What's happened in 2024

At long last the much awaited trip to the island of Islay and during a whisky festival too!

Wednesday 22nd May '24 Andrew and Des arrived 21:30, a wee walk with Dougal then back to the boat.

Thursday 23rd Slow off the mark today, partly due to the weather, partly tide wind 20-25kn from the North West which is good as we were heading South. Good frisky sailing down to Puilladobhrain. We went down the outside of Kererra. The foresail had been well reefed, so we turned into the wind about a mile out to put the sail away. The sail was furled very tight such that the furling line was pulled all the way out this put a strain on the furling drum. When we slammed into a wave the drum split and the whole sail shot out. PANIC. The engine was on and Des took the helm to try and keep the boat pointing just off the starboard bow. This allowed me to clip on and go forward to try and lower the sail. It was rough for a bit as the foresail halyard kept getting caught and the boat was fairly bouncing in 2m waves. Anyway eventually I got the foresail down and got enough lines round it so that we could motor into the anchorage. For some time the fate of the trip was in the balance but, once I examined, and reassembled the furling drum everything seemed OK, although the sail took a beating and the dinghy lost a towing ring.

Friday 24th Left Puilladobhrain for Colonsay via the Garvellachs. No wind to speak of so under engine for the most part. Stopped in at Eilean Naoimh to let Dougal ashore and have a look at the ruins. Then still with little wind headed across the "Great Race" coming out of the Corryvreckan a great many oily swirls but the benign conditions created no issues, to the moorings in Loch Staosnaig. The moorings (there are 6) are situated quite well off so its a fair hike in the dinghy to the shore.

Saturday 25th After a bit of a lumpy night we went ashore for breakfast in Scalasaig, the place just seemed to be opening up at 10:00 and again its a good distance to the village from the moorings. Back aboard we set off around noon with the possible objective of Bunnahabhain bay where there is an anchoarge on the chart. Its heavy going at the entrance to the sound of Islay under motor with the wind against us. Then the tide turned against us too so we turned and headed into West Loch Tarbert on Jura. There are a great many caves and raised beaches on both shores. With the wind due to go Easterly we anchored comfortably off Glenbatrick to the west of the wee islands. There is a hunting lodge there with a nice beach in front of it. Went ashore and gave Dougal a good run about. Not paying particular attention to the dinghy, which went AWOL, we hadn't pulled it far enough up the beach. When we spotted it, it was easily 200m off shore by the time Des (my hero) caught up to it. Des saved the day by running up the shore shedding clothes to swim out for it. All that water polo traing paid off, I certainly couldn't have managed it.

Sunday 26th The Spring tide running through the sound of Islay is quite formidable. There was no way we could anchor safely in Bunnahabhain bay, so we proceeded (at speed) down to Caol Isla, where Des had maybe secured us the use of a mooring. The intension was to go and do a distillery tour. However on close inspection the bay off Caol Isla was a whirlpool of strong currents and the mooring buoy was underwater and the pick up overgrown with kelp. The skipper decided to everyone's disappointment that it would not do. Change of plan. Back out into the current and off down to Port Ellen to the marina there. A good sail got us there in good time seeing numerous distilleries from a distance. A pint and food in the Port Ellen Hotel.

Monday 27th Time seems to be running away from us, it's farewell to Islay no distillery visits, no festival events and we're off on a long day to Craobh Haven. Nice westerly breeze, some good sailing and good time was made across the entrance to the Sound of Islay and up the East coast of Jura. Stopped in at a lovely wee bay for a Dougal walk in Traigh Bhan Beag. Des had been working the tidal flow charts and timed us nicely past the Corryvreckan at slack water. On arrival at Craobh we took the fuel berth, it was late in the day and the plan was to fuel up early and then head off next morning. Unfortunately the pub/restaurant was shut as was the shop. We sailed past a lot of interesting country today it will be worth revisiting!

Tuesday 28th May We got our fuel in the AM, the tide was not going to be in our favour until 14:00 at Cuan Sound. The Sound was interesting zig-zagging round islands. The rain came on and we had to decide Puilladobhrain or maybe Kererra. The crew fancied Puilladobhrain anchored in 5m with 25m of chain ... and the pub was shut. Sausages and pasta for tea.

Wednesday 29th From Puilladobhrain to Linnhe Marine we started in light airs with the engne on but a fresh southerly filled in gusting 20kn at times by the time we got to th top of Kerrera. The wind slowly eased and we had to put the engine on to get past Appin point, Linnhe by 14:30. Off to Appin stores by car. The boys went to the Pierhouse and I took Dougal round Clach Thoull. Old Inn for dinner.

Thursday 30th May '24Not the trip we had forseen interms of festival events and whisky tours but a good memorable trip none the less. Andrew and Des set off down the road. A wee video with some highlights here.