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Welcome to the News Page Thank you for clicking on 'News'. This page is updated in the summer between cruises by Melville, the skipper and at regular intervals during the winter - last up-dated on Tuesday 8th. July. Next up-date will be on Friday 25th. July. In a previous report, we recounted how Emmaus was hit by another yacht "Q...." which dragged anchor during the night in Canna Harbour. In the paper on Thursday 26 June, there is the following report - "The Tobermory Lifeboat was called out at 2.00 pm when the yacht Q.... was drifting half a mile away from Tobermory lighthouse because its sails became entangled. The lifeboat crew had to go on board and fix a towline to take it to sheltered waters, where they could deal with the sails. The vessel, with two people on board, was then towed into Tobermory in increasingly gusty conditions." To continue the saga - when we tied up to the pontoon at Tobermory in this recent cruise, there was yacht "Q...." having stayed there since its lifeboat escapade. The Skipper was reminded of his misdemeanours at Canna and agreed to make a donation to Discovery Cruising to cover the damage caused to Emmaus.
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Details of the Cruises in 2008
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The Carlisle Cruise - Cruise 3 |
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For the 4th. year, a men's group from the Church of
Scotland in Carlisle came on board on Friday 23rd. May at 18.30. Within half
an hour, we cast off our mooring in Bishop's Bay and headed south under
engine to Port Ramsay at the NE end of Lismore Island having dinner under
way and settled down for a peaceful night. Day 2: Up early and away by 09.10 to sail down Loch Lynne and enter the Sound of Mull with a fresh NNE wind. By the time we reached Loch Aline, the wind had become SE and then died away so we used the engine for the rest of the Sound of Mull to be greeted by a strong NW wind at Ardnamurchan. We were able to sail again and head for Canna to anchor by 19.40 and settle down for a relaxed evening meal. Here we met up with Irish friends on a chartered yacht, hoping to sail in company with them for the next few days. We had little sleep due to the incident mentioned above. Day 3: Still a fresh NE wind, so we weighed anchor and hoisted the mainsail with 2 reefs. With the sail flapping in the wind, a new reefing line with a shiny surface, came detached where it was fixed to the boom. Unaware of what had happened, we continued to tighten the rope such that we pulled it out of the boom. We set off with the 3rd. reef but before long the wind had dropped and we were under full sail. After 4 hours, just off Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye, the Minch was in savage mood with the wind against the strong tide. Water slapped against the hull and descended on us in the cockpit. We were planning to make a 40 mile passage to Loch Eport in North Uist, but for crew comfort, we changed course and headed for Loch Skipport in South Uist. The calm and peace of Kettle Pool was very welcome and we enjoyed a late lunch in settled conditions with a very peaceful night to follow. Our Irish friends having started well ahead of us, made it to Loch Eport, so our plan to sail with them fell through.
Neist Lighthouse on Skye Day 4: The wind to-day was NNE force 5 reaching force 6 at times. To attempt to sail north to catch up with our friends was not an option so we left at 09.37 and motor sailed across the Minch to Dunvegan Head on Skye, and then had a delighted sail for 6 miles down Loch Dunvegan in warm sunshine to pick up a mooring at the village by 14.18. After hot and cold drinks we went ashore and enjoyed the hospitality of Phil and Heather Lyon who provided us with shower facilities. We enjoyed our Drymen butcher's steak pie for dinner and settled down for another calm and peaceful night. The Lyons have a small weather station in the garden. For 8 weeks from the beginning of April, the total rainfall amounted to just 0.3" - a record for Skye? Day 5: An early start was not required as we had to wait for favourable tides to sail south in the Minch for Loch Scavaig at the foot of the Cuillins in the south of Skye. After breakfast, we set out to replace our missing reefing line which had to be threaded back and forward 3 times within the boom. Removing the end fitting of the boom and fishing inside with a boat hook, we completed the operation within 1 hour 40 minutes and hoisted the sail to ensure that it was successful. Again we had a pleasant sail down Loch Dunvegan with the wind building up to force 6 again. The Minch was in less hostile mood to-day so we sailed well on a broad reach past Neist Point, Loch Harport whereupon the wind dropped and we had to motor sail for the remainder of the passage to Loch Scavaig anchoring at 19.20 - a relaxed evening meal and another peaceful night. (It can be very wild in Loch Scavaig as gusts sweep down form the mountains, but with the wind from the NE, we were spared these gusts.) Day 6: Leaving just after 9.00, we sailed well for the first two and a half hours under full sail with the wind still from the NE. Arriving between the islands of Rum and Eigg, we encountered the usual slack conditions so had to use the engine for 45 minutes. Once clear of Eigg, we sailed again past the island of Muck and headed for Ardnamurchan Point. Turing into the Sound of Mull, within half an hour, the wind died, and we had to resort to the engine to finish up at 17.24 in Loch Aline. This was the only day that we encountered a little rain, the remainder of the 9 days being fantastically warm with unbroken sunshine. Day 7: A later start at 10.20 to motor in virtually no wind eastwards along the Sound of Mull, past Duart Point on Mull, across to Easdale island and through the Cuan Sound to reach Craobh Haven Marina at 14.20. This provided the opportunity for showers, topping up with water, diesel and Calor Gas - and the chance to buy a new lifebelt. Last October, red diesel at the Marina was 55p per litre - now it is 88p and climbing. Day 8: Our final day again with warm unbroken sunshine, but a few dark clouds in the far horizon which may have brought rain inland. Very light winds varied from NW to NNE to ESE, so we had to use some of our expensive diesel for the 6 hour passage of 37 miles back to Bishop's Bay arriving at 15.20. Summary: We covered 293 miles with the engine being used for 33 hours. It was a remarkable week for so much warm sunshine and the fun and banter of the crew was real tonic - thank you chaps. |
