Brass Monkeys

Still in Lerwick on Saturday 20th July and waiting for a fair tide north, we headed ashore to do our last jobs and to visit Fort Charlotte (17th Century and rebuilt after the Dutch had burnt its predecessor to the ground).

Canons now aimed at other invaders!

Accompanied by parties from the 2 cruise ships currently in harbour we had a look around the grounds.


This was our last view of Lerwick before we winkled ourselves out from inside the 2 other yachts on the pontoon.

We sailed out of the northern entrance, passing large rig support vessels and factory fishing ships moored along the shore.

Then we were free to make our way along the misty shoreline with low level clouds clinging to the hilltops and occasional rain showers.  Our oilskins were dripping wet when we  gratefully decided to call it a day and head for the shelter of  the anchorage at Vidlin Voe for the night.  As usual, we were the only yacht here!

Vidlin Voe in the morning sunshine

Next day, the sun was shining and we had a helpful SW F4-5 wind to take us on our way.  Visibility was now excellent and we decided to sail all day under jib alone, to avoid accidentally gybing the mainsail with the wind dead astern.

Easy cruising through a web of little islands

We had the tide with us and were, at last, given a great view of the Shetland shore under sunny skies.  

Summer sailing wear round here!

Despite the wonderful sailing conditions, it was also incredibly cold and we had to wear multiple woolly layers to keep warm enough :)

The sailing was so good that we headed on past our planned destination (Mid Yell) to Balta Sound on the island of Unst before stopping to anchor for the night.

Sun setting over Unst

Next day, again waiting for the north-going tide, we rowed ashore to replenish stores with a walk to the local shop.  

On the way ashore, we had coffee with Mark aboard his yacht "Sea Hobo" which, it turns out, is moored at Cargreen Yacht Club on the Cornwall bank just a stone's throw from Weir Quay!

Balta Sound harbour with us and Sea Hobo beyond




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