I had promised the Master Mariner on our way down on the delivery trip that I would take him to Ireland for a pint of Guinness. The first opportunity was this Easter - Good Friday to be precise. I had to be back for Easter Sunday, so a trip over on Fri and back on Sat looked good. A mutual friend, Nigel, came along for the ride.
The weather forecast was kind with an easterly on Fri veering all the way round to a north-westerly on Sat, both 3/4. As it turned out the wind was light as we left Holyhead at 0700 and we flew the spinnaker in lovely sunshine for 5 hours - until, with a huff and a puff, the wind headed us by changing to SW from E. After a detour to the N and a few expletives, while the spinnaker was retrieved from being backed over the front of the boat, we resumed our passage westward, now close hauled and making good time.
We arrived in Howth at 1845 to be met by some friends who had gone ahead on the crossing - using the engine! We put the boat to bed and went ashore to enjoy some of the local hospitality. We managed a meal in a local asian restaurant, but could only wash it down with water. That elusive Guinness will have to wait. You cannot buy a pint in Dublin on Good Friday!
