North West Winds

As the sun set over Gigha, we were unsure of the weather patterns developing around us but it looked all very peaceful and beautiful!

Gigha Sunset

Next day, the winds started light, and we gently motor-sailed for 3 hours with the tide helping us along.  At that point we spotted harbour porpoises, a seal and a Minke whale, all in the same area.  The marine life brought us better winds, force 3 on the beam.  Sailing with the swirling tide, we managed 8 to 10 knots over the ground.

Belnahua Lighthouse - Tidal Eddies

Our destination was Puilladobhrain, one of Eric Hiscock's favourite anchorages in all the world.  We arrived in low cloud with restricted visibility but just like for Eric, next morning the skies had cleared and we were in a beautiful spot.  Perhaps we should have stayed longer because we never made it ashore to the pub.

Puilladobhrain Anchorage

Now the weather forecast really started to concern us.  A high was out to the west and a low up above NE Scotland, both fairly stationary.  This was to create strong northwesterly winds for at least the next week.  This might mean beating into rough seas for the next few days, very hard work!

We decided to go the first little bit, up the Sound of Mull, to Tobermory, and reconsider from there.  The initial sparkling sail was off the wind, which then faded to nothing before indeed heading us with a stiff NW wind.

Doug Helming (Special Event)!

With strong NW winds forecast, we tied firmly to the marina pontoon, paid for 3 nights and Rosie settled down (after fish and chips) to enjoy a cosy Scottish summer evening.

Summer in Scotland









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