POM II departed Douglas at 1430 on the 6th May, Skippered by Rodger with Roy M as Mate with the following crew: Arne and Peter, plus four ladies, Eva, Joyce, Adrienne and Midge. The first port of call was Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, this included an overnight sail. This was mostly motorsailing due to the north easterly winds making for a somewhat uncomfortable motion with some slamming into the larger waves. The most uncomfortable part of this leg was off the Mull of Kintyre, after this it was smooth going with a beautiful dawning of a new day as we sailed past Gigha Island in the Sound of Jura. A crew comfort stop was made at Oban before arriving at Tobermory at 1730 on 7th May, having been under way for some 27 hours, sailing 196nm.

Training benifits on this leg included passage planing and making, pilotage and coastal navigation. Standing watches including night watch. Living onbard in uncomfotable conditions and dealing with motion sickness!

8th May - Tobermory towards Staffa to enter Fingal's Cave, pass through Iona Sound and enter Tinker's Hole and finally to anchor in Traigh Gheal, SW corner of Mull. Dis 34nm. A lovely sunny day promised with light variable northerly airs. Before departing boat handling exercises were carried out using the pontoons for docking while the lady crew members prepared their pilotage notes. On departure we sailed north about Mull towards the west, then followed the west coast south towards Staffa Island where we dropped the dinghy so crew could enter Fingal's Cave - this was a fantastic experience - on recovery of crew and dinghy Roy had the task of piloting us through the Sound of Iona and to find the very small anchorage at Tinker's Hole, very tricky exercise but handsomely excercuted. While ashore climbing the cliffs Roy discovered a lovely little sandy cove (Traigh Gheal) a little further to the east and it was aggreed that we should move to there for our overnight stay.

Training included helming, steering compass courses, coastal navigation and complex pilotage. Launching and recovery of tender. Dinghy rowing exercises were carried out between the boat and the shore!

9th May - Another beautiful sunny day, a little cool on the water! We weighed anchor at 0700 heading towards Loch Melford some 54nm to the east. Rodger gave me the task of piloting today:A very interesting challange as it included passing through the Gray Dogs - also known as Little Corryvrecken - then through Cuan Sound to anchor for lunch in Ardinamir Bay arriving there at 1200. Another day with very little wind hence we had to motor all morning but after lunch a nice northerly drifted in and some sail training was possible. We sailed south down Shuna Sound rounding the south of Shuna Island to enter Loch Shuna and up to Craobh Marina for crew comfort stop at 1600. The night was spent at anchor of Ardune Point.

Training included all of the above plus sail handling, trimming and points of sail and anchor techniques.

10th May - At 0800 the anchor was raised and course was set south down Shuna Sound towards Crinan via Dorus Mor. We arrived at the Sealock after an hour or so and entered the Crinan Canal system. A short walk along the canal was the order of the day before we set of to travas the canal system which has 15 lock gates, Rodger wanted to get at least half way before we stopped for the evening. Working the lock proved to be heavy work indeed and by the time we stoped for the evening everyone was tired, ready for a shower and a good meal ashore. A lot of work for just 16nm!

11th May - This morning we awoke to a covering of frost on deck and all around the valley, very cold start to the day. Before leaving the area Rodger performed some very interesting manourvers - more of that later - We reached the end of the canal system round about noon when we entered the Firth of Clyde. Heading south and east we entered the West Kyle where we were able to enjoy some good windward sailing up to the Burnt Isles where we had a stop for lunch before sailing down East Kyle heading for the Cumbra Islands where we would pick up a mooring in Millport for the night.

Training wise! The Crinan Canal offered opportunities for rope and fender work and some boat handling, but the skipper and mate did all the entries and exits from the locks...........but again from a fitness point of view it made up for all the less active hours onboard!

12th May - Millport to Portavadie to East Loch Tarbert to Loch Ranza some 54nm to cover today. We droped our mooring at 0730 rounded the south of Bute heading west towards Portavadie arriving at 1000, quick trip ashore to look at the new facilities including the family bathroom! Then a dash over to East Loch Tarbeth for fuel, water and showers. With a final leg for the day to Loch Ranza where we picked up a mooring for the night.

This was a perfect day for all aspects of training; navigation, pilotage, helming etc. But little wind hence most was done under engine.

