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10th October - Final - Well, for now! Update received 1705 BST Well I'm home, washed and polished and ready for absolutely nothing! Mouette is cleaned up, drying out and most things are back where they belong - after last nights rumble with the tumble drier action of the Bristol Channel. Or should that be the tumble wetter, certainly seems like it. She raced up the Channel last night nearly 60 miles in around 11 hours - you could almost thing she wanted to be home too. Nothing to do with the F5 southerly chasing us up the channel of cause. Wonderful boat, like a good dance partner always manages to make you look good too! Want to decide what to do next - I have the log, but it is libellous or slanderous, I'll take advice. Might make it a subscription only thing and put all the money into a legal defence fund. There are several businesses that might not like the free and frank review of their commercial offerings. Also there are some great things that other travellers may find useful. I would like to do the 'Oscar' thing and thank people. Right now that has to be for Sarah for letting me go out and play and get this thing out of my system. [In her dreams!] Truthfully it has been great but I cannot answer the question whether I would do it again. Next year Cornish Coast & dash to Brittany? One thing is sure that I'm up for a journey of adventure or whatever. I have also learned that to cover distance in a boat like Mouette you have to be a bit ruthless. I managed in four sailing days to cover the same distance on my own that it took nearly 3 weeks to cover on the way up. Also I have learned that the Met Office sucks as a weather forecaster for inshore waters. Accuweather gets my vote every time. For accuracy and degree of local detail. Simple layout, it even pops up on my iPAQ Right I have the evening meal to prepare and an appointment with a large G&T and my lawyers Really hope you've enjoyed the vicarious bit of the trip and don't think about it get out there and do it. Big thanks to Geoff for a great site Fair winds and safe landfall [is that too cheesy?] Rocyn 10th October - Portishead Update received 0131 BST 00:16 Mouette and I are back where we belong in Portishead. Close run thing after roll with big wave off Nash Point. Mouette got us through! New underwear for me. Rocyn 9th October - Swansea Update received 1242 BST Rocyn reflects on his recent single-handed leg of the voyage. I'm getting over being lonely and scared in various proportions. I had a real big moment coming up the channel from Dale and nearly went into to Tenby, but I persevered and got into Swansea. Wet, cold and without power and no echo sounder - dodgy at low water entering Swansea for the Tawe barrage. Also lacking lights came as a bit of a surprise for a large tug powering up the fairway. Me, I was virtually asleep at the wheel anyway & I think they were all getting ready for an early breakfast. Just to make things interesting I managed to lose the genoa reefing line down the engine port. It wrapped itself around the rudder and I had to cut it off. Interesting in the dark and with the bumpy sea that happens with wind over tide off the Mumbles. Then, as a final treat, I discovered they have removed the pontoon that used to be at the entrance to the Tawe lock for early or late arrivals. The lock only operates 07:00 to 19:00! I found a mooring and picked it up single-handed - something I frequently cannot do with two of us on board. Had a lazy day yesterday and dosed myself up on cold cure and decongestant. Showered and the bilges do not seem as bad as they were. I ate at the yacht club and had an early night. Feel loads better and ready to leave this p.m. and motor sail up to Portishead in time for lunch! Rocyn 8th October - Swansea Update received 1030 BST Progress: Swansea 0300 UTC Saturday. R & R Day long trip from Dale. Very bumby against tide for the last part. Battery died. No electronic help. Cold developing nicely! Rocyn 7th October - Under way Update received 0931 BST I am knackered but, we have made some progress. Just passed through a sinking boat and rescue. I will stick with a safe boat. A bit too like a boy scout gang show. Rocyn 7th October - Dale Update received 0929 BST 2 Old Gits morning but I've got a cold, honest! Leaving for Swansea at the end of the tide. No battery left either. Could be a long day. Rocyn 6th October - Dale Update received 2011 BST Dale. Three cheers for John and Kalistra for giving two gallons of petrol in a place with no petrol. Wonderful pub and food. Done a 2 old gits so, going to bed. Rocyn 6th October - Under way Update received 1432 BST Through Ramsey Sound - This is good but the sea now is like school custard; full of lumps and unrecognisable bits. Mouette doing much better than me. Rocyn 6th October - Fishguard Update received 1009 BST Thanks to GPS and auothelm, Arrived Fishguard 05:00 UTC. Much easier than last time. Anchored without event and fell asleep. Now taking weather window to get to Milford. Rocyn 5th October - Under way Update received 1731 BST 16:30 UTC North 52:43,67 West 4:45. Through Bardsey Sound and heading for fishguard. So far, so good. Stopping might be more difficult! Also tide has turned, VMG will go down. Rocyn 5th October - Under way Update received 1230 BST A+ motoring day. Left Caernarvon heading south Oofah moment leaving nothing broken except pride. Dented plan to go straight to Fishguard. Want to get back home now. Rocyn Skipper's comment - Trying to decipher predictive texting error in above ... 