were ready for the next adventure. They felt relief after touching solid ground, as all day the ship had been in motion and half the team was ready to do anything to stop the swaying.
Tigran is happy staying on the land in the cold water, and he still didn't know that he'd lost phone while getting out of the boat.
Do you want to try sailing someday?
Leave your enquiry and we'll sent you all updates for your chosen adventure sailing destination
