Belfast to Glasgow lovely warm day 74nm ailsa craig, isle of Arran, Largs and look who met me in Largs! 11hour passage i was very tired on arrival so meal and bed. Met Vadys Vladyslav Shumeyko who gave me some borsh for tonights meal thank you Vladyslav.
A big vote of thanks to all those generous people who are donating.
on 13th July Richard left Largs Marina, he could just see the Campsie Fells but the weather closed in, changing the scenery and the water deepened and anchoring behind the Butte was a problem. “A big thank you to Duncan who came to Largs and ran me to the supermarket, he also helped me replace my dagger plate last year and to Simon Armitage, the rudder is fine, thanks for all you're help.”
On leaving the Butte, heading towards Tarbet and Lock Gilpin to go through the Crinnan Canal he saw the old steam powered paddle steamer, Waverley, go through The Narrows behind Butte. ”A great sight, I travelled on her to school on the IOW.”
15th July 2021 Richard entered the Crinnan Canal today and stopped for the night at Cairmbaan, he said it is an absolutely beautiful place. Off to Loch Crinnan tomorrow then the Scottish Islands.
First of all, a correction. Marion is not Richard's partner in the matrimonial sense of the word, that is Sue. Apologies. Marion is however a partner for Richard's fund raising efforts as she is a trustee of Orphans in the Wild who will receive 20% of the funds that Richard raises, the rest going to Give the World a Shot.
Richard is now, through the Crinan Canal, across the Corryvreckan and in Loch Spelve on Mull. See below Marion's last update:
Richard Kerswell's progress on his solo sail around Britain on his McGregor yacht Pegasus.
He arrived at Corryvreckan, found the Whirlpool, he had a good reconnoitre and made his decision. The tide was probably at it's strongest as he got there, but it was a pretty calm day and went through the middle, as Richard would!! He said it threw his aft about but said one has to do these things! I think we shall all give a big sigh of relief, especially me as he said he was going to do it! He is moored at Lock Spelve in Mull in a really safe lock and will start fairly early in the morning to Iona.
Richard is .making good progress, mainly on engine I think. Heading for Harris, across to St Kilda and then, I assume taking a route 'across the top'.
Updates below are from Marion:
Update 1
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Richard Kerswell's progress on his amazing fundraising adventure to sail around Britain and Scotland in aid of two worthy causes. On the 19th July he set sail for Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull then going to a little inlet he found to anchor for the night. From there he sailed to the islands of Eigg, onto Rum and then moored in Loch Harport in the Isle of Mull. Saw a pod of bottle nosed dolphin on the way!
He is trying to get fuel to go onto Isle of Harris and go to the remotest extremely small world heritage site of St Kilda. https://www.google.com/.../@57.8155881,-8.../data=!3m1!1e3. We are all following you closely Richard, good luck and hope the weather keeps good for you!
Please consider sharing to help make this a success. Thank you!
Update 2
Richard was finding it very difficult to get any fuel, where he is moored at Loch harport, for the next part of his journey and after meeting Ladislav Kovarik, he came to his rescue, for which he is very grateful, and drove him to the other side of Skye to the Portree Filling Station and back. Thank you! The garage owner gave him a spare 5 gal can which Richard filled so that topped him up with 17 gallons. He is off in the morning to Harris in the Outer Hebrides, where there is another fuel station to fully top up all his cans and from there St. Kilda.
He says he is having an amazing time, meeting amazing people and seeing some awesome Scenery. I'm sure he will tell you about the Oyster Shack himself! He was looking tonight at the Cuillin Mountains that look like they are out of the Lord or the Rings!
Update from yesterday's Facebook posting. Not easy to be precise about where he is/was but poised on west side of Harris with a view to reaching St Kilda - quite a journey.
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Retired, Richard Kerswell's progress on his amazing solo fundraising adventure to sail around Britain and Scotland for the two worthy causes. On the last evening at Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, he and his new friend, Vadyslav Kovaric enjoyed a supper at the Oyster Shed of oysters and seared scallops as there was no lobster.
