DCKC trip leader Celia with Richard Bott, Matthew Merrick, Pat Smith paddling together with Fife Kayak Club. and all of us lead by Alan Hunter
Distance 22km
Conditions: swell 0.5m, wind F3 NE, tidal flow 0.5kn max
Isle of May lies 8km off shore from Crail and conditions have to be near perfect to allow a landing at the harbour on SE of the island. It was touch and go in the lead up but Celia pulled off a great paddle in association with Fife Kayak Club. Led by Alan Hunter (Fife), a team of 9 of us set off from Crail into a steady F3 cross wind and made good time before reaching the lee of the island. It was a delight to be paddling near enough the cliffs, among puffins, guillemots and razorbills and a few circling gulls.
As we rounded the South East end of the island the sea was more choppy and despite some swell and breaking waves at the mouth of the inlet, we all made it safely to harbour.
An explore of the island and plenty adult puffins were spotted and one puffling too! The rest were still hunkered down in their burrows. Sad news that artic terns had an unsuccessful breeding season due to gull activity.
The return paddle was a little rougher initially but we all coped admirably.
Thanks Celia for putting on this trip and here’s to more inter-club paddles in the future. Certainly we will be inviting the Fife club over to join us in the west for the return match.
