Castor Sailing Stuff

Vessel Name: Safe Return
Vessel Make/Model: Westerly Vulcan
Hailing Port: Debbage in Ipswich
Crew: Andy Smith (McSmith) & Ian Sheldon (Shelly)
About: Andy & Ian have discussed Sailing round our independent Island since Andy retired from The Fire Service in 2011. Ian turned 65 last September and Bought Safe Return. The trip an begin
28 June 2016
28 June 2016 | Off staiths
23 June 2016 | River Stour
Recent Blog Posts
31 July 2017 | Off Wicklow

The trip continues

Andy joined Safe Return on the Caledonian Canal while I was cruising up and down with Jane & Charlie. Eric Joyce a friend from my teen years joined us in Oban, with Andy we set sail for Tobermory to meet Leslie, John, Jack and Anne who were due to visit on a cruise ship, the weather was rough and they [...]

28 August 2016

Professor Plankton

In case you think I was joking.

28 August 2016 | Castor

Ed of another Adventure

Yesterday we knew we weren't leaving Tobermory until after lunch because of the tides to Oban. In the morning I spoke to Proff Plankton who I have seen before trawling a sample net off the pontoons. He explained that understanding the plankton enables the company he works with- Sea Life Surveys-to know [...]

27 August 2016 | Tobermory

Anchor problems and trip to Tobermory

Last night on Iona we returned to Safe Return to find my anchoring skills are dire. A large sight seeing vessel we anchored a respectable distance away from was a few meters off our bow after the tide had changed, also,our anchor was under her hull so no way of moving. I started cooking a spagbol then [...]

The trip continues

31 July 2017 | Off Wicklow
Andy joined Safe Return on the Caledonian Canal while I was cruising up and down with Jane & Charlie. Eric Joyce a friend from my teen years joined us in Oban, with Andy we set sail for Tobermory to meet Leslie, John, Jack and Anne who were due to visit on a cruise ship, the weather was rough and they didn't turn up. We returned to Oban to pick up Alan Gray who was to be our fourth crew member for the journey South.
On 21st July we set off, heading for Port Ellen on Islay, as we approached Islay we had very unsettled seas and stayed at Craighouse for the night. We have had to get used to rough seas beacause until today we have been motoring and sailing in very choppy sea through the Irish Sea which justifiably has a reputation for chop.
We have stayed at Ballycastle, Belfast, Bangor, Strangford Lough, Portaferry, Peel on Isle of Man, Ardglass and last night Howth near Dublin. We are enroute to Arklow at the moment.

Professor Plankton

28 August 2016
In case you think I was joking.

Here is his Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ProffessorPlankton/?hc_ref=SEARCH

Ed of another Adventure

28 August 2016 | Castor
Yesterday we knew we weren't leaving Tobermory until after lunch because of the tides to Oban. In the morning I spoke to Proff Plankton who I have seen before trawling a sample net off the pontoons. He explained that understanding the plankton enables the company he works with- Sea Life Surveys-to know where the fish and Cetacea will be found. They do research into such things while taking customers to see whales, dolphins sharks etc at the same time.
After a walk through the town we went for a walk to Aros Park. It was quite a hike and wished I had worn my walking boots. It was good exercise and the walk was enjoyable through woodland along the coast to the park which afforded great views back across the bay to Tobermory and some naturally formed beautiful water falls and features.
Then we had a visitor Barney the cat jumped aboard and checked us out. I put him ashore, but he jumped back on board and walked the decks until he spotted Proff Plankton and went to see what he was up to. The girls in the Mull Aquarium have to keep an eye out because he likes to go fish watching, and he is banned.
We had lunch, then had a quick motorised trip back to Dunstaffnage where we were treated to an vivid sunset. Today was the 8 hour drive home with expectant Grandad David. No news on Nicky's progress yet.

