For the last 3 days we've taken mooring buoys at night rather than a marina berth. Partly because the remote islands are not so well served with marinas but mainly to save money and maintain a bit of peace and quiet (we're always the biggest most powerful, most modern, most loud looking boat wherever we go - so we always draw attention). First go for Julie with the outboard yesterday...
The problem with taking the dinghy is that it's always high and dry by the time we get back from the pub.
We sailed to Oban today. 10-15kt exactly on the nose in the morning, but at least we were moving. I tried to launch the drone for a picture passing in front of a huge cruise ship that was anchored off Tobermory, but it was flagging an error code. It was a shame because it was perfect conditions for the drone, good breeze (for the boat) but smooth seas, if a little congested. It wasn't till this evening that I found the fault was simply the cheap USB cable that I'd used to connect the remote with a tablet.
By midday we were back to ops normal - no wind and aimless drifting with dolphins here and there. I'm well sunburnt now! We gave up at 15h00 and motored into Oban. The aim is to find a Yanmar approved engineer here tomorrow morning to get the 50 hour service for the motors done. Fingers crossed!
At the Quayside there were a bunch of photographers waiting for the planned visit of the Waverley. I had no idea what they were talking about but google says she is the world's last sea going paddle steamer. Certainly looked pretty old. Here she is:
We both really enjoyed our first night in Oban. Feels like the big city after the islands.
Not sure what's next - it will depend on what the Yanmar guy says tomorrow morning. If it's a short delay we'll wait, however, if the next slot is several days away then we'll leave and head south.
Great trip! I used to go on my summer holidays on the 'Waverly' on the River Clyde to Arran or Cumbrae. "Doon the Watter!" it was called. These shots from the drone are fantastic! Need to know what model of drone you use. The really say a 1000% more about the adventure.
ReplyDeleteHeatwave here in Wilts +28 deg.
Take care!!
Alex and Gordy!
That dates the Waverley then; it is old! ☺
ReplyDeleteThe drone is a DJI Phantom 3 Advanced. It's a very clever piece of kit. Really well made; if my former employer could build things as nice as that they would have sold a load more! It's more of a camera platform than flying machine. The most augmented thing I've ever flown - as a consequence the camera is super stable and it's very forgiving to fly. Easy from the shore; a lot harder from a moving boat, but possible in benign conditions. As a photography tool I'd recommend it highly. It's only got a wide angle lens so it's not always the best tool, but it often gets a unique shot.