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The Student Cruise - Cruise 4 |
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6 enthusiastic and experienced students turned up for
our annual 14-day cruise where we aim to get further afield than is possible
within a week. Last year we tried to get to Orkney but
experienced unsuitable conditions so Orkney was on the Agenda this year, but
an Atlantic depression swept in just before we reached Cape Wrath so we
changed our plans and enjoyed a fantastic time exploring the Outer Hebrides
with some very fine sailing conditions. Day 1: The crew arrived at noon on Thursday 5th. June and we set sail immediately enjoying lunch as we motor sailed down Loch Linnhe with winds which changed from SW1, E1, NW1, NNE2 and then NNW2 so it was engine all the way to the island of Muck arriving there at 20.17 in time for a late dinner after a passage of 52 miles. There were periods of drizzle and low cloud but the next morning the sun shone - Day 2: We left Muck at 10.00 in light winds, but after 2 hours, the wind picked up to force 3 to 4 and we made good progress under full sail up the Sound of Sleat to arrive at Kyle Rhea between Skye and the mainland where the tide swept us through at 11 knots. Passing under the Skye Bridge at 17.25, wind and weather were so good that we sailed on to anchor at Poll Dohmain, a delightful sheltered bay just south of Applecross covering 47 miles. Day 3: We were still aiming for Orkney. It was a beautiful day but with no wind so we motor sailed from 08.30 to 14.30 when the wind freshened to allow us to sail 46 miles to Tanera Mor in the Summer Isles and anchor at 15.30. We had intended to go further, but it was at this point that we learned of a deep Atlantic depression heading towards the west coast which cast doubt over our Orkney objective. The water was warm enough here with the Gulf Stream for most of the crew to enjoy a swim before going ashore to explore the island. At this time of year, the sun is late in setting in this most idyllic of anchorages.
Emmaus at Tanera Mor Day 4: With SW winds forecast to reach force 5 to 7, we chose to curtail our passage to-day to 17 miles and head for Lochinver where one can berth at a pontoon - a better option if there is a possibility of being stormbound. With the wind SW4, we sailed north under full sail and entered Loch Roe for lunch, a charming anchorage just north of Lochinver. We continued after lunch, still under full sail into Lochinver harbour and tied up at the Ice Plant to take on fresh water and look for diesel to top up the tank after much use of the engine for the first 3 days. However, being Sunday, there were no staff on duty so we berthed at the pontoon at 15.30 and headed for the Fisherman's Mission for showers. Day 5: Winds were vicious to-day, so we abandoned any thoughts of sailing. We visited the Spar shop and bought some locally made black pudding from the Butcher, but decided at breakfast the next morning that it did not match up to the famous Stornoway black pudding. After lunch, the crew climbed a local hill, wrote postcards and had a lazy day. Day 6: We decided to continue our journey northwards towards Cape Wrath, heading for Loch Laxford which would be the jumping off point for a passage to Orkney if the conditions improved. We had to wait until 14.30 for the north-going tide so we had a leisurely morning, lunch and then returned to the Ice Plant to take on 92 litres of fuel and top up the water tanks. We left the harbour with 2 reefs in the mainsail and 2/3rds of the Genoa. Initially the wind was W4 but as we approached Stoer Head, it freshened to force 6 with very confused seas due to the storm of the previous day. 2 of the crew lost their lunch over the side! It was with relief that we entered the tranquil waters of Loch Laxford at 18.10 and anchored in calm waters in a 'side' loch where John Ridgeway runs an Adventure Centre. Just 27 miles to-day, but some very fast and lively sailing. Appetites returned to do justice the Steak Pie from the Drymen Butcher. Day 7: It would have been possible to sail the 75 miles round Cape Wrath to Orkney but with confused seas and having lost a day, we opted to cross the Minch to Stornoway and buy the famous black pudding. We sailed the 47 miles in winds which varied from NNW 3 to N 4 to NNE 4 to 5. The seas were very confused with the wind having changed direction so there were times when we ran the engine at low revs to steady the motion of the yacht under full sail. We got across without anyone being sick! By 17.00, we were berthed at the Esplanade Quay having been chased away from the pontoon by the Harbour Master who declared that all spaces were booked in advance. 2 of the crew ran half a mile to the Butcher's Shop and arrived to buy a black pudding just as the door was about to be locked. On lowering the mainsail, we found that the main halyard was chafed so we bound it with whipping twine to avoid further damage. Day 8: Having been out for more than a week it was time to replenish the lockers, so the Skipper and 3 of the crew headed for the Co-op and stocked up with all the fresh items needed for the rest of the cruise. We left the quay at 12.33 and within 15 minutes had full sail hoisted and the engine off for a 5 hour passage of 28 miles to the island of Scalpay. Winds were NNW force 4 to 5, but being off the land, the sea was calm and we had an excellent sail. Arriving at 17.30, there was time for a quick trip ashore before dinner. Day 9: With NW winds of force 4
to 5, we set out at 08.52 for a 56 mile passage to Eriskay.