On the 23d July, carried on northwards to Dunvegan which was 30.0nm away, passing beautiful cliffs, the Neist Point Lighthouse and two common dolphins. Dunvegan was going to be an essential fuel stop in order to get to St Kilda. Stayed the day there and started off on the 25th July with a photo-shoot on the Dunvegan pontoon. Richard managed to get the jib out yesterday just for a while and just about went to the Sound of Harris then moved up the coast nearer to St. Kilda. Saw another lighthouse but as the weather turned, decided to pull into a bay which had a small island where he could see a beautiful white beach. He sailed around to the other side where it would have been calmer to come across two other boats that had anchored. Another 37.2nm making it 790nm away from home at the start.
Many thanks for your donations, really appreciated.
Please consider sharing to help make this a success. Thank you!
Richard's solo sail around Britain and Scotland in his
Oh my goodness, he's only gone and dunnit!
McGregor Yacht, Pegasus, in aid of two worthy charities, quite an adventure and achievement to do by oneself! https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270. Richard sailed out to St Kilda yesterday from his sheltered mooring up the coastline from Dunvegan, with low cloud and mist to accompany him on his journey, together with lots of seals but no dolphins this time! A puffin panicked getting out of the way of Peggy, took off on the down stroke with the tips of his wings under water, he nosedived and carried on swimming under water. An 8 hour trip logged 74.2nm seeing the extremely impressive Sea Stacs of St Kilda, being the tallest in Britain.
On the island, he met tourist day-trip RIB boatman, Willie, who welcomed and shared his lunch with him also confirmed to me that he had arrived safe and sound leaving for Uist approx. 4pm..
He is now moored at The Vallay, North Uist and his onward journey tomorrow will be towards Stornoway on the Island of Lewis and Harris, then between Thurso and Dunnock in Scotland. Next stop Kirkwall, Orkney Isles through to North Lerwick in the Shetlands, a long stretch, where he will stay for a few days to explore!
Thanks again for the donations coming in, much appreciated. https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
All the donations will be going to Give the World a Shot, Covid Vaccinations to third world countries and Orphans in the Wild, caring for HIV orphaned, vulnerable children and foster families in Mufindi, Tanzania.
A Bit late I know (due to my poor IT skills) but here is a photo of Richard passing through the Crinan Canal a couple of weeks ago. My wife and I were on a short road trip round Kintyre and came across Richard entering a lock. Richard is onboard and me standing on the bank.
Amazing that David should bump into Richard like that. A small world.
Posted below are unedited facebook updates made by Richard and Marion regarding Richard's remarkable progress around Britain in his M, Pegasus. Richard is about to turn the corner around Cape Wrath and, I believe, is aiming for Shetland. Amazing. I am currently on the Big Mac, at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight and at last night's bbq Richard was given a big shout out. We hope he can receive more support on his fund raising page. Please, if you can, support Richard and share his journey through social media channels.
Richard's posts in chronological order:
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Richard has progressed from North Uist to Tarbet 42nm on the Isle of Harris and is now anchored Loch Tarbet east near the the island of Scalpay in the Outer Hebrides about 10/14 miles away. Scalpay has the Eilean Glas lighthouse which was one of the first four lighthouses to be built in Scotland in 1789 by Thomas Smith.
I moved from StKilda to Vallay on northUist late in the day and arrived at dusk difficult entry within feet of rocks but made it stayed two days as the bad weather went through.no pics phones would not charge. Having a haggis and black pudding pizza DELISH. https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
No pics due to phone probs. Left valay north Uist up the east side of harris to east loch tarbert am in marina feeling good had a shower today and doimg the laundry on a minute through 1000 nm done last night
East Tarbert marina then my route outof the loch with the new bridge on to scalpy . I moved toloch sheil about 10 miles from stornoway 21.9 Nm ill go to stornoway tomoz also i took a photo of a poster showing the likly sea life you might spot around here
Loch sheil on harris to stornoway 12.6 nm runnimg total 922 nm marion discovered id made a mistook so that is the correct milage. Tje last pic is a friendly seal inthe harbour. Refuel tomoz then its cape wrath
This stunning adventure supports 2 excellent and needy charities.
Let us all support him to the best of our abilities and help him reach his target.
Give generously, please.
Simon Armitage
Commodore
Update from Richard - well done Vlad for being there for him.
