logo Swallow
Date: 22 May 2012 19:15:00
Title: Loch Tarbert to Loch Aline
[<< Prev Post] | [Next Post >>]
[Back to Index/Map]

56:32.91N  005:45.60W

We set off reasonably early to catch the tide down the sound of Islay, heading to Port Ellen.  The wind appeared to be exactly as forecast, at around 10 kts and quite acceptable against the strong tides of up to 5kts.  Once out of the loch Ann goes below to make the porridge which immediately summons up another 10 kts of wind and a marked heel until we take in a couple of reefs.  Swallow likes to be reefed early and it invariably both flattens the boat and increases our speed.  As we come into the north of the Sound the wind has increased to a steady 25 kts, gusting regularly to 30 kts and right on the nose.  Even with only a couple of kts of tide with us the channel is already getting very lumpy and we have the prospect of a very bumpy and wet ride. Not feeling like a soaking we decide to turn the boat around and instead head to Loch Aline to look at the new pontoons they have just installed.  Some good sailing but the wind eventually dies and we end up motoring the last section before coming into Loch Aline at high water. 


The new pontoons are fine although a little disappointing in setting - being just beyond the silica sand mine/loading facility - all a little industrial.  We decided to go on anyway for some water so we could shower, but having set up fenders to go on the hammerhead facing toward the loch entrance we were beaten to our spot by another yacht.  Left with the option of slotting in west of him - with a view of  his cockpit substituting for Ardtornish - we took the fenders in and anchored instead on the east side of the loch, just beyond the net yard.  Not a place we have anchored before, but good holding and excellent shelter from the SE'ly.
[<< Prev Post] | [Next Post >>]
[Back to Index/Map]

Diary Entries