It was an interesting passage from Scotland to Northern Ireland. Starting with no wind and flat seas, it peaked up to 26kn gusts and 2m waves while it ended with a pleasant close hauled approach along the channel leading into Belfast. Plenty of dolphins and two young puffins were the highlights.
Fair winds…
We have reached our final marina in Scotland for this year. The emphasis lies on this year as Susan and myself decided to return. There is much more to explore within these magnificent sailing grounds. However, for the winter we prefer some lower latitudes.
Fair winds…
We got Oscar from Argull Yacht Rigger Ltd. up into the mast today (Sunday!) to perform a rig inspection and tuning. My focus was on tuning as I was not happy the way the rigging behaved under certain sailing conditions.
In a very analytical way the tensioning of each wire was adjusted to required values in an iterative approach until load contributions are balanced and matching with manufacturers specification. Great job!
I wish I had received such a service level in Kappeln before leaving four months ago.
We are all set now to proceed our journey.
Fair winds…
Leaving the Sea Lock in Ardrishaig a bit late we had to be dropped almost 5m to get back into freedom. The last bits of outgoing tide supported us during the short journey on Lower Loch Fyne into Tarbert, a place long time on my list. It presents itself as a lively marina, fishing harbour and charming village.
As Susan and myself are both still fighting with a persistent cold our activity level remains low. The weather is improving though.
Fair winds…
Coming from Oban we sailed south and passed a few more narrows with moderate tide rips. Our tidal calculation worked out and swiftly we entered the Crinan Sea Lock.
Crinan Canal is a short but intensive 9nm stretch (15 locks & 7 bridges), which connects Agrul and Bute with the Clyde area, in other words, Glasgow with Western Hebrides. It is a masterpiece of engineering more than 220 years ago, nicely embedded into unspoiled landscape. Not cheap but no doubt: pretty unique!
Fair winds…
Our days on the Caledonian Canal are coming to an end at Corpach Sea Lock, the final lock back into the tides. The week was characterized by cloudy weather topped by Captain and Crew catching a nasty flu. Glad the weather has started to improve for us to enjoy a bit more of beautiful Scotland.
Fair winds…
Our 2nd overnight stop after 5nm from Inverness is at Dochgarroch Lock. There are some stronger winds gusting up to 35kn from SW expected, which we want to pass through before proceeding onto Loch Ness.
Fair winds…
We spent 24 hours in Wick and got an impression of this old seaside city. The glory Hering days have passed for long and we decided to take an overnight weather window towards Inverness. The ride along the shoreline offered some good light show. The approach into the Moray Firth was awaiting us.
We were spot on with our timing but the tidal & current data provided by Navionics need a bit more accuracy to maximize its benefit. It kicked in a bit later than forecasted but finally it was a 5kn current grabbing The Lady and pushing her through Kessock Bridge accompanied by some swirling waters.
The lock keeper at Clachnaharry Sea Lock was awaiting us for a straight run into sweet water at 8:30am. It‘s less than 12 month ago when we left this lock in opposite direction on our return from the Caribbean and the North Atlantic.
Fair winds…
Together with some other boats we left Kirkwall heading out to the Pentland Firth. It was a good sail under overcast sky. By chance we picked the Neap Tide and at the time we arrived at Liddel Eddy near the Pentland Skerries, the east going tide was building up and reached approximately 4-5kn.
With substantial help from the engine we just managed to stay clear off Muckle Skerry, the bow pointing 270 West and The Lady dancing and drifting 180 South in bubbling waters. With dry throat and shivering bones we finally picked the Southeast going share of the tidal stream, which spelled us out of the strait and cleared us from all shoals.
After further 15nm we reached Wick/Caithness in no time at top speeds beyond 10kn over ground.
A tidal experience we will remember for long!
Fair winds…
