An hour or so later we crossed the border out of Northern Ireland, into the Republic of Ireland finally closing in on our first sailing session of the trip. Using Timo’s vast home-grown knowledge of the Irish beaches we had managed to whittle our destination down to a heavy beach break known as Falcarragh just round the corner from the legendary Magheroarty – our back-up spot if the first call wasn’t pumping. This exposed stretch of coastline picks up any swell the Atlantic can throw its way and with strong west, south/west winds on the forecast the direction was perfect for groomed cross-offshore heavy bowls. In Gaelic Falcarragh means ‘crossroads’ and, fittingly, now were at the end of our journey we had to make a decision on where to sail. Pulling into the car park we were greeted by the sight of pluming, hollow waves. The sun had just popped-out and our morale was lifted. The sailing looked kind of gnarly, but we had the beach to ourselves and there were stacks of wind and logo-high barrelling waves. The decision was easy. It was time to put the new British Champion to the test, with Timo determined to give him a solid run for his money!
