Crossing over to Vestmann Island, Iceland, 5-9 August

We finally were able to sail the 574 nautical miles from Bara, in the South of the Hebrides archipelago, to Heimaey, the harbour on Vestmannaeyjabær (the Vestmann Islands). All together, it took us four full days, meaning that our average speed was 6 knots. Not too bad!

The window of opportunity was quite narrow as gale level winds were expected along the Hebrides around 8 August, which would have delayed our crossing for another week. But, after carefully looking at the weather forecast we decided to leave within few hours of our assessment as there was an opening with fair winds along the course. 

So, we made it...

Inishkea-Buttenport-Castlebay, 1st & 2nd August

 As we had 91 nautical miles (168 km) to go from Inishkea for Buttenport, we decided to sail at night in order to arrive in Buttenport in the afternoon. On such winds, it could take us up to 20 hours for the distance, and it did. Night sailing on Cybèle 17 was very comfortable as we could keep the tent all way long given its many windows allowing a good watch in all directions, including the sail over the tent roof. It was most pleasant when it started to rain!

Night shift on Cybèle 17

Ghost Inishkea Islands, 30 & 31 July

Inishkea Islands are among the most interesting places visited so far on the West coast of Ireland. They are uninhabited nowadays but have a fascinating history and a lot of vestiges from the past.

François exploring Inishkea South Island abandoned village

Let's have a tour...

Across Clew Bay from Westport to Achillbeg Island, 30 July

A ride across Clew Bay is a ride under the distant attention of sheep grazing on the drumlins. 

We continue our journey towards the Northwestern tip of Ireland before crossing to Iceland.

Inishbofin-Clare Island-Westport, 28-30 July

 On 28 July, we departed from Inishbofin to Clare Island, a short 15 nautical miles ride. The Island is guarding the entrance of the Clew bay.

Cybèle 17 on the visitor buoys in the Clare Island harbour bay

Clare Island is a small paradise for its 150 inhabitants and thousands of visitors...

Encounter with dolphins on the way to Inishbofin, 26-27 July

 From Roundstone we head North to the island of Inishbofin. As we departed from Roundstone, a herd of dolphins swam up all around us. Unforgettable experience! 

See the video below...

Galway to Roundstone, Ireland - 22/25 July 2021

Deprived from sailing on Belisama for the 2021 season because of needed maintenance, I joined Fañch & Valérie on Cybèle 17, en route from Ireland to Iceland, through the Faroe Islands. A 2200 nautical miles ride!

I flew from Croatia to Dublin, then commuted to Galway where Cybèle 17 picked me up. 

Cybèle 17 approaching Galway harbour