By: Susan Kavanagh
Having had fantastic weather in June, the weather in July has been unstable and unpredictable... This month’s Cruising Group activities have been disrupted due to rain, wind or a mixture of the two. Although we hung on until the morning of the planned Skerries armada, the forecast wasn’t promising and the decision was taken to postpone again...
As has happened recently, the forecast wasn’t entirely accurate and four yachts decided to take a chance and head for Skerries, with a possible diversion into Malahide for lunch if conditions deteriorated. Aquarius was already at Lambay and was visiting Loughshinny, when Blues Xtra, Joslim, and Indulgence left Howth.
The trip up had the benefit of a favourable tide making up for the lack of wind, and there were only a couple of short spells of drizzle. As we arrived in Skerries, the sun was starting to show and people were enjoying the (Irish) warmth. Joslim picnicked on board, while the crew of Aquarius were seen heading for Skerries Sailing Club and the Blues Xtra and Indulgence crews ate at a waterfront restaurant.
The forecast for late afternoon was for more rain and maybe more wind so some of the boats set off for home. Predictions of wind on the nose proved incorrect and we had a romping sail home with a warm breeze and flat sea. Shortly after tying up in Howth, the rain set in with enthusiasm so we couldn’t have had more fortunate timing.
So, despite all the odds, a lucky few got to enjoy a summery day in Skerries. Hopefully, the planned rerun of the full armada will enjoy similar good fortune.