Anchor problems and trip to Tobermory

27 August 2016 | Tobermory
Last night on Iona we returned to Safe Return to find my anchoring skills are dire. A large sight seeing vessel we anchored a respectable distance away from was a few meters off our bow after the tide had changed, also,our anchor was under her hull so no way of moving. I started cooking a spagbol then noticed we had swung a bit more and could escape. Taking Don's advice we moved across to Bull Hole where there is a well protected anchorage. Dinner was eaten, wine and whisky consumed and we went to our bunks. I woke at 5:30 and found we were about 100 metres from where we started. Marine Watch tracker shows that just after we turned in we shot backward dragging the anchor until we caught a mooring buoy. Another anchoring disaster! I need advice on this matter.
We then had a brilliant day with F4 - F6 winds sailing to Tobermory via Col, arriving in Tobermory at 15:00. I have installed the new curtains. They were made by Natalie Shaw as a favour for me. I am really pleased. Natalie's Dad Paul Adams introduced me to yachting from Looe. And then when he bought a larger yacht in Greece I continued sailing with him and his business partner George and we became very good friends. Sadly I am the only surviving member of this crew and am very proud to have not wasted the introduction Paul made for me into yacht cruising. Natalie's contribution to my boat is very special to me.
After a beer or two in the Mishnish and supper in Macgochans, I retired to my bunk while David stayed on to watch a folk band who didn't start playing until 10:30.

Corryvreckan and other excitement

25 August 2016 | Iona

We,have not had internet access for a couple of days.
On Wednesday morning we got on the bikes and rode a couple of miles round to Melford Pier and village. The weather perfect and the ride along a tree lined lane beside Loch Melford made this a memorable trip. Melford Village is a holiday time share and rental site developed from a gunpowder factory. It was impressive.
We realised times were wrong to be able to get north from Jura if we stayed there for the night, if we headed for Corryvreckan we should hit it at slack water, and head for Colonsay. It all worked out, the passage through the Corryvreckan was far from smooth or easy even in perfect weather conditions and timed well. We were pushed from side to side with large areas of swirling water around us and in the middle we struggled to make 1 knot with the engine set to near max revs pushing us at 6 knots through the water. The most exciting passage either of us had ever experienced before. You kind of guess things will be fun when you see 3 large ribs packed with tourists in full oilies going in before you.
We tied up against the jetty at Scalasaig on Colonsay. The ferry arrived just after us, and after we had tied up, I went on the jetty but was told by the Calmac shore crew we had to stay on our boat until the ferry had gone because of flying ropes and stuff.
Dinner was had in the hotel which was very nice. We spoke to two youngsters, a man working on the fish farm going to do a night shift and a bar lady in the hotel. They both had tried leaving the island to work or go to college but came back because the prefer island life.
We set off on Thursday morning and sailed up to Iona with spinnaker out for the last couple of hours. The 2nd lovely sunny day, we are getting lucky.
Arrived at the Abbey as they closed the ticket office, so had a free visit.

Corryvreckan and other excitement

25 August 2016


We,have not had internet access for a couple of days.
On Wednesday morning we got on the bikes and rode a couple of miles round to Melford Pier and village. The weather perfect and the ride along a tree lined lane beside Loch Melford made this a memorable trip. Melford Village is a holiday time share and rental site developed from a gunpowder factory. It was impressive.
We realised times were wrong to be able to get north from Jura if we stayed there for the night, if we headed for Corryvreckan we should hit it at slack water, and head for Colonsay. It all worked out, the passage through the Corryvreckan was far from smooth or easy even in perfect weather conditions and timed well. We were pushed from side to side with large areas of swirling water around us and in the middle we struggled to make 1 knot with the engine set to near max revs pushing us at 6 knots through the water. The most exciting passage either of us had ever experienced before. You kind of guess things will be fun when you see 3 large ribs packed with tourists in full oilies going in before you.
We tied up against the jetty at Scalasaig on Colonsay. The ferry arrived just after us, and after we had tied up, I went on the jetty but was told by the Calmac shore crew we had to stay on our boat until the ferry had gone because of flying ropes and stuff.
Dinner was had in the hotel which was very nice. We spoke to two youngsters, a man working on the fish farm going to do a night shift and a bar lady in the hotel. They both had tried leaving the island to work or go to college but came back because the prefer island life.
We set off on Thursday morning and sailed up to Iona with spinnaker out for the last couple of hours. The 2nd lovely sunny day, we are getting lucky.
Arrived at the Abbey as they closed the ticket office, so had a free visit.
Safe Return's Photos - Main
Safe Return sailing
7 Photos
Created 20 June 2016

About & Links