4th October - Caernarvon Update received 1130 BST Wake up. Racing home then to Caernarfon. Weather looks good so, I'm off to get Mouette. Going to deal with my monsters and sail back single handed! Watch this space. Rocyn 23rd September - Caernarvon Update received 1920 BST Given up and gone home in disgust. Maybe northerlies next week. Makes for a drab end to a dismal outing. What is a pessimist? An optimist with experience! Rocyn 23rd September - Caernarvon Update received 1040 BST Wondering about Albatross I have offended to deserve this wind. Still in South and Force 6 or 7. Next week looks fantastic too! God make me patient but, hurry up! Rocyn 22nd September - Caernarvon Still here in Caernarfon, the wind should come around to the north tomorrow - so we will be off like a shot Locals think the bar will be a problem, but it seems to be quite calm even with the southerlies and biggest springs of the year! Also I see the predictive text made 'bilges' - 'aikids' Sounds like a new word but cannot think of a definition Hey ho. Rocyn Skipper's comment: I took that on face value and made a mental note to find out what an 'Aikid' is! 22nd September - Caernarvon Update received 1200 BST Caernarvon, behind the bar and stiff southerlies running. Out of things to do. Need to get a new book at this rate. Promised northerlies for exit on Friday noon. Rocyn 21st September - Caernarvon Update received 1918 BST I have been to Hell and it's name is Caernarvon on a non-sailing day. Strong wind advisory kept up here doing pointless maintenance jobs. The aikids (bilges - see later updates) are spotless! Rocyn 21st September - Caernarvon Update received 0837 BST Caernarvon. Planned to go south on noon tide. Ho ho, forecast for south or southwest force 6. Off to Dylan Thomas Cafe to check charts and see when we can make it for Fishguard. Rocyn 11th September - Caernarvon Update received 1641 BST Here is a brief [well it was when I started] update on the 'gaps' in the narrative of our now epic journey. I've been picking up on the 2 old gits reports and I'm not restricted to 160 characters of a text message! 18th Aug - Dumbarton to Ardrossan - made sure Mr Doherty knows I've paid my bill this time. The web site does not really do Sandpoint Marina credit, the Cutty Sark distillery in the background is now a pile of hardcore and the pontoons are heading that way. The cleaner got a better job and left with Noah on the Ark. Anyway, breezy motor down the Clyde and then sail down and into Ardossan, when we have sussed the lights and the fact that you cannot always get a response from the HM or the Marina. Ardrossan is not the 'pearl of the coast' Have they renovated the showers at Troon yet? We gave it a miss and hoped Ardrossan would be better, silly boy! The marina people are nice and the facilities adequate - but it's not Largs. No coffees, no shops, no petrol 20th August Left Girvan in the small hours to get the tide down to Portpatrick. There is some sort of local joke regarding the Girvan harbour master, his existence and working hours that we could not penetrate. We have had glowing reports of his support for sailors, but we have not seen him and rumours of his existence are scoffed at by the locals. Anyway, we looked for him but in the end sneaked off without paying. So if he reads this he can email us and claim the fees, 24 feet for one night! Into Portpatrick, as ever lining up the orange marks and avoiding the 'can' that has become a large fluorescent float then sharp to port and into the harbour entrance. Harbour was almost deserted as we got there at about 10:00. We had a nice place against the wall in the corner and soon met our friendly harbour master. Rapidly filled up with Irish sailors. Cheers to the pillock who expected to raft up his 34' against Mouette and got funny when we suggested he could use any part of the vacant wall that available. Eventually moved and rafted alongside a pretty little boat - a 'Gypsy' - real heroes spreading a circumnavigation over two years!! Another local sport for the intelligentsia of Northern Ireland seems to be, speed over to Portpatrick on your rib, spend all afternoon in the pub, stagger onto rib and speed home. I hope to meet the chap who left the harbour and us in his 60 hp wash again. He may be lucky and I do not have anything sharp or heavy in my hands at the time, but he may wake up with a crowd around him or take his subsequent meals with a straw. The pubs and restaurants were open this time and we had stunning crab claws in a rich alcohol cream sauce! Then back to the boat for sausages and whatever along with a bottle of wine with our neighbours - Note the 2OG touch! 21st Another early start and off to Ireland - the plan was to take the tide and head 'across and down' Went blasting across and made landfall too far up the coast and had to battle down to Strangford. Tired and by now very wet we took the tide up Strangford and tied up in Portaferry - it seemed to be closed, except for the yacht club. Managed to get the cockpit tent up before the heavens opened and we got a real welcome to Ireland. The current there is horrific and we were pushed against the breakwater that doubles as the visitors pontoon. Bit pricey for no protection, no showers and Glastonbury style loos. 22nd Off again on the tide and down the coast on one of those days that look great from the land. Bright and breezy, we had a good boisterous sail then the long slog up into Carlingford and the 'challenge' of if we dared cut the corner into the Marina. Another one with radio problems - so we pulled in and tied up, little suspecting we were to spend so much time there. Showered for the first time since Dumbarton and got the electricity on to charge the battery and run the fridge. 