56:37.19N 006:03.96W
Ann arrived at Glasgow Airport from Calgary yesterday a few minutes before Martin from Vienna and we were back at Bay House by 1pm having finished the last of our provisioning for this trip en route in Lochgilphead. So far all sunny but as Martin and I loaded the last of the food onto Swallow torrential rain started and continued all evening accompanied with very strong winds. Sufficient to bring down power lines and leave us in candlelight and cooking dinner on the BBQ with a head torch.
We woke to grey skies and rain but just about dry as we set off to Swallow for a 10am departure. Getting out of a pen when you're beng blown off with strong gusting winds is always exciting but skilfully executed by crew. We left Ardfern in cloud but within 15 minutes the sun was out. Everywhere else were black clouds but a patch of blue sky with the sun in the middle followed us all day apart from one short shower. We timed our departure to catch the flood tide north and held this for 8 hours all the way to Tobermory with assistance ranging from 1-5 kts.
We sailed all day, mainly deep reaches, lots of gybes, a bit of goose-winging and the odd beam reach. The engine went off in Craignish - back on with sails down in Tobermory Bay. SE'ly winds meant flat seas and perfect sailing and the contrast of bright sunshine and menacing skies added to the drama.
We decided on a pontoon berth at Tobermory this time, to top up water, batteries and food, almost certainly our last alongside berth for the next week. Lovely views of the harbour from the cockpit for supper and a splendid Gruner Veltiner – Alte Reben 20011 from Martin.
