Scotland to Cornwall - Spring Journey

by Vicki and Andi Dunkel on 3 Jun 2006 Spring in the northern hemisphere brings out the roses and tulips - and the sailors. As the days hot up, flotillas of sailing boats set off for bluer pastures. Among them this year are Vicki and Andi Dunkel who run sailing and diving holidays around Europe on board Isicia II, a classic 51 foot Beneteau First yacht.

They have just travelled from Scotland down the waters of the Irish Sea to Cornwall, on their way to the Mediterranean. Here’s their story:

Our voyage started in the Firth of Clyde on Scotland's west coast in May. This is a fantastic area to sail in; it is very beautiful with spectacular sea-lochs and islands and very protected - just as well as the month of May started with unusually strong winds. We sailed up Loch Fyne sampling the local seafood and diving for scallops. At night, we anchored in sea lochs, including Lochranza at the north tip of Arran overlooked by castle ruins and a whisky distillery, and had many sightings of seals and porpoises.

The strength of the wind kept us in the protected Clyde area longer than originally planned but, once calm, we headed for Holyhead off the north tip of Anglesey. Back on schedule again the next few days were spent hopping along the beautiful Welsh coastline anchoring in bays such as Aberffraw at night. New Quay in Wales was the highlight – we spent a stunning evening here eating alfresco and watching the sunset. The town is lesser known than the Cornish town of the same name, but is less commercial and has all the more character for it.

Next destination was Milford Haven and the conditions were perfect for the passage. Pembrokeshire National Park is famous for its offshore islands, sea birds, dolphins and seals and it did not disappoint. May is the perfect time to see puffins in this area too.

Then it was across the Bristol Channel to Cornwall - where we picked up a stowaway in the form of a small exhausted finch who took shelter under Andi’s heel! For miles there was not another soul to see giving a fantastic feeling of freedom.

Cornwall’s rugged coastline is great for sailing with lots of anchoraqes dotted along the coast – but you have to get your wind direction right as most give shelter from the same direction.

Our last stop on this leg of the journey was Penzance where we have been restricted by the weather to day trips. This has given us a chance to explore more of Cornwall both by sea and land - sailing past St Michael’s Mount and trekking along the coastline.

The gale warnings have now ceased and we are preparing for the channel crossing to France tonight.

To find out more about holidays on Isicia II (suitable for all experience levels) visit their website at www.sailaway.eu.com or call (+44) 07904 267 561.
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