23,24,25 - MetEir announces >6 for the wholes of Ireland and the synoptics do not look fantastic. We find a wonderful deli and coffee shop and move in. Reading the entire paper for cover to cover. Then there is a very nice pub [understatement]. One day, by way of homage to my recently departed father in law, we have Guinness and a dozen local oysters - worth the trip! Carlingford has a butcher to die for and Rhys and I while away the time consuming large lumps of protein with delicious flavours like lamb, sirloin steak and T bone! Carlingford was tough. The night of 25 things look better and on the basis of local advice we decide we can make it down to Dublin and hence have access to the airport a marina and so on. 26th Off again and heading for Howth banged down the coast for a long time and lurched into Howth Marina - very handy for Dublin Airport and the possible escape. Rhys, eldest son and current crew, had run out of holiday and we had to get back for Grandpa's funeral. Well we limped in, more radio problems, motored around looking for a visitors pontoon. Finally put ourselves on a vacant hammer head as a 'Rupert' arrived in a 'bum boat' He shared the intelligence that the marina was closed on account of them hosting some European Championship - I responded to the effect that I was going to tie up and have something to eat and he and 'The Marina Manager' were at liberty to take whatever steps they saw fit. We had pot noodles - yes, I know but they were hot and quick, and removed oilies and fell into our pits and to hell with the consequences. Sundry boats came and went during the night but we got through it. 27th It's my birthday! I'm 58 and feel all of them. We 'did a runner' at about 07:00 and moved on round for Dun Laoghaire. Send us the bill Howth! Anyway, beautiful dawn and we motor, 'sans vent' and arrive about 08:30. Here they have similar radio problems, funny the Coast Guard always hears us. Anyway, you can kind of tell this is going to be expensive, they've got better tenders than we have boats! Find a pontoon and moor up - wander off to the office and announce our arrival. We've managed to find the owners or managers berth, well we got their attention - they found us another and we settled in. More washing, charging and cooling and we're ready for the bright lights. Rhys & I find an internet cafe and plan our escape then take the train [DART] into Dublin - most of the population of Europe seems to be in town - we tourist ourselves to a standstill, well sit still in my case - eat, drink and so on. In the meantime Geoff, the esteemed, delightful and respected operator of Sailtales indicates an interest in doing a bit of sailing - well I played hard to get and waited several minuted before I grabbed his offer. I have a crew for the next leg! Rhys leaves early on Sunday 28th I'm booked on a RyanAir on Tuesday, it was so much cheaper than going on Sunday or the Bank Holiday Monday. So I have 2 days to chill, write up the log and clean and fix the boat. I content myself with maintenance jobs. Trimming my beard, cutting my toenails and fixing the roller reefing. Well that did not really happen until 30th, but it took a lot of planning So on Monday afternoon I am scampering around looking for someone near the marina who can weld the stainless steel bracket on the roller reefing. I am directed to a sort of Daily & Trotter emporium buried in the back of a car breakers yard, it might have been a refuge for large fierce dogs too, about a mile from the marina - the chap welds the pieces together with consummate ease, tells me what the last guy [Russell] who fixed it did wrong and will not take any money [ read this and weep Russell - you bandit!] Tuesday 30th dawns and I take the first bus [0800] from Dun Laoghaire to the Airport, well I mean it cannot be that far it only cost €1,75. An hour and a half later we arrive at the airport - but I've still got time! Tuesday 6th - Back on RyanAir, this time for £1,99 and the taxes - arrive at the marina about 22:00 and Geoff is wandering around in the dark - we dump our stuff and adjourn to one of the many pleasant pubs in DunL - I'm told. Wednesday 7th The plan is to get off in the morning and go down the coast to Arklow, then Wexford and then to Milford Haven. Wake to the wind in the halyards and a Small Ships Advisory from the MetEir. Bugger. So we believe what we are told, again, and fritter away the day. Off to the internet cafe and check all the weather sites, it's clear that we will get a window tomorrow but that could be it. So we decide, based on the 0500 forecast [Thursday]that we will go to Holyhead and then work down the coast. Thursday, wake, fall asleep through forecast, go to Marina office, get forecast, looks OK, pay bill, breakfast, fill the Thermos flasks and set off. Motor, with a little sail and arrive off Holyhead without serious event. This means you do not count the incidents with the High Speed Cat ferries that seemed to be playing a sort of chicken with us. After they had passed us on one of their many crossings the game got a bit boring and they left us a bit more sea room and less wake - thanks lads. Now having read the 2OG page and their fun and games with the Almanac we can sympathise. We arrive in the dark in Holyhead - the pilot comes clean and announces the plan to build a marina but nothing more. The Almanac shows the marina, give phone numbers and calling channels. Has a little scheme plan with lights, well so does Imray too! But they do not match the reality - there are no green lights on the sea wall - breakwater or the pontoons - just 3 F R in what from a distance looks like a car park! But Geoff is up to the job. I drive around dodging unlit poles in the water and he gets on the mobile, more R/T problems here too, and someone 'talks us in'. Fall into bed after a meal without thinking of the next stage. Wake to a wet, low cloud and windy morning - the forecast on NAVTEX is a bit grim too! Roll over and decide it's a rest day. Later on we realise that if we had left we would have had problems with the tide around South Stack and been going into Caernarfon in the dark - based on experience in daylight that's a job for fishermen and other nutters! Well we take in Holyhead, do a bit of shopping have a pub lunch. Find the free internet cafe at the library - thank you all you wonderful lady librarians and decide we will go to Caernarfon on Saturday. Just have to be out of the place at 0530 UTC. Well we get the 0535 forecast and it is not bad enough for us to justify staying - with some reluctance it is decided that we will leave. Eventually we are out of the breakwater with the sails up and sailing in doubtful visibility but we are on our way. Then it all comes together and we are doing >5 knots over the ground and flying down the coast. Later we have two reefs in,still >5 kn but more comfort - fellow Achilles owners will know this situation. Arrive in Caernarfon about 1200 and clear up and do breakfast - more sausages, bacon, rolls and eggs. Dreadful stuff but it seems to suit sailing. Rocyn 10th September - Caernarvon Special update by Skip I have just got back after crewing for Rocyn for the last four days. I will post more detail when I have time but, for now Mouette Solitaire is in Caernarvon having been motor sailed from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead then brought down to Caernarvon in a wonderful sail on saturday morning. Another Achilles, Artemis sailed by Andy and William Hampton rafted alongside - more about that soon. Thank you Rocyn, for an excelent sailing break. Skip 27th August - ? Update received 0709 BST I can only say that my hat blew off but I was not sick! Rocyn Skipper's comment:: Rocyn keeps me updated by text message. I have recently discovered, to my cost, that sea water and mobile phones do not mix! Therefore I cannot be sure that this is the complete message. 25th August - Carlingford Update received 1023 BST Strong wind warning for all Ireland so, here another day! This starts problems with commitments for crew and I need a crew change to make up for delay. Rocyn 24th August - Carlingford Update received 0902 BST Wednesday morning, still Carlingford. Gale warnings keep coming. May leave this afternoon but tomorrow could be safer. Really windy last night even this far up the lough. Rocyn 24th August - Carlingford Update received 0854 BST Carlingford Lough. Stuck here today with forecast gale. Plan looks ambitious to get to Dublin for a few days. After that not sure about crew availability. Rocyn 19th August - Girvan Update received 2023 BST 1 Seriously nice people and welcome EU sponsored haven. Cracking sail, bumpy entrance, glad to be in here. Girvan, the place that came second in a one-legged arse kicking contest Rocyn 16th August - Dumbarton Update received 1601 BST In Glasgow at last. Plane an hour late and Glasgow way hotter than Bristol! Hey Ho. Off to see how Mouette is and get some shopping before Rhys arrives tomorrow. Rocyn 3rd August - Dumbarton Update received 2144 BST Blistering sail from Largs to Dumbarton. Average over 5 knots. Mostly with genoa, occasionally hairy but enjoyable. Minor panic when mobile phone went absent! Hey ho. Rocyn 2nd August - Largs Update received 1801 BST Well, outboard serviced and I am £100 worse off! Ouch! Well it was short notice and I did not ask - but? Rainy day. Have done laundry and pilotage for Irish leg. Rocyn 1st August - Largs Update received 2319 BST Largs after jolly sail around Great Cumbrae. Not much wind. Worst BLT ever at hotel in Kilchattan Bay. Shame, because the moorings are great. Best coffee ever at Marina. Rocyn 31st July - Milport on Cumbrae Update received 1916 BST Sunny evening. Milport on Cumbrae. Sort of Tobermory without the coloured houses and dozy bird. Run up from Lanlash heading for a pleasant sunset. Rocyn 31st July - Lamlash on Arran Update received 0826 BST Lamlash on Arran. Motor sail from Campbeltown. On expensive mooring. Using new outboard - beats rowing. Windy and bumpy night not as bad as Lochranza though! Rocyn 29th July - Campbeltown Update received 1858 BST Yesterday bumpy run from Loch Ranza to Cameltown. Today weather bad so stuck here! Moved to hotel, did laundry and explored town. RNLI very busy this evening! Rocyn 27th July - Loch Ranza Update received 2037 BST Windy Loch Ranza! Nearly spilled my G&T. Lucky bumping around on visitor mooring. Anchoring in wind being funneled down the loch. Could be a bit of a restless night Rocyn 26th July - Tarbert Update received 2212 BST Feel like a tour guide or milkman. Sunday - Rothersay, Monday - Caladh and Burnt Isles, Tuesday - Tarbert. Still no wind! Have to find somewhere new so, off to Arran Rocyn 24th July - Rothesay Update received pm Back moving. Saturday night anchored at Ardentinny. Pontoon at hotel gone and they are missing chance. Tonight Rothersay hopefully showers etc. Pleases livi in crew. Rocyn 10th July - Dumbarton Update received 2106 BST Back in Dumbarton. Stayed despite brush with owner over alleged unpaid bill. Moral - get a receipt especially when you pay cash! Rocyn 10th July - Bute - Rhu Update