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-162344303270
Belfast to Glasgow lovely warm day 74nm ailsa craig, isle of Arran, Largs and look who met me in Largs! 11hour passage i was very tired on arrival so meal and bed. Met Vadys Vladyslav Shumeyko who gave me some borsh for tonights meal thank you Vladyslav.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Update fro Richard's partner Marion
Retired Richard Kerswell's Solo sail around Britain for Give The World a Shot and Orphans in the Wild:
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
A big vote of thanks to all those generous people who are donating.
on 13th July Richard left Largs Marina, he could just see the Campsie Fells but the weather closed in, changing the scenery and the water deepened and anchoring behind the Butte was a problem. “A big thank you to Duncan who came to Largs and ran me to the supermarket, he also helped me replace my dagger plate last year and to Simon Armitage, the rudder is fine, thanks for all you're help.”
On leaving the Butte, heading towards Tarbet and Lock Gilpin to go through the Crinnan Canal he saw the old steam powered paddle steamer, Waverley, go through The Narrows behind Butte. ”A great sight, I travelled on her to school on the IOW.”
https://www.facebook.com/100000177757319/videos/pcb.2957116871177528/100...
15th July 2021 Richard entered the Crinnan Canal today and stopped for the night at Cairmbaan, he said it is an absolutely beautiful place. Off to Loch Crinnan tomorrow then the Scottish Islands.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
First of all, a correction. Marion is not Richard's partner in the matrimonial sense of the word, that is Sue. Apologies. Marion is however a partner for Richard's fund raising efforts as she is a trustee of Orphans in the Wild who will receive 20% of the funds that Richard raises, the rest going to Give the World a Shot.
Richard is now, through the Crinan Canal, across the Corryvreckan and in Loch Spelve on Mull. See below Marion's last update:
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Richard Kerswell's progress on his solo sail around Britain on his McGregor yacht Pegasus.
He arrived at Corryvreckan, found the Whirlpool, he had a good reconnoitre and made his decision. The tide was probably at it's strongest as he got there, but it was a pretty calm day and went through the middle, as Richard would!! He said it threw his aft about but said one has to do these things! I think we shall all give a big sigh of relief, especially me as he said he was going to do it! He is moored at Lock Spelve in Mull in a really safe lock and will start fairly early in the morning to Iona.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Richard is .making good progress, mainly on engine I think. Heading for Harris, across to St Kilda and then, I assume taking a route 'across the top'.
Updates below are from Marion:
Update 1
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Richard Kerswell's progress on his amazing fundraising adventure to sail around Britain and Scotland in aid of two worthy causes. On the 19th July he set sail for Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull then going to a little inlet he found to anchor for the night. From there he sailed to the islands of Eigg, onto Rum and then moored in Loch Harport in the Isle of Mull. Saw a pod of bottle nosed dolphin on the way!
He is trying to get fuel to go onto Isle of Harris and go to the remotest extremely small world heritage site of St Kilda. https://www.google.com/.../@57.8155881,-8.../data=!3m1!1e3. We are all following you closely Richard, good luck and hope the weather keeps good for you!
Please consider sharing to help make this a success. Thank you!
Update 2
Richard was finding it very difficult to get any fuel, where he is moored at Loch harport, for the next part of his journey and after meeting Ladislav Kovarik, he came to his rescue, for which he is very grateful, and drove him to the other side of Skye to the Portree Filling Station and back. Thank you! The garage owner gave him a spare 5 gal can which Richard filled so that topped him up with 17 gallons. He is off in the morning to Harris in the Outer Hebrides, where there is another fuel station to fully top up all his cans and from there St. Kilda.
He says he is having an amazing time, meeting amazing people and seeing some awesome Scenery. I'm sure he will tell you about the Oyster Shack himself! He was looking tonight at the Cuillin Mountains that look like they are out of the Lord or the Rings!
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Update from yesterday's Facebook posting. Not easy to be precise about where he is/was but poised on west side of Harris with a view to reaching St Kilda - quite a journey.
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Retired, Richard Kerswell's progress on his amazing solo fundraising adventure to sail around Britain and Scotland for the two worthy causes. On the last evening at Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, he and his new friend, Vadyslav Kovaric enjoyed a supper at the Oyster Shed of oysters and seared scallops as there was no lobster.