About halfway, we took the first reef in the mainsail as the wind became a
steady force 5. Again, the seas were flat, and the
sun shone all the way so we could see across to Skye and the mainland.
We were fortunate to be able to pick up one of the 2 moorings in Eriskay
Harbour. Day 10: The Coastguard were pursuing industrial action for a whole week so there were no forecasts being issued. With the laptop connected to the mobile 'phone, one can access the forecasts, but for 3 days, we had no signal. Prior to leaving Stornoway, it looked as though we could enjoy 2 more days of hot sunny weather and favourable winds so we chose to spend one more day in the Outer isles. We left the mooring at 09.42 under full sail and followed the leading line out of the harbour and with a steady NNW 4 wind and the tide in our favour, we made a fast passage of 20 miles south to the beautiful island of Mingulay. Landing here with the rubber dinghy at the sandy beach is always difficult due to the swell. We reluctantly decided it was too rough to land, so we turned, put 2 reefs in the mainsail and sailed 6 miles NE and anchored in a lovely sheltered bay in the island of Sandray - which the Government earmarked 2 years ago as a possible site for storing nuclear waste. However, it was still safe to go ashore and enjoy the sandy beach in warm sunshine with 3 of the crew going for a swim. At 16.46 with the crew on board, we hoisted sail, weighed anchor and tacked north to the island of Vatersay which has beautiful white sandy beaches - well sheltered in the NW wind, so we had another peaceful night. Day 11: No engine this morning - we weighed anchor and departed under full sail. At 11.15, around 40 porpoises swam round the yacht, including some little baby porpoises which leapt clean out of the water. They stayed with us for fully 20 minutes. At 12.30, we dropped the Genoa and hoisted the spinnaker and continued at full speed towards the Gunna Sound between the islands of Coll and Tiree arriving there with a favourable tide at 15.30. We were then into more sheltered water having left the Sea of the Hebrides behind us and continued under spinnaker to enter the Sound of Iona at 18.10. At this point we reverted to the Genoa and sailed all the way to anchor in David Balfour's Bay at the island of Erraid in the Ross of Mull. This was our longest day's sail of 58 miles in less that 10 hours. It was another beautiful evening, but when we picked up a mobile 'phone signal and got a forecast again on the laptop, we learned of another depression coming in from the Atlantic to end our spell of glorious weather and fresh winds. We enjoyned our second steak pie this evening. With 2 days left, we had planned to visit Loch Tarbert, Jura and then Craobh Haven Marina before returning to base. With force 7 winds predicted, we decided to give Jura a miss in case we became stormbound again. Day 12: The direct route to Craobh Haven lay through the Gulf of Corryvreckan when the tide was favourable at 16.00 hours onwards. After breakfast, there was time to go ashore and explore the sandy beaches before setting sail at 12.30. This was our first encounter with rain, patchy drizzle and poor visibility but with a WSW 4 wind, we sailed well and entered the Gulf at 16.40 with a favourable tide. With the tide and wind in the same direction, conditions were 'docile' - almost an anticlimax. We tied up at the fuel berth at Craobh at 18.15 and and needed only 26 litres. From Stornoway we had covered 206 miles and required the engine for a mere 4 hours, much of that being for entering and leaving anchorages, although we twice left the anchorage under sail. Just 31 miles to-day. The wind was S 6, but at that direction, it was hardly noticeable in the Marina - another peaceful night. Day 13: Going north through the Cuan Sound dictated waiting until after noon to await the tide. We were up early though, to allow the Marina engineer to tackle the Generator and change the thermostat as explained above. Actually, the crew were up before the skipper to make the breakfast and celebrate the skipper's birthday. It is a rare event for the crew to be up before the skipper - particularly with a student crew! We left our berth at 12.23 and hoisted full sail with the wind varying from S to SSE and force 3 to 5. We managed to sail all the way through the Cuan Sound reaching speeds of over 12 knots in the tide. We took the Genoa down before sailing through Easdale Harbour - so as not to go too fast! Once out in the Firth of Lorne, it was quite rough with force 5 winds but we continued on a broad reach and at times goose-winged to enter and anchor in Loch Spelve on the east side of Mull at 14.45 - a distance of 16 miles. With very heavy thundery rain, we put up the cockpit tent and settled down for the night. Day 14: We had intended to delay our start until mid-day to make the best use of the tide, but the land forecast indicated a dry morning with heavy thundery showers in the afternoon so we weighed anchor at 10.50 and negotiated the channel out of Loch Spelve under full sail with a strong tide below us. Once outside, we had lumpy seas with tide rips, the tide being against the wind. Once in the Lynn of Lorn, the seas flattened and we sailed well arriving at the Ballachulish Bridge at 15.38 where we dropped the Genoa and engaged the engine to go alongside the pontoon at South Ballachulish to take on water. there was time for a quick sprint to the Co-op to get some fresh strawberries and cream for our final evening meal. 33 miles to-day. |
| Summary: We covered 490 miles with the engine being used for 32 hours, most of that being in the first 3 days.. It was an outstanding cruise. Although failing to reach Orkney, we actually enjoyed better weather and sailing by visiting the Outer Hebrides which offer some of the best cruising in the world. Our watch system worked well, the 2 watches calling themselves "Magnifique" and "Fantastique". The French titles were chosen with one of the crew, Cyril, coming all the way from Toulouse in France. Communicating was great fun. Halfway through the cruise, we discovered that he was fluent in Spanish as was another crew member so it was a multi-lingual cruise. |
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Cruise 4 - Neill Fraser and Friends |
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Neill Fraser, one of the Trustees, came on board for
his 4th. cruise with friends including 2 students and a teenager.