received 1033 BST Spent Saturday night at the top of Bute. Though it seems that anyone with a boat goes there. Make a note to go mid-week next time. No wind. Motoring to Rhu to drop off crew and plan. Rocyn 8th July - Inchmarnock Update received 2350 BST Inchmarnock. Great tacking from Tarbert. Hoping for a little wind tomorrow then decide where to go over the weekend and avoid the crowd. Quiet bays favorite! Rocyn 7th JulyClyde Update received 2247 BST Back in Clyde. Motored to Tarbert. Had torrid trip through Crinan Canal. Some of the staff have real problems, others are just delightful but, why no hand-held VHF? Rocyn 6th JulyCrinan Update received 1800 BST Stunning sail from Craobh into Crinan via Doruc Mor Messed about at sea lock and had to anchor whilst they had tea or did their nails. Sad at sense of going home. Rocyn 4th July! Update received 1816 BST Hi I was with Rocyn last week as crew ...great sail but a bit frustrating to change plans on the basis of a duff forecast still never mind ... we had a lovely sail on Friday around kerrera back into Oban Just thought I would point out that we are now in July ...updates are showing as June Gerry Phillips Skipper's comment:- Doh! 2nd June July - Oban Update received 2147 BST What planet is Roger Oliver on in his Practical Boat Owner article? I seem to have been lucky - he seems to have made a meal of it! Also the navigation for Kerrera is confusing. Rocyn 2nd June July - Oban Update received 1745 BST Waiting in Oban for crew change and storm bound. Wind winding up and forecast is F9 later. Otherwise cleaning up and listening to Live 8. Reminds me of how old I am. Rest day next. Rocyn 1st June July - ??? Update received 0856 BST Text your M.P. and ask why the MCA issues such rubbish forecasts. Also, how much money does the Met. Office squander on preparing their works of humourous fiction? Rocyn Skipper's comment:- Er... so, I guess the weather forecast has turned out to be a little in-accurate then? 30th June - Off Lismore Island Update received 2347 BST North 56-29-315 West 05-31-133. Off Lismore Island. In the fog and rain hoping that the drunken fidhing boats miss us. Weather looks to be getting worse so, will hide in Oban then Jura Rocyn 30th June - Tobermory Update received 1721 BST Weather decided us to go back north. Mull to Tobermory. Long day with a lot of sail work in before the weather went worse. Very wet night, late night in pub too. Rocyn 28th June - Iona Update received 1648 BST Just motored part of Fingals Cave. Sweltering, no wind. On our way to anchor at Loch Na Lathaich near Iona and eat fresh mackerel! Then through to Luing tomorrow. Rocyn 27th June - Tobermory Update received 2137 BST Tobermory after wonderful sail up from Aline. Big supper and off to local micro brewery, only raining a bit - keeps the midges under control. Hey ho, onward and up. Rocyn 26th June - Loch Aline Update received 2130 BST Back at Loch Aline. Sailed around Lissmore. Big excitement as several boats went aground place Still, aim for Tobermory and then Mull but, this depends on the wind. Rocyn 24th June - Oban Update received 1517 BST Oops, missed last night from Loch Sunart to Loch Bline. Bumped about down Sound but not as bad as going. Stopped for lunch and stayed night. Met Captain Angry man here! Rocyn 24th June - Oban Update received 1508 BST Oban. Most expensive marina, Well dearer than Aerwystwyth. Planning a meal out across in Oban proper. Then crew change and off up north to Lochalsh. Then? Rocyn 22nd June - Oronsay Update received 2018 BST North 56-40 West 05-55.8. North side of Oronsay. Tucked away waiting for F6 southerlies. Great sail up the loch as far as Salen thanks to the guy who came out to meet us. Rocyn 20th June - Achadun Bay Update received 1708 BST North 56-30 West 05-34. Achudun Bay Lismore. super sail through Cuan then breakfast at anchor in Easedale followed by long, fast run past Mull. Amazing water and Bogha Nuadh. Rocyn 20th June - Achadun Bay Update received 1708 BST North 56-30 West 05-34. Achudun Bay Lismore. super sail through Cuan then breakfast at anchor in Easedale followed by long, fast run past Mull. Amazing water and Bogha Nuadh. Rocyn 20th June - Easedale Update received 1033 BST Easedale after Cuan Sound. Mini Corryvreckan. Doing breakfast on the Atlantic side of things. Rocyn 19th June - Shuna Sound Update received 1823 BST Top of Shuna Sound. Anchored in beautiful evening sun but no wind. Signs of a big fron coming - foolish optimist Rocyn 18th June - Craobh Update received 1801 BST Croabh harbour after very gentle rail from Sound the back of Macaskin - all the roofs look fine Chris! Best showers in Scotland certainly better than Crinan. Rocyn 17th June - Crinan Canal Update received 1506 BST Crinnan, end of canal. Watching breathtaking sunset. Not sure; Mull or Jura next, dependson weather and our mood. Hopefully wet spell is over and can work on tan. Rocyn 16th June - Crinan Canal Update received 1016 BST Well, it's raining for the 5th day running so, it must be Scotland. In the Crinan Canal moving towards Ardfern; showers and, hopefully the chance to dry out. Rocyn 14th June - Tarbert Update received 1637 BST Trapped in Tarbert. Rained off for the day. Reduced to putting the cockpit tent up and listening to radio 4. More tea and fruit cake. Southern comfort later. Rocyn 14th June - Tarbert Update received 1112 BST Tied up in Tarbert last night. Odd jobs to do and then up to Ardrissaig and Crinan Canal. No wind not like yesterday with big northerly in place of forecast southerly. Rocyn 13th June - Bute Update received 1114 BST We are anchored off Bute