The plan for today is to head for Ballycastle, which is just opposite Rathlin Island. The wind looks set for a nice sail, and there’s no mention of rain.

There is, however, a real chill in the air as the wind has a big chunk of north in it…fresh from Iceland presumably…

The only fly in the ointment of a perfect sail, is the reputedly fearsome overfalls and standing waves, firstly off Tor Head and secondly across Rathlin Sound itself, which lies between Ratlhin Island and the main Irish coast. Several people plus the pilot books have warned us of the dangers, and we check and re-check our passage plans to make sure that we arrive at each ‘gateway’ with either enough distance off, or at the right state of the tide.

There’s no point leaving too soon, so we busy ourselves around the boat, and even pay more attention to our own ablutions. 

We slip out of Glenarm just after 12 30 into a fresh breeze and a reasonably calm sea…

Tides round here can be a complete pain, or, as today, our best friend. Heydays is soon surging over the ground at well over 8 knots despite a modest through the water speed of around 6 knots.

The coastline is very pretty and it slides past as we tuck into warming soup. There is something deeply satisfying about being the only boat pushing along on a crisp autumn day.

The Mull of Kintyre is very close and bathed in sunlight…at times…

…and then the first of the potential deal breakers is getting close. We have plotted a course to be well outside Tor Head and the breaking seas,  and while it gets a bit rougher, we’re soon past the worst of it.

The photo does not do it justice however…

In the distance is Fair Head, and opposite, Rathlin island itself…

We resolve to come back this way and spend more time, but for now, we push on in some exhilarating sailing…

Across from Fair Head to Rathlin island a stretch of white water appears,  but nothing especially daunting at this state of the tide…and no more than we experience on a regular basis in the Hurst Castle narrows at home.

The head itself, which at over 200m tall is the tallest cliff in Northern Ireland, appears to be very similar to the basalt columns, which we are expecting to see tomorrow when we sail past the Giants Causeway….

…and then almost before we know it, we are on the approaches to Ballycastle…

It is a lovely little harbour, tucked inside the bay, with brilliant shelter, and an incredibly welcoming harbourmaster.  He had seen us coming across the bay and came down to meet us, helping with lines and just generally making sure that we were happy.

A short day sail, but just amazingly satisfying. It always feels good when a plan comes together and the wind and waves and weather play nicely. Brilliant.