13th May - Unlucky for some, including us as the wind had finally arrived, but from the south, light to begin with but increasing all the time. The plan was to sail direct to Douglas but by the time we reached Holy Island the wind was gusting 20 knots, the best course was SEly in the direction of Girvan. Rodger decided to call into Girvan for a comfort stop at 1150 and sail again at 1500, however the wind had reached a good F6 by this time and on leaving a hasty about turn back to Girvan where we stayed until 2100 when the wind had eased. Finally departed Girvan at 2100 setting course for Corswell Point the Portpatrick. Rounding the Mull of Galloway was very uncomfortable indeed in the early hours of the morning and not at all enjoyable with mosion sickness setting in! We finally arrived in Douglas at 1100 on the 14th May having travelled some 530nm.

From a personal point of view: A fantastic week, weather very good except for the last 24 hours. Visited lots of new places in one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the UK. Very interesting navigation and pilotage situations for all crew. The crew were great, not a single incident, even when the sailing got rough everyone was in high spirits. Thank you to Rodger and my fellow crew for a very enjoyable (training) cruise.

“The Sweetie Trip” by  Joyce Quilliam
Martin and his wife Tina had kindly given Alistair and myself transport from Ramsey with our goods and chattels for the trip from 3rd—11th June. We all arrived at Pride of Mann II in good time, complete with Alistair‘s fishing rods, soon to be joined by the rest of the complement. Mild panic when Kelly realised she had left her money behind (What, no Shopping!!!) but Bobby soon remedied this with a quick dash back home.

After Arne had introduced everyone and Kelly had been reunited with her money, it was agreed to take advantage of tide and time and set sail North. Watches were allocated, I was with Arne, Stuart and Kelly and we were on the 8 pm to 12 midnight watch, so after we had cleared the harbour and set the sails, Martin, Terry and Alistair nipped down below for some zzzzzzzzzzzz! The breeze was sufficient, so the engine was not needed and we made good progress.

Bright and early the next morning Alistair showed us how to cook 8 fried eggs at one go for breakfast and crew were discovering what they had forgotten to pack. Two members had forgotten towels and one had no comb.

Progress was so good we reached Millport in time for a lunch break, then on again. The impressive and unmistakeable volcanic hump of Ailsa Craig (in Gaelic it means ―Fairy rock‖) always in view as we sailed through sunny warm weather to reach Troon.

After the breakfast break my back had strongly objected to the unaccustomed movement and I had been obliged to take to my bunk. Martin had very considerately popped down from time to time to see if I was alright and to offer to get me anything, but fortunately extra pain killers sorted the trouble out.

At Troon, Terry, Kelly, Alistair and myself went ashore to ex-plore SHOPS! Kelly and Alistair made one shopkeeper‘s day by buying three garments after closing time! After Kelly had made a raid on the sweet shop the weather had turned black so Terry got us a taxi back to the marina. It had very good facilities even a bath in the ladies section, much to Alistair‘s envy and he wondered if anyone would notice if he sneaked in.

Friday brought more good weather except for a squall which crept up behind Martin when he was instructing Alistair on the wheel, causing the boat to lurch which sent Kelly off her perch and down, feet in the air against the guardrails. Apart from being overtaken by a fit of the giggles she was fine as she had been securely harnessed on. We arrived at Inverkip where we tied up at the same pontoon as ―Able2Sail‖ and I got to meet their crew.

On Saturday the two boats set off together and sailed in partnership to a pleasant anchorage where we moored alongside and dropped anchor.

Joyce Quilliam

Having never been on a 'long haul‘ trip on Pride of Mann II before nor having been on board with any of my fellow passengers, apart from my son, Ollie, the approach of 24th August seemed a little daunting brought on by the fact that I would also be the only one of the 'fairer‘ sex! Although I have sailed on many yachts in the Irish Sea, Mediterranean and the Caribbean, there is always that all important fear factor which lies deep inside one. I think it is a very healthy syndrome to have, you must be prepared for any event. Rodger C‘s training trips had instilled the procedures for 'man overboard‘; I had attended and completed the Awareness course given by our Chairman, Dave K and Arne D, bless him, had been very patient with me during the RYA Day Skipper theory course at Col-lege!
All stores stowed, with a few extra comforts (filtered coffee, rum cake, etc.) we set off with our Skipper & Mate, Alan C & Andy T and Terry H, Jack L, Colin L and my son, Ollie who is autistic. Even though the sun was shining, wearing one‘s wet weather gear always provides that extra security blanket of warmth. We arrived in Ardglass around 2100 on the Monday. A relatively good night‘s sleep (top bunk) followed by a very welcomed shower and a walk around town with the challenge of who could find the best can opener, we were back on board with the best Irish sausages and soon departed for Strangford Lough. Who needs baked beans anyway……

