Gasp as we enter the technological age!

On the passage back to Pwllheli from Arklow the wind dropped and the sea became flat. So we decided it was time to try out the autopilot.

Look at the awe on the faces of the crew ! These simple fellows have never seen anything as advanced!
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The continuous, minor adjustments made the autopilot straightened our course and we were back on the berth more than an hour earleir than expected.

Where to eat in Arklow...

We recommend it...

Arklow - visit #3 - 2016

I now think of Arklow as Irish Sea passage #101, as it's closest to our current home port, a very easy arrival and always a warm welcome. Overall, just less than 80nm over the ground.

The riverside  pontoons in Arklow offer an easy arrival.

The view down river, from the bridge. Pontoons can be seen on the right

The crew enjoy themselves...

The Seal of Approval

We're off on our way to Arklow, passing the isolated danger mark to the south St Tudwall's islands (the old "Bell Buoy").
This chap doesn't look too tricky though, does he? 

Arklow - landfall in Ireland

Arklow - entrance to the commercial harbour

The first stage of our cruise to Ireland. A very early arrival (0130) on the town pontoon. A great start with a genuinely helpful marina and some great and seriously witty people. Celebrated with Guiness at the bridge inn later.

A small courtesy

Just before we set of for Ireland, I popped in the (other) chandlery and bought ourselves a courtesy flag...

As you can see, its the right flag, has a toggle on the top and a loop on the bottom and is made of nice quality fabric. The more observant of you will have guessed that we do not specialise in over large pencils on Annabella. They say civilised life is made up of small courtesies, but I did feel rather embarassed...