sitting out a bit of a blow then Tarbert or Ardrissaig. Outlook not good for the week. Rocyn 12th June - Inchmarnock Update received 1951 BST On the road again. Good, no wind sail down the Clyde then horrible squall so, hiding at Inchmarnock ready for run to Loch Fyne. Saw red Achilles but did not answer radio. Rocyn 10th June - Rhu Update received 1951 BST Relaxing in Rhu! Sunburning sail sail up the Clyde dodging submarines. Need new spinnaker pole for runs up the Lochs. Last one bust on the wall at Trefor. Rocyn 9th June - Kip Marina Update received 1735 BST Kip marina. Modern and ordinary. Bit of blow to start from shelter at Inchmarnock. Squal nearly ended day big tippy tippy! Slapped reef in quick and watched sea close Rocyn 8th June - Inchmarnock Island Update received 1714 BST Inchmarnock Island on the hook. Shelter from southerlies. Gentle sailing. Why all Sunsail boats motor and ignore the rules of the road? and, as for the wake from Gin Palaces ... Rocyn 7th June - Arran Update received1920 BST North 56 019 West 5 11 728 Champagne breakfast here for first text of our location and interesting fact. Jolly sail and now it is Scotish raining. Texts cost £350 each! Rocyn 6th June - Rothesay Update received1937 BST On the move again in Rothersay after gentle rail down Clyde dodging submarines and ferries. Great weather but short of wind. Rocyn 4th June - Dumbarton Update received2159 BST Dumbarton. Very dodgey marina. Weekend off and cruise Bute next week. Great, amazing Indian resturant and butchers. Interesting brush with Danish Navy on the way up. Rocyn 3rd June - Dumbarton Update received2130 BST Dumbarton. Great Indian meal! Having a couple of days off. Crew change then off again. Rocyn 31st May - Portpatrick Update received2219 BST Finaly in Scotland! Big motor ans some sail from Whitehaven. Decided to bang through the Mull of Galloway. Arrived Portpatrick greated by the Harbour Master (straight out of an episode of Dr Finlay). Parted from 10.50 GBP and sold 7 litres of petrol for 10 GBP. By now (2100) everything is closed and reduced to curried beans and whisky. Rocyn 31st May - Postcard from Rocyn Update received 0748 BST Look out Scotland! Not much wind. Have genoa out and motor and auto helm on. Just cooked porridge and enjoying the sun. Wish you were here. Rocyn 30th May - Whitehaven Update received 2206 BST Wonderful Whitehaven. Another interesting arrival at 0130. Sun shining and pavement cafes. Relaxing day and chance to do laudry. People very nice and marina friendly. New battery installed - Ouch! Leaving at dawn for Scotland at last and few day's 'cruising sauvage'. Then the Clyde for pleasure cruising and crew change. Rocyn Update received 0329 BST Hello Whitehaven. Party capital of Cumbria. Bye bye Barrow, au revoir Roe Island, Britain's secret Gulag. Especially felt imprisoned with a F7 bashing you on the beach. Nice public convenience and the Bosun's Locker Cafe waitress to Achilles in the Yacht Club park. Who owns 'Emilyll' in Conway and the red one by the wall? Rocyn 28th May - Barrow Update received 0826 BST Storm bound on the mud at Barrow and I thought that Conway was bad! Not moving today. Some doubts about tomorrow. Seem to me we are getting a bum deal on the weather Rocyn 27th May - Barrow Update received 1849 BST Barrow. Thought little trip from nice, warm marina at Fleetwood would be fun - Sailed to Barrow. Now sitting on a *#@*ing mud bank with a gale blowing our socks off. Doh! Rocyn 27th May - Fleetwood Update received 0932 BST Well, got here at 01:30 after good sail then epic navigation test to find the marina. HM is convinced we are a lawn mower not a boat. We sailed over an area he claimed was 'all grass'. Bit stuck for where to go next for crew change as strong wind warning for later- well, that's a surprise then! Rocyn 26th May - Underway again Update received 0816 BST Movement. Window in weather. Run for fleetwood then Ravenglass. Make crew change there or sneak on to Drummore for Sunday change over. Only 2 weeks behind now! Rocyn 24th May - Conway Update received 1851 BST No change except Southerly wind just F7 threat so, kicked around the marina. Conway offers limited fun and we have reached its limits. Send more beer and valium soon! Rocyn 20th May - Conway Update received 1503 BST F7 warning this morning and crap weather means we are grounded 'till Monday. More when I can get to a computer. Going home for the weekend. Rocyn 18th May - No news today We received an email from Rocyn earlier today in which he said he is having trouble with his PDA. We have received no positional update and we assume this is a consequence of that problem. Skipper 17th May - Caernarvon Update received 1835 BST North 53 08 58 West 04 16 68. Caernarvon in shadow of the castle. Early start from Trevor and fast broad reach. Anchored off Llanddwyn. Beutiful spot. Dossed for hours and took fresh tide into Caernarvon marina. Forecast for the end of the week looks a bit bad but depends on where the low goes. Leave tomorrow p.m. to do Menai and go to Conway. Rocyn 16th May - Trefor Update received 2148 BST Doh! Trefor on N Lleyn. Left Aberdaron a.m. and slipped through Bardsey Sound on slack. Cracking sail up the coast. Planned to go to Caernarvon ... northerly F6 hit us and we were never going to get there. Came in to hide. The pilot is not too accurate. Moored on rough wall after fraught spell aground. Remember, it is fun! Rocyn 15th May - Aberdaron Bay Update received 2153 BST North 52 48 102 West 04 42 713. On hook and 30m chain in Aberdaron Bay. Curry for supper. Wind on our nose for bracing, tacking sail from Aberystwyth. Poised