As many of you know, Strangford Lough is an exciting venue to visit, with such a highly energetic tide race. In the middle of the Lough stands the experimental Seagen energy convertor whose turbines capture the kinetic motion of the ebbing and surging of the tide ultimately to produce electricity. Only a couple of hours from Ardglas and we were safely inside the Lough. We moored at Killy-leagh for lunch, a quick look at the Ballydorn Lightship (from every angle…) and then on to Quoile Yacht Club which was to be our resting place for the Tuesday night. Certainly not a lot of action there apart from another welcomed shower and a stiff walk for the younger members (me included). The following day we tootled along to Portaferry Marina where Ollie & I departed the yacht for a good few hours to give our colleagues a much needed break. We managed to fit in a trip to the Aquarium, the art gallery, ferry to/from Strangford, write 6 postcards, inhale ice cream, walk to Strangford Castle, dodge a few squalls, watch the lifeboat launch and find Terry H a much needed pack of 10 hamlets! An extremely pleasant dinner in the evening in the Portaferry Hotel for the ship‘s complement made for a perfect day. We left early the next morning as the weather was to deteriorate in the Irish Sea – a very sensible and welcomed decision. A fabulous sail back, with excellent company and a visit from a baby green finch who took refuge on Terry‘s collar. I just hope it made it back from whence it came.
I was delighted to hear that Andy T had successfully achieved his well deserved RYA Yachtmaster qualification soon after we arrived back. Any fears I may have had prior to boarding were totally alleviated as we were truly blessed with a couple of amazingly caring, patient and extremely competent crew. Many thanks Alan and Andy. Also many thanks to Terry, Colin and of course, Jack, who provided us with endless entertainment. This trip definitely opened up Ollie‘s eyes and also taught him, although he has disabilities of his own, of how to assist others with different disabilities. What a worthwhile trip and an amazing charity.

Photos: Jack L and Ollie R at the helm/Baby green finch which joined us in the middle of the Irish

IMPRESSIONS OF A VOYAGE TO FOREIGN SHORES              

                                   FOR THE FIRST TIME

Arne, Linda, Kelly, Ian and I boarded early to catch the bridge –lift, and waited, fortified by brews of coffee and shortbreads, alongside the pontoon  in the outer harbour, for Chris. . With manly aplomb (and yet more provisions), he sprang aboard

about  16.15hrs  and we slipped  our moorings and headed South.

The plan was to reach Port St Mary before nightfall. Secretly, my  hopes were that we  might get a little night sailing in but alas for me  we made excellent headway and, whilst still light, we were safely moored up ………………. alongside two massive, mean-looking fishing boats . The one nearest the Harbour wall was a monster of rusting iron,  huge  beams , and festooned with chains and things that go “clank” in the night.  All girly thoughts of heading up to the yacht club  for a refreshing wash and brush-up disappeared at the thought of having to  negotiate the way over and through these two beasts of the sea,  and THEN have to climb the slimy, seaweed-strewn 500 foot (or thereabouts) vertical ladder. Worse, it would be dark by the time of the return trip to the “Pride”. It  very suddenly sprang to mind that staying put and using the luxury facilities aboard, was the most  compelling option.

Skipper Chris was also Chef for the weekend and within half an hour of tying-up we were all tucking in to piping hot corned beef hash and  beetroot pickle. Delicious and really satisfying. After clearing away, we spent a convivial hour or three, chatting round the table , occasionally going up on deck to take in the stars,  the lights and the shimmering water,  pondering the whiles if either, or both, of the two craft to which our fortunes were currently joined,  would be wanting to be up and away in the wee small hours and if so, would they gently lull us awake in their kindly, fisherly way……….?

Anyway, after final bedtime drinks ,  we  all repaired to our nests for the night. In the for’ard cabin, Kelly and I  chatted  a little, (as ladies are inclined  to do)  but hopefully we didn’t disturb our shipmates.

I awoke, at some ungodly hour.  All was now calm but  I remembered  dreaming

of thudding , creaking, knocking; voices low, but urgent; great activity. Pirates came to mind, or even worse - fishermen going about their business! Sensibly, it seemed that maybe we were now on our way to Ireland and that the noises had been skipper and mate casting off. I peeked out of the window. We were still in the harbour, definitely not moving. All was now so quiet that the best plan seemed  to snuggle down and go back to sleep. Later, congregated round the breakfast table, it transpired that during the night,  a fierce wind had  got up and the three boats were tossing and straining in their moorings. Arne  and Chris, bless their seafaring  little socks,  had gone above to  make adjustments to the lines and make all secure. So whilst the rest of us were below, snug in our bunks, we were oblivious to the battle being pitched on deck -  a heroic scene of Skipper and Mate  harnessing their strength and guile and pitting all against the savage and ruthless whims of Mother Nature.

