7 June Motoring, More Seals... and Gigha

Due to continued lack of wind our new engines saw their 50 hour service this morning as motoring and not sailing is becoming the norm.

At noon, we motored on our way southwards. It was a misty, cold day with rain for the first time in a week or so. We hoped for the wind to pick up but our hopes were dashed and once again the tides were also against us as we had no choice but to wait until the engine service was completed and then the tides had changed for the worse.
We motored for 3 and half hours through the Firth of Lorne, the riptides were very strong and we felt we were going nowhere but using up all our diesel and clocking up yet more hours on the engines.

Feeling very frustrated, we made the decision to anchor up in a quiet bay out of the current and wait for the tide to turn.

John dropped the anchor and I had to look out for drifting too far into shore. We have a draft of 1.6m and so able to go fairly shallow at about 2.7m
Once we were sorted and stopped to look around, we were faced with Grey seals basking on the rocks or swimming lazily around the bay and there were 2 very playful seals chasing each other. It was completely awesome. A colony of seals. We spent an hour or so just watching them and of course, we took loads of photos and used the drone too.

What a memory to take away with us.
Just before 7pm we started on our way, motoring of course but this time with the tide and a beautiful sunset to admire.

We arrived in Ardminish Bay on the Isle of Gigha at 10.30pm after dark.
Not sure if we can cope with another whole day of motoring if the forecast is the same. Our boat is made for sailing with the winds not for chugging along and its quite disheartening to see mirror, flat calm seas. We will see what the weather brings us tomorrow and if they are the same, then we may stay and explore the sights of Gigha.

5 June Oban

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.

Isle of Canna and on to Kilchoan

Arrived at the beautiful bay on Canna that was our home for a brief time. It is a wildlife reservation home to porpoises, seals and all kinds of birds including this adorable family of 9.

 We booked a meal at the Canna café and couldn't resist taking yet another photo of Bittersharp.

 The fading light was incredible and the water like a mirror reflecting everything.

 We were sad to leave this gorgeous island but as a bonus,  we were joined for a short time by a frisky friend.  A juvenile Bottlenose dolphin. The water was incredibly clear and so still that we could see him under the sea and through the trampolines. Long after all his buddies left us, he carried on playing with the bow and showing off. He seemed to be smiling and happy.

 

 Arrived at Kilchoan and used one of the 4 mooring buoys. The one next to us was already taken. He kept a look out for us.

 Signs of civilisation with this Coastguard helicopter.

 Ardnamurchan Point is the most westerly point of the mainland. It is a 6 mile walk from where we are moored tonight.

The view from our boat. 

3 June Canna

No wind so a gentle bimble south.  Canna for tonight.

Aiming to cruise the Islands for a few days heading in the direction of Oban initially. 

2 June Lochboisdale

A traumatic arrival in a squall into Lochboisdale on Wednesday night led to a dink on the gelcoat.  Really upset but the kindness and skill of the local fishermen averted a potentially much worse outcome.  Really owe those guys and I will be a Celtic football fan for the rest of my days!

The guys back in Lorient have promised to fix it, but we need to get back earlier to give them some time to do so.  Really sad, but it's time to turn about and head back south down the west coast of Scotland then the Irish Sea again.

We had not initially planned to visit the Outer Hebrides but the kindness of the locals has made this place somewhere that I would want to revisit.

We'll head towards Tobermory this afternoon, but search for a small local anchorage rather than the bright lights of Tobermory.  Then maybe Belfast for Sunday night and eventually Holyhead to pick up some bits.  After that, we'll see ....

Ray's Pictures

We received Ray's pictures this morning of the windless arrival to Preston.  Here are a few.

Sincere thanks to both Ray and Kos (the pilot) for taking the time to get such special pictures.

1 June Tobermory to Lochboisdale (Outer Hebrides)

More upwind sailing but at least we had some wind!  For the sailors, 15kts true wind, making 10 kt boat speed at 41 degrees apparent wind, about 60 degrees true.

Crazy wind in Lochboisdale, gusting to 30kt from 25 base.  I think we'll be staying here until it abates a bit.  This is the map of the last couple of days.