for early raid on bardsey sound and on to Menai and then hot shower, warm food and bed. Mouette out sailing herself. Greetings for well-wisher on the pier at Aberaeon. See you in Dale! Rocyn 14th May - Aberystwyth Update received 2159 BST Arrived just inside 1400 window after lively bash up from Aberaeron. Have swapped crew. Setting off in the morning for Bardsey and getting through to the Menai and on to Cornway. Way off schedule butwe have made better time recently. Next week will be the real test! Rocyn 12th May - Aberaeron Heart At 2234 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; Aberaeron Heart Cardigan Bay. Long day, close hauled from Fishguard and wind is rising. Plan to stay until Saturday and miss F7 tonight and tomorrow. Bit of R & R and maintenance. Rocyn 12th May - Fishguard At 0005 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; Fishguard Lower harbour after jolly and fast sail from Solva through Ramsey sound. Have to plan next stages to make harbours. Not too much choice. Rocyn 10th May - Solva At 2156 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; Solva. GPS Flat. Start from Dale running down to Jack Sound too early for slack water so, went the long way round Skomer then big tacks up to Solva. Another long day. Rocyn At 0833 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; Dale lurking on the end of the pontoon. Great sail from Milford Haven p.m. Evening in the pub. Greatest chips. Off to Solva now. Rocyn 9th May - Milford At 1242 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; Tenby to Milford. Fast start, then long, bumpy tide fight and tacking. Move to Dale pm and Solva on early tide Tuesday. Wind still from North! Schedule slipping. Having fun. Rocyn 6th May - Tenby At 0940 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; North 51.40.562 West 04.41.412 The Pool at Tenby. Much too late to get into harbour. Will stay here & dry out Full day tacking into NW & coping with last of Bristol Channel tides. Rocyn 5th May - Oxwich Bay Gower At 0940 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; North 51.33.16 West 04.08.87 Oxwich Bay Gower. Long, bumpy sail from Watchet. Arrived 0200 cold and wet. Forecast not great. Have to get to Milford Haven for Saturday. Rocyn 4th May - Watchet At 1214 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; MS CUK MMV (Mouette Solitaire Circumnavigation UK 2005). Still stormy this morning. P.M. departure planned for Swansea when easing weather expected. Rocyn 3rd May - Watchet At 1841 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; Alarm clock failed to wake us for early departure. P.M. departure aborted as wind and sea got up so, still in Watchet Plan to leave early for Swansea. Rocyn Skipper's comment: I know the feeling Rocyn, I found it hard to get back into the routine after the bank holiday too! 2nd May - Watchet At 2056 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; North 051.10.98 West 003.19.66 Watchet. Day 2. Bumpy night thanks to pilots and fishermen. Here after sunny start then F5+ with severe wind warning. 2 reefs and some moments. Rocyn 1st May - 'Underway' At 1923 BST we received the following text update from Rocyn; Mouette Solitaire North 51.23.306 West 003.14.396 Barry Harbour. Jolly sail with 2 reefs from Portishead - wait for tide & then to watchet Rocyn and Moutte Solitaire 'locked out' today from Portihead marina at around 1400 to begin their circumnavigation. A last minute problem with his communication equipment has meant that he is temporarily unable to send and receive email. In the meantime, if you wish to contact him, please use the 'Contribute' button above and Sailtales will forward your message to Rocyn. Skipper 29th April - Went for a quiet pootle with Sarah today, beautiful day here, just the o/b was playing up, no water going through the system. Flushed it all through & everything fine, now. But no wind Then went to the chart shop. In a state of serious shock, think it'll be the Readers Digest Book of the Road again! Hey oh, it's too late now, the fleeces are embroidered. Sounds like an old Russian proverb or something like that. You could start a 'proverbs' and euphemisms section, my openers for each category are 'the fleeces are embroidered' and 'breakfast with the Bishop' Yes, the strain is getting to me and no way am I doing a TRANSAT. Rocyn 25th April - Well we have a logo and a little cottage industry in embroidery going. Thanks to Nicola an above and beyond friend. The sample is for Medwyn, one of the pressed crew - family for the unitiated. The charts situation gets worse - selected items from IMRAY are 'out of stock' What kind of company goes out of stock on charts - good job they do not run a pub. I leave readers to develop the analogy to the point where they run a brewery! Anyway, we'll bum around the other shops and the nice guys at Prices in Bristol will get some sort of solution. The Geoff at the Achilles site has been coming up with jolly ideas for T shirts and pennants. He might deserve to be 'President for Life' of the revived Achilles Association [AA] I only just noticed that! Otherwise an amazing inertia has taken over things and I'm very manyana about things, isn't Vallium wonderful. Heavily focussed on provisions - we may not be the fastest boat, but we will be well fed. Gettting appocalyptic emails from people who live next to the fastest tide, worst race, foulest current etc with encouraging messages. Well I do appreciate the advice and I am nervous and hopefully I will not be draped in a blanket and drinking cocoa when we meet. But do hope to meet other Achilles