The night before, it had been in the balance whether we  would sail up the west coast of Mann, or strike out for foreign parts.  Over breakfast, the decision was made! Tidy up quick and make for Ardglass -  in time for tea!!

8.30am – Bye bye Port St Mary and off on the briny once more. We  passed through the Sound under full sail ( a  satisfying “first” for the skipper). Linda was  entranced to see the southern coast at close quarters for the first time from the sea and commented how magnificently  dramatic the Chasms looked,  how cosy Port Erin Bay, and then  more drama by  Bradda Head, the tower stark against the skyline.

After the Sound had been negotiated, I jumped at the chance to grab the helm, then  we altered course and started to bear away from the Island.  What an exhilarating experience, me heading for  foreign parts for the first time on the “Pride” and at the helm. To ensure we’d be in Ardglass in time for tea, we put on the engine. By ‘eck!! It’s so much easier to steer with the engine thrumming away. We kept our course pretty well .I’ll be a happy woman if ever I achieve such a straight line under sail. Dream on, old lady.

En route we discussed how sad it was that  so few craft ply these once very busy waters nowadays. Remarkable though, that even  whilst there are so few on all that vast expanse of water, how this small number of craft, whether big, small, slow or fast and wherever they are bound, all, at some point, seem to be on a collision course……    With us.     I was forever asking the crew ”Is that something BIG, a long way away, or is it something SMALL, nearer. ?” When there is no point of reference perspective is  tricky. There were  many surprises, but happily no collisions.  There was great fun to be had too, looking out for lobster pots. How many there are and how far out at sea some of them are. Is there no peace for those poor creatures?

Home- made soup en route as we sped along at about 8 knots. Luverley. We hit   Ardglass (metaphorically) at teatime and I relished the new  experience of arriving in a small boat in foreign and unfamiliar parts. It was a thrill to pick out the landmarks  in actuality  that I’d been poring over on the chart, the night before.

   The town and marina is most picturesque and after we’d all availed ourselves of  the amenities at the pleasant, but quiet Yacht club (an elderly retainer and his friendly spaniel  the only souls there) and a bit of a leg stretch to the local Spar store, we enjoyed a splendid stir-fry, followed by apple-pie. Later, it was really lovely, sitting under a starry sky, lights a-twinkling and reflecting on the water. Peace.

After a good night’s sleep we were all up and about early, ready for the return trip. We were away and out of the harbour just after 8 .00am, the Calf of Man clearly in view.What joy to navigate, when you can “just point at it”. Lovely conditions, with sun, as ordered.We  skudded along under sail doing a tidy 8 knots.  As we skirted the Calf, I was down below, sliding about , brewing-up (another “first” under those conditions).  I  developed a system of  taking just one mug at a time out of the cupboard and dealing with each drink individually. (That was after  a near disaster when I had all 6 mugs lined-up). It doesn’t work, does it? How  those landlubbers sipping their cappuccinos at the Sound Café, must have been entranced at the sight of the lovely, graceful “Pride” zimming along,  little considering that a wild old woman might be down below, slithering ungracefully about.

On the home run to Douglas,  we dined on a magnificent  buffet of salads, chicken, ham, cheese, followed by fruit salad.  Later, taking advantage of time, as we bobbed around the Douglas Bay  before heading for the outer harbour and waiting for a bridge- lift, we started to make all ship- shape, packing gear  and cleaning.

Whilst waiting for a Bridge-lift, moored by the outer pontoon alongside  a couple of fishing vessels,  I asked Arne to give me some lessons in how to coil  a rope and throw it to another craft. I practised. And practised……… I’m still rubbish!

Every trip is different. This was very different for me, arriving  at a foreign port. I had a terrific experience. We had some great crack and some great sailing.

                                                                     Adrienne        8 October 2009

CLYDE ODESSEY

OR

(CLIVE’S ODDITY)

Clouds scatter at the sight of proud ‘Pride of Mann ii’

The Sun shines as the straight wake remains true

To signal the course of the Charity crew

Bestowing so much pleasure on so few.