The forecast for the week was not great, but it conveniently rained during 3
nights and was mainly dry each day. Very strong S to
SE winds were experienced on the second day reaching force 7 for about an
hour. We used this wind to head north and didn't see
another yacht until the winds eased as we reached Kyle of Lochalsh. Despite regular maintenance, it was a week when things misbehaved - one burner on the cooker stopped working, the generator was difficult to start and leaked fuel, the anchor windlass control socket had been inadvertently damaged by the crew on the last day of the previous cruise, the new halyard fitted for the mainsail was too big a diameter and made hoisting and lowering the sail very difficult, the cap for the petrol tank on the outboard engine fell in the water - but these are challenges to be overcome and didn't restrict the scope of the cruise. It was also a week when the Coastguard were taking industrial engine and refusing to issue forecasts and safety information. This meant that for the whole cruise, the skipper had to be up at 05.20 each morning to receive the shipping forecast to safely plan the day's itinerary. Day 1: The crew arrived mid afternoon on Sunday 29th. June, but with near gale force winds blowing up Loch Linnhe, it was not a day to set off, so we had a leisurely evening, an early bed, so that we could be up at 6.00 the next morning. Day 2: We left Bishop's Bay at 07.50 with light SSW winds, so had to use the engine all the way down Loch Linnhe. Once in the Sound of Mull, it was possible to sail most of the way to Ardnamurchan with the odd lull in the wind. At Ardnamurchan the wind had built up to force 4 and steadily increased to force 6 as we sailed at great speed with a reef in the mainsail to enter the tranquil Loch Moidart and anchor by 17.30 - a distance of 62 miles making up for not having sailed yesterday. Despite strong winds outside the loch, we enjoined a calm peaceful night. Day 3: This morning, the shipping forecast at 05.20 would have encouraged most people to stay in bed. The four other yachts at anchor showed no sign of moving, but we weighed anchor at 09.20 and set off with 3 reefs in the mainsail. Once out of Loch Moidart, we hoisted about half of the Genoa and headed north aiming for Kyle of Lochalsh. Off Arisaig, the wind built up to force 7 and maintained its ferocity for over an hour. With the wind off the land, seas were relatively moderate. We reached the narrow passage, Kyle Rhea, between Skye and the mainland as the flood tide was at its strongest at 8 knots. The weather cleared, the sun came out, and we passed under the Skye Bridge at 15.00 and sailed the 7 miles to Plockton in lighter winds, picking up one of the Visitor's moorings at 16.20. This gave time for the crew to get ashore before the local shop closed where we paid our £10 mooring fee. All the moorings were taken up - imagine some of the yachts had been there fore several days waiting for the wind to die down. It was another beautiful calm night and we all slept well. This was the furthest north that this crew had achieved, so we celebrated with the Drymen Butcher's Steak Pie for dinner. 45 miles to-day with very little use of the engine. Day 4: With 6 days to sail, we could afford to spend one more day to continue northwards so we left at 09.33 with full mainsail to head for Portree in Skye. As we approached the south end of the island of Raasay, the wind had built up to force 6 with the sails well reefed. We picked up one of the moorings at Portree at 13.05 and enjoyed a leisurely lunch around the cabin table with fresh rolls, cold meat, salad and an extensive cheese board. At 15.15, four of the crew went ashore to stock up on provisions. We had hoped to buy some black pudding, but it turned out to be the butcher's half day. Once back on board, we left the mooring under full sail at 16.32 to head further north to the island of South Rona. The wind gradually reduced from force 5 to 3 and we had to use the engine for the final half hour to enter Acarseid Mhor, another fine sheltered anchorage in South Rona, dropping the anchor at 18.30. 33 miles to-day, again with little use of the engine - just as well with the price of marine 'red' diesel having almost doubled in the past year. Day 5: By contrast to-day, we had virtually no wind so we had to resort to the engine, leaving South Rona at 07.50 to catch the ebb tide at Kyle Rhea which was flowing at 7 knots. We entered Loch Nevis and picked up one of the moorings at 13.50. Having already partaken of lunch under way, it gave the crew most of the afternoon to go ashore and explore the hinterland whilst the skipper caught up with some of the repairs and maintenance work. 40 miles to-day. Day 6: Light winds again to-day. Despite the forecast, it was a beautiful sunny day. Away at 08.36 under engine, we headed south to Ardnamurchan. Here the wind strengthened, so we hoisted full sail and proceeded to Tobermory for what was meant to be a brief stop to take on water and diesel. There was a problem with the diesel pump so we were there for an hour and twenty minutes - long enough for some of the crew to buy newspapers and some wine for the evening meal. The wind was still light and astern, so we had to burn up some of the precious diesel and head south in the Sound of Mull - proposed destination Loch Aline. The wind changed direction as it is prone to do in the Sound of Mull and freshened from the NE - perfect conditions for a bit of tacking - warm sunshine, flat seas - so good that we passed the entrance to Loch Aline and chose to anchor in Inninmore Bay at the eastern end of the Sound of Mull. Another beautiful calm evening (except for the passing Cal Mac Ferry) with a glorious sunset. Not anchoring until 19.20, dinner was later than usual