Tue 5 June (Arklow to Dun Laoghaire)

Left at 0900 to catch 5 hrs of good tide, and again motored all day. No sea creatures, but two tall ships passed by us before Dublin Bay.We couldn't get close enough to either to read a name, but both were under staysails and slowly making way downwind to the S. The last part of this passage is an interesting one, with the choice of going round Dalkey Island (very long), inside the Island with powerful tidal eddies, or between the Island and the Muglins, a long group of evil-looking rocks.We chose the inside passage, and had to boost the engine full ahead to plough our way through the swirling confused sea running down the narrow channel. Once through, we could enjoy the views of Dalkey Castle, a Heritage Centre which we would visit before leaving the area. We were directed to a Visitors' Berth in the marina, which is possibly the biggest I have ever seen, with over 450 boats, and relatively expensive to boot. The Royal Irish Yacht Club overlooks the marina, so we had to pay a visit. This is how the other half of the boating fraternity lives: they not only have a security man on the door of the fine Georgian building, but valet parking! We ordered a drink at the bar, half expecting to be ejected, and drank it in the last of the evening sun on the terrace, outside the dining room with fine linen, silverware and wine glasses on the tables: RCPYC it isn't! Back aboard enjoying the fading evening light, after re-provisioning the boat at a large Tesco store, Cath spotted an otter surfacing astern of us: another "sea" creature to add to the tally. Nightcap and an early night.