Leg 22 Largs to Inverkip and the end of a thousand nautical miles


Leg 22 Largs to Inverkip Marina and the end of a thousand nautical miles.

A reasonably late start, no rush as it is only a short hop now to Inverkip Marina and the tide and weather are with me. I had breakfast, tidied up the boat ( I want it to look good as I finish) Then I decorated Morgen with AICR banners, flags and Baloons. I left Largs Marina and tried to sail to Kip. As there was next to no wind it took about an hour or so longer than I thought it would but Freddie and I were determined to do it under sail and not use the engine until coming in to Inverkip Marina.

Yesssssssssssssssss

Yesssssssssssssssss

Yesssssssssssssssss














Fran and my youngest daughter were at Inverkip Marina to welcome me home……………….. We waved at each other as I approached the entrance of the marina and they ran down to meet me at the pontoon and grab the bow and stern lines. Big hugs and a bottle of champagne shared out with family and AICR representatives who had come along to welcome me and interview me at the end of my trip.

What a relief.


Its about this time, as I finish, I feel I should say something profound for all to reflect upon. But I cant! I'm not sure how I feel yet. A bit sad that its over, a bit happy that its over, a bit relieved thats its over, but more than anything a little bit empty!!! If my Mum and dad where still alive I would like to think they would be proud of me, of what Freddie and I have achieved so far. I would like to think others maybe a little bit prouder to know me perhaps, but most of all I hope I have done justice to AICR and what they stand for.

A sincere and heart felt thanks to all those that have supported the venture and been part of it. And my many thoughts to all those that have been afflicted by cancer and the legacy it leaves behind.
Richard and Freddie.

Leg 21 Troon to Largs


Leg 21 Troon to Largs

I have to admit I’m beginning to get excited! Troon to Largs is just a small trip and from Largs the next destination is Kip Marina and the end of the trip. Mustn’t think of it yet. But I cant help it. It may only be a small trip today but because it is nearly over the  hours are really dragging by……………. I cant wait on the one hand to see everyone at the end of the trip but also it means the trip for the time being comes to an end. But I can’t help it I feel excited and that’s all there is to it. At least for this trip the weather is excellent and the swell is gentle and we just drift along nice and gently towards the penultimate marina.











Last Leg next ………..YESssssssssssss……………

Leg 20 Portpatrick to Troon


Leg 20 Portpatrick to Troon.

It is such a pleasure sailing in Scottish waters. I know it is probably only psychological but somehow it feels different. The colour of the water is different the size and shape of the waves are different, and the scenery as I glide past various islands and peninsulars are different.








Getting There!

Leg 19 Douglas to Portpatrick


Leg 19 Douglas to Portpatrick. Our first Scottish Harbour. Yippee!!!!!!!!



A very long journey with grey overcast skys to begin with and then some very strong winds to end with and a very concealed entrance to Portpatrick which at the time was quite nerve racking but turned out to be very easy.

PortPatrick is quintessentially the most British of small harbours. Absolutely fantastic place to spend a few days and explore. The people in the harbour were extremely friendly and the people in the local pub was also extremely friendly. They looked up on the internet using there iphones and computers and even made phone calls in order to find out and book trains for my daughter to get back from Straenrar to Kettering and booked taxi for 6:00am unbelievably helpful lot. Thanks.














The rise and fall of the tide in this harbour is huge. However knowing this I allowed plenty of slack line  when mooring up to the mooring rings. However not enough as it turned out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was awoken from my slumber the next morning when I could here shouting etc. I jumped up and headed straight to the cockpit and in my dreaery half asleep state I realized the boat was severely tilted over to the Port side and people where shouting at me from the quay side. The boat was hanging fom the mooring lines and the weight of the boat was being held by the fairleads and cleats. I ran back down in to the galley picked up a knife and immediately cut the ropes. Morgen fell back in to the water and a small tidal wave swept across the harbour making the other boats hit and bump against each other. Woops!!!!!!!!!















Anyway what a brilliant place to be. I was sorry to see my eldest daughter leave, but I knew I was on the home straight, so to speak I was afterall now officially in Scotland. Another few marinas and if all went well I would be in Kip marina having covered a thousand Nautical miles and be welcomed by Fran and Georgia..