Endless days of pure sailing pleasure

Endless trays of fine foods to ensure

We remain sated on all that is pure

We’ll ne’er go hungry ; that is for sure

Arne,Terry Ali, kelly and Joyce

With Stuart and Martin remain in fine voice

Extolling the virtues of each visited place

seeing the impact on each cheerful face

We all enjoy sails in the Scottish isles

Our entire crew remain wreathed in fond smiles

We all have our moments and tell our own tails

To fuel winter eves when light so fast fails

Off home we sail with fond memories galore

A 7 day cruise leaves us wanting for more

Sight sound and senses have all been used for

Our next sailing cruise we expect , see and saw.

As daylight declines through dusk into night

Rich velvet hues provide backcloths to sight

Each star to confirm ,but try as they might

SFTD and POMii remain our favoured flight!

Martin Sewell

"THREE TIMES AT SEA"

 Thank you for the invitation to go sailing with the Pride of Mann II over theses past weeks, I have enjoyed them very much. The first sail was the over night practice with Chris as the skipper. For Adrienne (Add) and I this was a good practice for the five-day sail next week. Add and I bunked together in the aft cabin, and couldn’t get to sleep till late.  We were moored (on the outer harbour) up against some lively Irish lads who where very nice, but very chatty. The next day we set of at an early start of 9-10 o’clock.  As we made our way towards Langness we enjoyed some of the expertise of Chris’ gourmet cooking and fantastic views of the Island.  The weather was warm and pleasant and made it a lovely day to be out sailing.  

The second trip was the five-day sail to Ireland, even though we did not make it to Ireland because the weather forecast was dire, we had a sail in Douglas Bay, we headed south towards Langness, but every one was feeling sea sick so we turned round and headed back in to the outer berth and ate our lunch then headed out again with me at the helm and I thought it was spectacular as I had never been at the helm in such rough weather.  I got to revise my points of sail that I learned on my dinghy courses and I thought it fun that I could only see were I was going when we were going down a wave J. That night we slept on the inner berth in Douglas and stayed up till late. When we when to bed I bunked with Kelly in the aft port cabin and Fiona and Katie in the aft starboard.  Add and Linda shared the bow cabin and Arne and Alan shared the bunks on the Port centre.The next day we sailed on a beat down to the Calf Sound, went through and had a straight run up to Peel were we stayed for the next two nights. Again we stayed up nice and late and watched the fireworks from the Peel Carnival.  In the morning we woke nice and not so early. We all wanted to go out sailing but the weather was so bad we couldn’t even go in to the bay. So we all wanted to go swimming and go to the Manx museum. We all went to the Manx museum, and then had our lunch at Davidson’s and moved on to the swimming pool. Arne and Alan didn’t want to get their hair wet so they just watched whilst the rest of us went swimming Kelly and Katie did some good dives but Linda was the best at both swimming and diving I dived and swam around lots too and I kept up with Linda.  I tried racing Linda but I thing she was just being nice letting me keep up. We all walked back to the boat the same way we walked there. After such a busy day, we all turned in to bed but some stayed up and talked, a lot J. The next day we were all told that it’s better off if we abandoned the trip and go home because its going to be just as rough tomorrow.  We all went home at different times and we got to see Kelly’s gorgeous baby Kaden, who was brought along by Bobby a member of the SFD and ask if any one would like to see his racing boat Quantum, Linda and I accepted and it was really cool.  She is a grey fibreglass racing yacht with a red stripe along the side.  She is ready for action because she is stripped out inside.  I went home last of all. But Add, Arne and Alan stayed on board to return the boat in the morning, to her berth at Douglas. Linda and Add did some of the most fantastic cooking I have ever eaten and I enjoyed every morsel it was like I was eating out at a five star restaurant.  I had a fantastic time on that holiday whether at Ireland or not we made it feel like we were in another world, despite the weather. 

The third weekend I was lucky enough to be asked to crew for the Pride of Mann II we went to meet the Ella McCartha Boat visiting the Island from Portsmouth.  A very friendly Irish crew keeps her orderly; The Ella McCartha is a special boat as she is sponsored by Cancer Charities to take young adults and teenagers with cancer on a trip of a lifetime.  We set off from Douglas about 9am in the morning, the weather was quite fresh.  I was accompanied by Wendy and Sarah, Roy was the Skipper with Chris as mate and Frank.  We were almost at Langness when we caught sight of the Ella McCatha, turned about and sailed with her back to Douglas where she spent the night on the POM 2 ‘s berth before moving on to Peel for the following day.       Thank You       Hannah Johnson.