but much enjoyed. It had been a long day - 55 miles, sadly with much of it under engine. Day 7: Our last day - to get back to Bishop's Bay before a very high Spring tide which would make it impossible to get under the Ballachulish Bridge without hitting it. The wind varied from force 4 to 6 all day, but was unfortunately from the NE. Leaving at 10.10, we spent a good deal of time tacking up Loch Linnhe, but as a strong tide was against us, we made slow progress. Seas were rough, so at 12.45 we lowered the Genoa sail, and put on the engine, making it easier to provide some lunch. The wind became extremely strong and gusty as we approached Onich. We made it in time to get under the bridge and picked up the mooring in Bishop's Bay at 15.50 just before the rain arrived. We shuttled back and forward with the car and 8 jerry cans to top up the water tank ready for the next cruise. Summary: Despite bad forecasts and 2 Atlantic depressions, we enjoyed some fantastic sailing for the first 3 days, calm sunny weather for days 4 and 5, and a challenging beat on the final day. In 6 days of sailing, we covered 264 miles, having to use the engine for 26 hours. for this particular group, they were able to visit some new anchorages and get much further north than in previous years. |
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The next Cruise |
| Starting on Friday 11th July, 3 teenagers return for the fourth year for a 12-day cruise. John Finch is Leader and Andy Jamieson is the experienced mate. With such an accomplished crew, we will make another attempt to reach Orkney - but it all depends on the winds. |
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Account of Several of the Cruises in 2007 |
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The 14th. season for the yacht Emmaus |
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Cruise 2:
In the
week leading up to Easter, Emmaus had its first outing in a glorious spell
of weather. Early on Tuesday morning with 2 students as
crew, we left Bishop's Bay in calm conditions to find that the wind in Loch
Linnhe was NE, force 5 - giving us a great run southwest to enter the Sound
of Mull. One can never predict what conditions will be
found in the Sound of Mull - on this occasion, no wind for the first leg to
Green Island and then a NW wind between force 4 and 5, although he forecast
predicted a N to NE wind, force 3. We saw just one
other yacht and finished up on a mooring at Kilchoan for a calm and peaceful
night. Wednesday was another fine day with a force 3 NW wind. We part sailed and part motored to the island of Coll and picked up a mooring for a leisurely lunch before sailing back to Mull for the night. We were the only 'occupied' yacht to pick up a mooring in Tobermory for the night - the Harbour man came all the way out to collect his £12 mooring fee. Another calm and peaceful night. At dinner, the 3 of us managed to devour the fabulous steak pie from the Drymen butcher - a size intended to feed from 6 to 8 persons!
Thursday morning - alongside the pontoon to fill up with water and diesel and dispose of some rubbish. It was good to see a start being made to the building of the new toilet and shower block, which will also house an office and laundrette - a welcome change from making one's way along the street to the Mishnish for a 6-minute, £1 in the slot shower. The red diesel on the pontoon provided by Mackay's Garage was 51p per litre - cheaper than some of the mainland Marinas! With a fresh NW wind, we had a splendid sail back to Bishop's Bay in North Ballachulish - 3 splendid days with only 2 other yachts in sight. Cruise 8: The "Super Duper Student Cruise" This 14-day cruise was planned to reach Orkney, but unusually, NE winds blew for 2 weeks, so we made best use of the winds and headed to the Outer Isles covering Lewis, Harris, Taransay, Skye, North Uist, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra, Mull, Iona and Jura. A full account appears below under Cruise 8. 501 miles, brilliant weather, lots of sunshine, rain on just the final morning, exciting sailing, a fantastic crew and 3 of the Drymen Butcher's Steak Pies. What bliss! The crew found out in advance that the Skipper was celebrating his 70th. Birthday during the cruise. As a result of visiting Barra they presented him with a present of 2 beautiful pieces of slate painted in very colourful seascapes. These are now fixed to the wall in the Main Cabin. Day 1: The crew arrived off the 9.00 o'clock bus from Glasgow, boarded immediately so that we could set sail with lunch under way. Winds were light and variable in direction so we achieved only 30 minutes without the engine in the 36 miles to Tobermory. We called in here to top up the diesel tank meaning to continue to Kilchoan for the night. The fuel supply on the pontoon was contaminated with water, so we had to pick up a mooring for the night and carry cans of diesel next morning from the local garage. Dinner - the first of our Steak Pies. Day 2: This was one of the longest days using the engine all the way for 71 miles to Loch Eport in North Uist. We arrived in time for the crew to get ashore to climb a local hill and look out towards the Atlantic - the first of our beautiful sunsets. Day 3: - not much wind again, so we motored north to pass through the Sound of Harris using the Stanton Channel. Once through the Sound, there was enough wind to sail and anchor at Taransay island with its glorious sandy beaches. The afternoon was spent ashore exploring the island and swimming in the clear water, warmed by the Gulf Stream. In these first 3 days, we used the engine for 21 hours, but for the remaining 11 days required the engine for just over an hour per day. Another Steak Pie for Dinner to end a perfect day with another sunset.
