22 May 2010
I LMATA R N
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O F R HU
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Rhu to Caladh Harbour
Eilean Dubh to Tarbert Loch
Tarbert to Kames
Wonderful Sailing up the stunning Kyles of
Fyne
South Easterlies force a change from
Bute to the burn islands and Eilean Dubh
Following in the footsteps of Magnus
Lochranza in favour of more
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Barefoot of Norway
sheltered waters.
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IN THE BEST TRADITIONS OF JEROME KLAPKA JEROME NOSTRUM ITER ITINERIS SUSCIPIO The crew were expected to muster at 14:00 in the Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club. Our skipper Mr Hammond was as ever punctilious. Alas, Jamie and Howard were both running late - Howard by a matter of minutes, Jamie by nearly 2 hours, arriving like a less than thorough bred horse straight from a romantic weekend at Flora MacDonald’s cottage in Flodigarry. Despite the tardiness of the crew, the skipper maintained his composure, doubtless aided by some fine cold beer at the newly revamped Royal Northern restaurant. Indeed, such was his equanimity that barely a hard gaze was cast when Smith suggested he may sample from the club’s new extensive menu, delaying departure even longer.. A pleasant lunch was enjoyed with Jamie waxing lyrical about the joys of Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula, whilst the trio exchanged notes on the great places to eat on the Isle of Skye -consensus being Duisdale House, The Three Chimneys and Flodigarry Hotel as the prime locations with the Stein Inn, Skye’s oldest Pub being a worthy mention. Revictualling complete, the crew made their way to Glenbrook for a tearful farewell of the long suffering Mrs Hammond. Golf Clubs, crates of brown beer, Gordon’s Gin and a small vineyard’s worth of red and white into the hold indicated cast off was imminent. After year’s of faithful service Mr Hammond has sold the Carter 33 Quicksilver in favour of a Nicholson 38- Ilmatar. Despite the more commodious saloon in Ilmatar, there was a strange sense of deja-vous as Paul took the aft, Howard the forecabin whilst Jamie was confined to the pull down in the main saloon - in turbulent times a haven of continuity. Ensign aloft, we glided out of the Gareloch and into the clyde. As ever, the true start of the cruise being the Cloch Lighthouse, which immediately signaled an opportunity for uncorking the first of many good bottles of wine.
Intrepid skipper Paul Hammond at the helm
Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club
Sailing Newsletter • ILMATAR • RHU • a readership of 3 since 2010