owners as we wander around the realm. Rocyn 23rd April - With only a week to go Rocyn is busy with provisioning Mouette Solitaire but he is also concerned about the food for the various gadgets on board … 'My biggest worry is the electrical side and how we will keep the battery charged for the NAVTEX, fixed VHF, log and navigation lights. The hand held VHF, the steam radio and the GPS run on batteries, either rechargeable or disposable. We've also got a unique solar powered LED anchoring light - but that is just a bit of me fiddling with bits from Maplin. The PDA - phone, iPod and all the other stuff will have to take their chances. Roll on the hydrogen cell that costs less than my boat' Rocyn 15th April - Well a great day sailing around the top of the tide. Navtex working, well lots of French messages, really handy in Portishead, but there we are. Did eventually get the Met Office forecast for this evening. Getting the rig sorted, felt in control and comfortable with the set up. Auto helm next on the list! Minor trembles on the crew side and a bit more juggling necessary. We will not be beaten, but some will have to be flexible. Anyone know anything about the Kyle of Loch Alsh? One of the possibly more demmanding bits of navigation. Hope the crew do not read this! Hey ho, onward & upwards Rocyn 14th April - Well the team juggling goes on. A minor error on my part meant some rescheduling of the Scottish end. But it's sorted now. We have a complete set of IMRAY for the journey now - this makes a small compact set. I just hope it gives the information required at the required moment. Still no joy with the NAVTEX, but we'll get it sorted. Agonising over which if any pilots to take. A full set will ruin me and there are so many conflicting reports on their accuracy, quality and value. Why is there no 'Blue Book' for the British Isles - Bristol Channel sailors will know what I mean. Moving to the decision to use the Almanac and gather current knowledge as the journey progresses. Also I have to remember that in earlier times sailors relied on their skill and observation and didn't even have the benefit of the Almanac or Goretex. Off to check the weather, though the Met Office is useless for the top of the Bristol Channel - http://ukie.accuweather.com/adcbin/ukie/ukie_forecast_sailing.asp?site=EGTG;Severn%20Estuary beats the socks off the Met boys. I plan to use Accu Weather all the way and see how good they turn out to be. Hey ho Sarah & I get a good day sailing tomorrow and we can see what drops off then. Rocyn 11th April - Well I'm only going to sail around the UK and the momentum is gathering. Not sure how these guys & girls doing TRANSATS and CIRCUMS really manage - they cannot all be backed by massive teams and all that. Well I certainly am not. Struggling with Vodafone to get the PDA to talk to the system and allow me to send emails and all that good stuff. Have been looking for a 'fake' radome so that the boat might look more the part but no success yet. Delighted to have been 'sponsored' - supported in the best traditions by Dave, the former owner of Mouette, and a charming young lady Lara Caine - visit the link and support a rising star! www.laracaine.com Dave is a bit more of a dark horse and I hope to get him to come and show me how to get the best from Mouette - since I'm convinced that he is more than able to do that! You have to respect anyone who has made a TRANSAT with an Achilles 24. They have both lent me a selection of charts that means my outlay on the missing links is minimal. Big thank you to Lara and Dave. Now off snagging on the last bits and pieces - NAVTEX is a bit sick, maybe it does not like being in the Marina - we shall see. 4th April - Well we are back in the water - after kicking our heels on 'the hard' at the Marina for several hours after our booked time they finally got the crane to us. Just in time for the rain to start, so another inauspicious start to the season. Hard to think of Cape Wrath and not have grey and wet thoughts. But the outboard started first time and the slow running problem is fixed - joy of joys! Well she looks good, but has a mysterious new leak, above the water line and on the crew side. It may not get too much attention then! Next get her ready for a blitz down channel on Thursday and some kind of outing with the Commander on Friday. We've got NAVTEX so no worries about the weather forecast - hopefully it will be good too. Going to try and rig the old Genoa so that we can run with two Genny's rather than main & genny. We will need to get the old genny recut to do this, but we need to do it and see just what needs to be done to make it work. Our experience is that up this end of the Bristol Channel with a following wind and sea it can get a bit interesting with the main and genoa goosewinged. She tends to wallow a bit the following sea can get a bit interesting. Even with a preventer it gets a bit wobbly at time. Anyway, a warm shower and a cold beer are calling April - These last few weeks before the off are very busy, exciting and quite expensive ones for Rocyn as he prepares Mouette for the off. After scraping, antifouling and polishing the hull and sprucing up the interior, she's back in the water and Rocyn's been replenishing spares, flares and even an anchor all of which he describes as 'consumables'. Now occupied with the 'boat book' to ensure that his crew know all about Mouette Solitaire and how to look after her Rocyn's dream is coming into sharp focus. We wish him a safe and successful circumnavigation and look forward to, what is for us at least, this exciting Vicarious Voyage.