Isle of Man

Circumnavigation of the Isle of Man
10th April 2012

A team of 6 teenagers on Adventurous Experiences 'Youth Scholarship - Development and Leadership Program' showed their mettle over the Easter Holidays paddling 85 miles around the Manx coastline, completing the challenging circumnavigation in 4 days, including Force 4-5 winds, carrying all their kit and food in the kayaks.

http://www.adventurousexperiences.com/about-us/youth-scholarship.aspx

First Leg 

Port Saint Mary to Port Soddrick.

After a tricky crossing of Bay Ny Carrickey and rounding Scarlett point we pulled into Castletown bay to regroup.    

Wind and tide helped us to "fly" past the airport but a back eddy make life difficult getting to Port Grenaugh.

After this tough first day spirits were low and we were keen to make camp - our only option the stony "Shipwreck beach"

10:00 - 17:00

PSM,  Castletown, Beach, Port Grenaugh, Port Soddrick

17m

Second Leg

Port Soddrick to Cranstal

A slow pack up put us under some time and tide pressure.

After clearing Douglas Bay we had a break at Groudle Glen, before cutting Laxey Bay and stopping for lunch at Port Cornaa.

Rounding Maughold Head with a strong head wind and lively sea conditions drained the group but we pushed on round Ramsey bay as far as we could could.

Finally collapsing onto a comfortable sandy bed at Cranstal just before the point of Ayre.

Port Soddrick, Groudle Glen, Port Cornaa, Dogmills, Cranstal

25m

Third Leg

Cranstal to Kirk Michael

Rounding the Point of Ayre was a special moment, however the next 15 miles were pretty tedious!!  

Long sandy beaches after long sandy beaches.   Psychologically a big drain on everyone.   

The sea whipped up a little as we passed Ballaugh so we made a surf landing at Kirk Michael and decided that an early finish and a good rest was what the team needed most. 

Cranstal, Blue point, Kirk Michael

17m

Fourth Leg

Kirk Michael to Port Saint Mary

Finally an early start.  Leaving in the dark and full of energy the group were focused.  With luck we would reach our goal.

We made quick progress to Peel for breakfast, then onto Niarbyl.  Although the side wind provided a little challenge we continued to make good progress.

We pushed onto Bradda Head, but the team were tiring.  A team building exercise of 5 inline tows seemed to distract us for a while.

Lunch just before Port Erin and we knew the end was in sight.

The difficult conditions round Spanish Head never materialised and so we made great time to Port Saint Mary, finishing at 15:00

Kirk Michael, Peel, Niarbyl, Bradda Head, PSM

24m

Photograph attached of the Youth Circumnavigation team of students Kim Tastagh from QEII High School, Sarah Reeday and Leon Landels from Castle Rushen, Henry Swithinbank from Ramsey Grammar and Matthew Caley and Conor Dangerfield from Ballakermeen. With Expedition leader Sam Murphy, Tony Smith and Martin Dycher part of the leadership team.