LAST SAIL OF THE SEASON 2009

Crew aboard:  Chris Perring & Christian Shaw

Crew assembled for drinks and dinner aboard on Friday evening.  Christian produced a tour de force of roast pheasant which was washed down by a most acceptable Pomerol generously supplied a fortnight ago by Chris Wilson.

Saturday morning dawned bright with the promise of some breeze as well.  CP motored Hiltgund down to Crinan where Christian was waiting after taking his car round so we would have a car at the right place at the end of the day.  Christian jumped aboard and we  headed out over the Sound of Jura in overcast but (mostly) dry conditions.  A good SW breeze had Hiltgund romping along at up to 9.5 knots under cruising jib and main with one reef (with a bit of a helping hand from what was only a neap tide).   As we closed the Jura shore, the skies started to darken so it seemed sensible to head back towards Crinan.  The rain started as we nosed into the Sea Lock, so we quickly got settled in the Basin and took cover. 

After drinks in the upstairs bar at the Hotel allowed a brief appreciation of the view as darkness fell, we enjoyed a splendid dinner in their "Westward Restaurant".

Sunday was spent taking off sails and packing up gear.  Plenty of white horses in Loch Crinan re-assured us that we were in the right place, and in the shelter of the Basin, we basked in sunshine.  Christian left shortly after lunch leaving CP to press on with getting all the gear packed up and loading up the car.

Monday morning was chilly but bright.  The wind had eased off completely and as the sun got high enough to reach into the Basin, it warmed up beautifully!  A nifty single-handed manoeuvre out of the Sea Lock and on to the pontoon at the Crinan Boatyard went smoothly.  Diesel tank topped up and the last of the gear loaded into the car, all that was left to do was to move Hiltgund on to one of the yard's moorings and the preparations for hauling out were complete.