12th May - Monday – Howth to Arklow.

 

Sunny and Showers

We were in sight of Yacht Camira and its a nice feeling after not sailing for 10 days.

Arklow is approached down a large Harbour Wall and a river channel which leads to the town bridge.

The marina itself is very small with little turning space and fortunately we were advised to go on the Pontoons along the River Bank.  This gave us a nice view of the town and the bridge.

However, being on the river side there was very little security, a gang plank lead to the shore and although there was a gate, it had no lock at all.  Later that evening I said to Michael ‘There’s someone on the boat’ after a little tutting he stuck his head through the hatch and immediately said loudly, ‘What do you think you are doing?’ to the young man who was stood on the front of the boat having his picture taken by his friend who was stood on the shore.  I was quite shocked people could be so rude, he was standing on my house!!  After one of Mick’s hardest stares he left quickly.

Arklow Marina was disappointing in that there was no signage to the Marina Office, which we thought was a ram-shackled old cottage/store.  Once inside, what a surprise, some of the nicest and cleanest showers and toilets we have seen so far.  30 Euro per night was steep for the facilities provided.

Arklow has a modern shopping centre and Aldi, so we stocked up in preparation for the crossing to Milford Haven.