Sailing To Scotland

10th June 2013

Appointment at eye clinic. After waiting for a week I was in and out in about three minutes flat! The Optomologist said to return in two weeks time, but I explained this was impossible as I didn't know where I would be. So he replied 'ok see you in a week'. He couldn't understand what I was saying and I could barely understand him! So I will phone back in a couple of days and cancel the appointment.

6th June 2013

After sitting around, sightseeing etc - the eye seemed reasonably ok. So I sailed to a small anchorage by the name of Pheildhobrain (Pool of the Otters) Pronounced wheeldobran, I think. I intended to spend one night here and then return to Oban. Pheildhobrain is where the 'Bridge over the Atlantic is found. This is where the Scotts where made to remove their Kilts and tartan before moving further south and where they could put them back on again when traveling further north or west of this point. Anyway this turned out to be a spectacular anchorage as can be seen by the photos and I stayed for four nights in the end as I couldn't tare myself away.

Fantastic Weather too.

30th May 2013

At last Morgen launched at 11:00am - engine started first time, batteries fully charged just from the small solar panel - brilliant. Woke with eyelash stuck in my eye, scratching and itchy!
Creran Marine is probably the best anchorage / storage facility I have ever visited and Ewan Macgilvery has been so professional and helpful. Cannot recommend the place highly enough.

Cracking first sail to Oban - started in very light winds but once out of loch Creran the wind built and a steady seven KNts was reached for about 10 miles. Great. Although my eye is now very sore and bloodshot.

Once moored in Oban. I went to the hospital re:- my eye - quite swollen now. Given eye drops and told to return if it doesn't get better.

By the evening I cant see out of my eye and in a lot of pain. Pain killers do nothing for it. Tried to get water taxi back to the mainland but luckily Karen the marina manager saw I was having difficulty and helped me physically to get on to the water taxi and then took me in her own car to the hospital.

Once I saw the doctor in the hospital he diagnosed that I had a Corneal ulcer behind an old abrasion which obscured my pupil. After many phone calls he decided to transfer me from the Oban Hospital to the Royal Alexander Hospital in Glasgow. Afetr a very painful journey and night in hospital the antibiotics that I was taking every half an hour began to work. however they felt that some of the Cornea had to be trimmed away in order for new skin to heal over the eye.

Many tests etc and five days later I was finally discharged.

Weirdly, it turned out that my Aunt Freda was co-incidentally in the same hospital at the same time and I was able to visit her a couple of times. Which although a little distressing was also really nice to see her. once discharged however it took me ten and a half hours by public transport to get back to Oban and the boat. I then had to wait in Oban for another week to see the Optomologist as they wanted to make sure the ulcer had in fact gone.

29th may 2013

Quick rub down of hull and then applied anti-foul. Reminder to myself, do not use cheap sponge rollers in the future. buy bristle rollers! Sponge rollers are a real pain in the arse! they fall apart to quickly and leave smears. New AIS fitted and sealed in a plastic bag. will make a proper sealed box when I get home. last AIS unit stopped working at end of last season due to water ingress.

28th May 2013

Arrived Creran Marine at approximately 3:00pm today in order to collect 'Morgen' for the final part of the circumnavigation.
Boat looks good. Although I am feeling tired after a very long coach journey. left home at 10:00pm last night - got coach from Milton Keynes to Glasgow and then another coach from Glasgow to Oban. Finally a bus from Oban to the entrance of Creran Marine.

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

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.

You can see the interview at http://www.aicr.org.uk/SupporterSuccessStories.stm

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

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.