On the 23d July, carried on northwards to Dunvegan which was 30.0nm away, passing beautiful cliffs, the Neist Point Lighthouse and two common dolphins. Dunvegan was going to be an essential fuel stop in order to get to St Kilda. Stayed the day there and started off on the 25th July with a photo-shoot on the Dunvegan pontoon. Richard managed to get the jib out yesterday just for a while and just about went to the Sound of Harris then moved up the coast nearer to St. Kilda. Saw another lighthouse but as the weather turned, decided to pull into a bay which had a small island where he could see a beautiful white beach. He sailed around to the other side where it would have been calmer to come across two other boats that had anchored. Another 37.2nm making it 790nm away from home at the start.
Many thanks for your donations, really appreciated.
Please consider sharing to help make this a success. Thank you!
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Richard's solo sail around Britain and Scotland in his
Oh my goodness, he's only gone and dunnit!
McGregor Yacht, Pegasus, in aid of two worthy charities, quite an adventure and achievement to do by oneself! https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270. Richard sailed out to St Kilda yesterday from his sheltered mooring up the coastline from Dunvegan, with low cloud and mist to accompany him on his journey, together with lots of seals but no dolphins this time! A puffin panicked getting out of the way of Peggy, took off on the down stroke with the tips of his wings under water, he nosedived and carried on swimming under water. An 8 hour trip logged 74.2nm seeing the extremely impressive Sea Stacs of St Kilda, being the tallest in Britain.
On the island, he met tourist day-trip RIB boatman, Willie, who welcomed and shared his lunch with him also confirmed to me that he had arrived safe and sound leaving for Uist approx. 4pm..
He is now moored at The Vallay, North Uist and his onward journey tomorrow will be towards Stornoway on the Island of Lewis and Harris, then between Thurso and Dunnock in Scotland. Next stop Kirkwall, Orkney Isles through to North Lerwick in the Shetlands, a long stretch, where he will stay for a few days to explore!
Thanks again for the donations coming in, much appreciated. https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
All the donations will be going to Give the World a Shot, Covid Vaccinations to third world countries and Orphans in the Wild, caring for HIV orphaned, vulnerable children and foster families in Mufindi, Tanzania.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
A Bit late I know (due to my poor IT skills) but here is a photo of Richard passing through the Crinan Canal a couple of weeks ago. My wife and I were on a short road trip round Kintyre and came across Richard entering a lock. Richard is onboard and me standing on the bank.
IMG-20210716-WA0005
David Kirk
26X Glissando
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Amazing that David should bump into Richard like that. A small world.
Posted below are unedited facebook updates made by Richard and Marion regarding Richard's remarkable progress around Britain in his M, Pegasus. Richard is about to turn the corner around Cape Wrath and, I believe, is aiming for Shetland. Amazing. I am currently on the Big Mac, at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight and at last night's bbq Richard was given a big shout out. We hope he can receive more support on his fund raising page. Please, if you can, support Richard and share his journey through social media channels.
Richard's posts in chronological order:
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Richard has progressed from North Uist to Tarbet 42nm on the Isle of Harris and is now anchored Loch Tarbet east near the the island of Scalpay in the Outer Hebrides about 10/14 miles away. Scalpay has the Eilean Glas lighthouse which was one of the first four lighthouses to be built in Scotland in 1789 by Thomas Smith.
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
I moved from StKilda to Vallay on northUist late in the day and arrived at dusk difficult entry within feet of rocks but made it stayed two days as the bad weather went through.no pics phones would not charge. Having a haggis and black pudding pizza DELISH.
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
No pics due to phone probs. Left valay north Uist up the east side of harris to east loch tarbert am in marina feeling good had a shower today and doimg the laundry on a minute through 1000 nm done last night
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
East Tarbert marina then my route outof the loch with the new bridge on to scalpy . I moved toloch sheil about 10 miles from stornoway 21.9 Nm ill go to stornoway tomoz also i took a photo of a poster showing the likly sea life you might spot around here
https://www.publicfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1623944303270
Loch sheil on harris to stornoway 12.6 nm runnimg total 922 nm marion discovered id made a mistook so that is the correct milage. Tje last pic is a friendly seal inthe harbour. Refuel tomoz then its cape wrath
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
A couple of Rochard's pics - first Mac ever to St Kilda?
FB_IMG_1627888912404_0
FB_IMG_1627889112100_0
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
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