David: In Castletown Bere. Got a great welcome in MacCarthy’s Bar last night, Many thanks to Anne and Teddy Black. The pub is a ahop_cum_pub unique even in this part of the world. 2190 2188

Off up Bantry bay today.

Mary: Thursday 1400 hours and we’re away. 254nm to Westport. Little wind, clear blue skies and a basking shark off Mull says goodbye – can you spot him in the photo? The weather changes, winds get up from the southwest 5, 6, then 7, seas are rough, we beat though the next 40 hours. [Read more →]

Mary: Our neighbour on the next mooring at Oban Marina on Kerrara flew in to pick up their buoy. The little sea plane does a regular service from the heart of Glasgow, but I was a little concerned when he landed and skimmed across the water directly towards us. I thought of having to fill out insurance claims plane took off our masthead light I know the mast is tall at 70 feet but I think the insurance company would ask questions. Passengers are transferred from plane to ferry on the mooring platform – see picture in the gallery. [Read more →]

David: Great sail from Mayo Sailing Club, close to Westport to Inishbofin last night. Fresh fish for supper. Definitely the plan. Rebecca and friends Camy and Peden onboard. They caught the fish in the morning. [Read more →]

David: Can’t believe we achieved 5th July. Pictures are in the gallery. We picked this date about a year ago and have made it. [Read more →]

Giselle is now in the water and we are getting through the last of the actions.

The list still feels long but is getting shorter quickly.

Looking forward to seeing all those that can manage the send off. PA37 1SG will get you close by navigator. I think you will find it’s the next entrance on the left by the dinghy with its mast up.

David and Mary are leaving; their dreams are coming true,
To sail away on their yacht, with a large crew, of two!
A trip of a lifetime, a dream in the making,
A trip of a lifetime, a chance that’s worth taking.
They’ve planned, and fussed, to make sure nothing’s missed
Sure Mary’s been writing it all in her lists!
Their house is for rent and their family’s been told,
Now till we get back you lot — be good as gold!

Preparations been busy, that’s all they’ve been doing of late,
From sitting first aid, to trying to loose weight!
The diet’s been working, they’ve done very well,
In more ways than one, they can cope with the swell.
They’re leaving their kids and their loved ones at home,
While off in their trip the two of them roam,
The yacht is all ready and ship-shape below
As it is off into the sunset the two of them go.

We wish you well and will think of you lots,
Seeing the world, and all it’s ‘hotspots’
The challenge, excitement, and all things you’ll see new,
We hope laughter’s aplenty and the worries are few.
So take care David and Mary, this wish from your friends
Have a blast on your trip is the message we send!

–Liz Black

A lot of companies have helped get Giselle ready for the next lap of the world. Many thanks to you all

I know that this list will not be complete and I will add more later. All of the underlining are links – [Read more →]

David: Still doing well on the Montignac low GI diet. Weight loss has continued at 2lb a week. Have now reached the full 20kg loss challenge.  Thats more than 3 stone and hardly any of my old clothes fit! Waist has come down to 38 inches.  The book said I could expect to loose 20kg and that’s what happened. Interesting to see if I loose more than the 20kg.  Will keep you updated on how we find getting food to keep on the low GI regime while we are off on our travels.

We have a leaving event planned. Saturday 5th July Loch Creran, Northeast of Oban. It will be at Creran Marine in Barcaldine. You can see where this is in the where are we section or put 56.5274 -5.3195 in google maps.
11:00 to 13:00 opportunity to view the boat. More details of the boat in the about section.

13:00 to 15:00 nibbles on the shore

15:00 ish dropping the Mooring.