The beach at Taransay - Gulf Stream warms the water Day 4: With force 3 winds, conditions were ideal for continuing north on the outer side of Harris and Lewis to West Loch Roag - anchored off another sandy beach for more swimming. No yachts in sight for the next 3 days. Day 5: We had some perfect sailing out of West Loch Roag, round the outlying islands and into East Loch Roag. 5 miles up the loch, we anchored to get ashore to view the Callanish Standing Stones. After lunch back on board, we enjoyed a superb sail back down the loch to anchor between Little and Great Bernera islands. Ashore again on Little Bernera for more sandy beaches, swimming and another sunset. This area is rarely visited by yachts, but it couldn't be better. Day 6: We had hoped to continue north to round the Butt of Lewis but with NE winds of force 4 to 5, this would have been very unpleasant, so we turned south, sailed at great speed through the Sound of Harris and headed across the Minch in lively seas to spend the night in Dunvegan in Skye - no sandy beach, but another sunset. Day 7: Time ashore after an early breakfast to top up supplies to keep pace with student appetites. Life-jackets on for another lively passage - our 3rd. crossing of the Minch to enter Loch Skipport in South Uist. No sandy beach here - just another sunset! The wind blew force 5 all night, but we were snugly anchored in the Kettle Pool which is virtually land-locked. Day 8: NE winds continuing, so south to Eriskay - more sandy beaches and another topping up of supplies in the island's excellent shop. Just time to have dinner before the next sunset. Day 9: This was our shortest passage of the cruise - sailing in style for the 14 miles to Castlebay in Barra in time for lunch. More supplies again from the well stocked Co-op. Bikes were hired for the 14 mile cycle round the island - plenty of sandy beaches. Day 10: It was tempting to spend one more day in the Outer Hebrides which were enjoying the best weather in the UK for a whole fortnight. With the NE wind remaining very fresh, it was too rough to get ashore on Mingulay or Barra Head, so we set out on our 4th. crossing of the Minch. We made a fast passage south east heading for the Gunna Sound between Coll and Tiree. We had planned to spend the night anchored off Coll, but with such ideal wind conditions, we kept going and headed for the Ross of Mull. After a fast passage through the Sound of Iona, we found a sheltered secluded anchorage on the south side of Mull free of other yachts - sandy beaches here, but no time to get ashore. Day 11: The skipper was surprised to find the crew up half an hour ahead of him - it was his 70th. Birthday. The crew had dressed the yacht to the masthead with balloons, decorated the main cabin, hung up 3 posters and prepared the breakfast. There was little wind this morning, so we motored back to Iona for time ashore. Being Sunday, some of the crew were able to attend a Service in the Abbey. Back on board, lunch was enjoyed as we sailed back south through the Sound of Iona. One clear of the Torren Rocks, the wind freshened from the west so up went the spinnaker to speed us across to the north end of Colonsay and thence to Jura to enter Loch Tarbert. Although not arriving until late afternoon, we went ashore to visit the beautiful fresh water pool with its waterfall. With the sun having shone all day, the water was amazingly warm with enough breeze to keep the midges at bay.
