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Ulster Adventure
Words and
pictures by Martin Longhurst
Waverley steamed into a
strong breeze on her way north from the Mersey to Campbeltown on Thursday 21
June 2001. As there was not a berth
available, she had to anchor in Campbeltown Loch overnight.
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In the morning
she was able to come alongside in time to take water, fuel and stores before
passenger boarding commenced. |
Over 200 passengers
joined in the morning for the "international" voyage to Red Bay in
Ulster. There was a flat calm sea
and very good visibility across the North Channel. These are the Sanda Isles near the Mull of Kintyre with a
distant view of the conical Ailsa Craig to their right. |
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Good time was
made to the Irish port where large numbers of passengers were exchanged. 100 took the inclusive coach tour to the
Bushmills Distillery and the Giants Causeway. |
Passengers boarding
for the afternoon cruise. Note the
fendering arrangements including the one made on the way from Liverpool to
Llandudno. |
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Leaving Red
Bay, Waverley headed west, keeping close to the spectacular coastline. This was our first view of Rathlin Island
to the right of the angular Fair Head. |
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During the
cruise, Tommy Reilly added some more rope work to the hand rails. |
Passing Fair Head, the
steamer headed to go round the north side of Rathlin Island. To
the north, views were to be had of the Mull of Kintyre, Islay and even
Colonsay.
In this view,
Fair Head is to the right with the Kintyre Peninsular to the left in the
distance. |
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Rounding the western tip, she
headed east passing inside Church Bay, where the main village and harbour is
situated. Completing the
circumnavigation, course was set for Ballycastle, where a close approach was
made to the Pier. Captain John
Lees-Moffatt, who commanded the Claymore on the Ballycastle to Campbeltown
route, was aboard. He and Captain
Gellatly had taken the motor ship on her last service on this route.
Back at Red Bay Pier, the
intrepid excursionists rejoined the ship for the homeward passage, which was
made under blue skies.
The sun was
setting as the paddler moved away from Campbeltown for her light passage to
Ayr.
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The following
day, Saturday 23 June 2001, Waverley gave a cruise from Ayr and Girvan round
Ailsa Craig. |