Fantastic fresh water pool in Jura - brown peaty water. Day 12: We had planned to sail through the Sound of Islay and head for Gigha, but with the winds forecast for the remaining 3 days, it seemed prudent to sail northwards up the sound of Jura to Craobh Haven Marina. The winds and tide were ideal for this passage such that we arrived late afternoon in time to replenish water, diesel and Calor Gas and have showers before dinner. Day 13: To pass through the Cuan Sound, we had to delay our departure until 2.00 p.m. This gave us the morning for a thorough cleaning of the yacht - and more showers. The sun came out, the wind freshened and we sailed all the way through Cuan Sound, Easdale Harbour and northwards to Airds Bay at Port Appin for a comfortable night. No sandy beach here - just another sunset. Day 14: Our first encounter with rain and a blustery north east wind, so we resorted to the engine until well up Loch Linnhe where we finished our cruise with a fine bit of tacking right up to the Ballachulish Bridge. The weather improved so the crew enjoyed some rowing practice in the bay, whilst the skipper raided the freezer in his house for another Steak Pie to round off an excellent cruise. We covered 501 miles over the ground - 527 through the water allowing for adverse tides. Whilst the engine was used for 40 hours, more than half of this occurred in the first 3 days. This cruise goes down in the records for the greatest number of islands visited, beaches enjoyed, sunsets, crossings of the Minch and steak pies consumed! |
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Cruise 11 - The Advanced Cruise for Scripture Union covering a record breaking 505 miles. 13th to 25th July. Overview: This cruise rates as the very best of the Advanced Cruises run over the past 13 years for those who have sailed before on an SU cruise, and who are more interested in sailing, than playing cards in the cabin. The extension to 12 days from 8 made it possible to explore fresh territory and added a new dimension to the cruise. Despite rain and floods elsewhere in Britain, we found superb weather conditions in the Outer Hebrides and had virtually no rain whilst we were sailing, the only rain being during the night. Global Warming: The weather pattern on the West Coast of Scotland has gradually changed over the past few years which affects how one plans a cruise. For decades, low pressure depressions travelled up the west side of Britain with SW wind being the prevailing wind gradually veering to NW. This year, the dominant wind has been NE because the depressions are crossing England. On a student cruise in June, the NE wind prevailed for 18 days and on this cruise lasted for 11 days. Our aim had been to visit and explore the Orkney Isles, but after having reached the halfway point at Gairloch on the second day, we changed our plans to head for Harris and Lewis. Weather: We were blessed with excellent weather. Although we enjoyed a lot of sunshine, the NE wind meant that it was not uncomfortably hot. Out of the 12 days, there was virtually no wind on 4 days so we clocked up 50 hours use of the engine – more than double the normal. Itinerary: The Advanced Cruise this year was 5 days longer than the other cruises. This makes it possible to get further afield – e.g. in the past, west to St. Kilda, north to Lochinver and the Summer Isles and south to the Northern Ireland coast. This year, the initial 10-day forecast made it look possible to reach the Orkney Islands but the prediction proved to be wrong with NE winds prevailing, so we opted for our second choice of the Outer Hebrides. Friday (13th) Most of the crew arrived at mid-day. During the afternoon, we had a short sail locally as a refresher and training course. Saturday: We left at 08.36 and by 10.15 had sufficient wind to sail down Loch Linnhe and tack up the Sound of Mull. On reaching the Tobermory area by 17.00 the wind dropped, the weather was brilliant, so we decided to keep going under engine round Ardnamurchan and north to Rum where we anchored for the night with just one other yacht in a bay which is normally crowded. One of the crew caught 2 large mackerel which we enjoyed for breakfast the next morning. 71 miles to-day. Sunday: Because of tide times, we had a long lie before tucking into fried mackerel and setting off at 10.28 to head north to Kyle of Lochalsh with a favourable tide. We passed under the Skye Bridge at 15.30 in glorious weather. Abreast of Torridon at 18.30, we had sufficient wind to tack further northwards to Gairloch. At 21.25 we went alongside the pier at Flowerdale for diesel, water and rubbish disposal and then picked up a mooring at 22.00. Due to an efficient crew, dinner was on the table within 10 minutes but it was midnight by the time we turned in for the night. 67 miles Monday: By this point we had covered 140 miles – halfway to Orkney – but chose to head west across the Minch. We left in light winds at 09.25 but at 10.40 switched off the engine and headed west in an ever increasing wind. As we approached the island of Scalpay, we encountered a light drizzle and anchored at 15.02. We tucked into a late lunch, pumped up the dinghy, donned life-jackets and went ashore to ‘the shop’. It got the thumbs down as it had no chocolate or Irn Bru but the skipper did get a Press & Journal. Despite a wet and windy night, it was calm and peaceful in such a well sheltered natural harbour. 36 miles across the Minch. Tuesday: Although favourable winds were forecast, they were too light to sail, so we motored south west to enter the Sound of Harris and navigate very carefully through the Stanton Channel following all the various leading lines on the chart. At 13.45 were through the channel and round Toe Head to head for the beautiful island of Taransay where we anchored at 14.29 and tucked into lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent ashore in glorious sunshine, enjoying the 2 beaches with their sand dunes and exploring the island now back to normal after the Castaways invasion some years ago. There is a beautiful aura of peace and tranquillity here which the boys enjoyed. Just one other yacht here. Another calm and peaceful night followed with a fine sunset. With the modern digital camera, one doesn’t run out of film – just batteries. 28 miles to-day. Wednesday: Despite a forecast of NE winds of force 4 to 5, we decided to head northwards along the Atlantic side of Harris and Lewis. Leaving at 09.00, we were able to sail for over two and a half hours at a brisk rate. Changing course after rounding the island of Scarp we were into ‘lumpy’ seas with the tide against us, so we resorted to the engine for an hour and a half until we entered the calmer waters of West Loch Roag in Lewis. Anchoring at 15.15, we tucked into lunch and then went ashore to an almost deserted beach over half a mile long, again with superb sand dunes. 35 miles. Thursday: Being halfway through the cruise, this was our ‘rest’ day covering just 18 miles compared with up to 70 on some of the previous days. We got the anchor up at 09.45 and sailed out of West Loch Roag, threaded our way around a number of islands and entered East Loch Roag. In calm waters with a brisk wind, we had a superb sail to the head of the loch to anchor at Callanish at 12.00 and enjoy lunch somewhat earlier than the previous 3 days. We went ashore and walked a short distance to view the Callanish Standing Stones. We then found the one and only local shop and bought up all its supplies of milk and Stornoway Black pudding. At 15.00, we set sail again some 2/3rds. of the way down the Loch to anchor between the islands of Great and Little Bernera at 16.10. This gave us plenty of time to explore the fantastic uninhabited island of Little Bernera with incredible beaches of pure white sand, no sign of any rubbish, aquamarine coloured water and more sand dunes. With the skipper and the lads, this ranked as top favourite along with Taransay. Again, there was a great sense of peace amongst an unspoilt part of creation. For 4 days, we didn’t see any other yachts. Few venture as far north and west into Atlantic waters. Only 18 miles but some great sailing in sheltered waters. One of the beaches on Little Bernera Friday: With just 5 days left, it was time to turn and head back home, although the lure was to stay longer and enjoy and explore the area with such favourable weather conditions. NE winds force 4 to 5 remained in the forecast. Our target was to find a sheltered bay in Harris close to Taransay but do a detour by heading 26 miles out into the Atlantic to visit the Flannan Isles. We left just after 09.00 and sailed at great speed westwards with the wind behind us. After 2 hours, the islands appeared on the horizon making it easier to steer a straight course. It was far too rough to attempt to land on the main island with its famous lighthouse (3 keepers lost in the early 1900s). We sailed round the island and took photos, took 2 reefs in the sails and headed SE for Harris. Again we enjoyed a most beautiful day. On reaching Harris, we entered sheltered waters. The conditions were so favourable, that we kept going and anchored once again at Taransay at 19.30. The skipper, leader and all but one of the crew enjoyed a late swim around the yacht before sitting round the table for the usual 3 course dinner – Drymen Butcher’s Steak Pie again to-night. 62 miles in Atlantic waters. Saturday: At breakfast, we wished John the Leader, well on his 29th. Birthday. We celebrated with the Stornoway Black Pudding for breakfast along with bacon and sausage. We were up early and away by 09.10 to use a favourable tide back through the Sound of Harris in a brisk wind reaching force 5. 2 hours later, we entered the Minch and headed SW under reefed sails. The wind gradually eased so we lowered the Genoa sail and hoisted the Spinnaker. At that point, the wind dropped away completely, so down came the Spinnaker and we reverted to the engine for 3 hours to enter the natural sheltered harbour at Eriskay at 18.30 – 4 other yachts here – back to normal cruising territory. Another very peaceful night with a sunset. 56 miles to-day. Sunday: We awoke to another beautiful day and wished we could stay longer in the Outer Isles to visit Barra, Vatersay and Mingulay. The Minch was calm and unusually docile with a light breeze to-day so we left at 09.13 under engine heading south east for 36 miles to pass through the Gunna Sound between Coll and Tiree. A further 17 miles took us to the Sound of Iona. With a slightly stronger breeze, we were able to raise full sail and switch off the engine and glide past the Abbey and admire the sandy beaches in the sunshine. There were 14 yachts anchored in the area – part of the Classic Malts Rally, but at 18.12, we anchored in David Balfeur’s Bay in the Ross of Mull which we had to ourselves. The skipper and 3 of the lads went swimming round the yacht before dinner. 60 miles to-day. Monday: There is no fixed timetable on a cruise. On account of the tide, we were up at 05.45 this morning and under way at 06.16. The wind was light so it was possible to have bacon and sausage butties for breakfast as we headed east for the Gulf of Corryvreckan. Arriving at 10.30 when the tide was almost slack and with no wind, it was a bit of an anticlimax for the lads who wanted to witness whirlpools and standing waves. We entered Craobh Haven Marina at Loch Melfort just before noon. After lunch, the yacht was thoroughly cleaned and the tanks topped up with diesel and water. This left time in the afternoon to walk round the pontoons and admire the variety of yachts. The skipper emptied the local shop of rolls and black pudding and took away about half the milk in the cold cabinet spending around £40 to keep pace with the veracious appetites of the crew. 31 miles. Tuesday: Our final full day. One of the crew was celebrating his 15th. Birthday. We had a ‘bumper’ breakfast with a choice of fruit juices, fresh grapefruit, choice of cereals, bacon, sausage, black pudding and scrambled egg, freshly baked rolls in the oven, toast, home made marmalade and strawberry jam, tea and coffee. Under engine with light winds, despite a good forecast, we left the Marina at 10.03 and headed north through Cuan Sound and Easdale Harbour with a favourable tide. At 13.20 in bright sunshine, we anchored off an island in the Lynn of Lorne, east of Lismore Island. The skipper, leader and 3 of the crew went swimming prior to sitting round the cockpit enjoying lunch with the fresh supplies bought at the Marina shop. Despite the forecast of a light N wind, the wind freshened to force 4 from the SW as we ate lunch. After a 2 hour stop, we weighed anchor, hoisted the spinnaker and sped northwards keeping the spinnaker flying until we reached the Ballachulish Bridge to pick up our mooring at 18.05 after 38 miles. We enjoyed a 4-course dinner starting with smoked salmon and enjoyed a leisurely evening reviewing the cruise and fitting in the Leader’s final talk/discussion. Records broken for this cruise -
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