Peterhead
PROGRESS
Andrew and Hilary Clark
Wed 17 Jun 2009 16:42
|
57:29.8N 01:46.4W
Our last day in Port Edgar was used for a trip to
Edinburgh, where we explored the castle (good) and then got drowned in a
torrential downpour (bad). Then seeing a useful weather window, we sailed at
0430 yesterday for the 112 mile leg to Peterhead. The idea was to use
the long daylight hours up here to try to get in in the light.
 We had a good trip. After a grey start, the skies
cleared and the wind built to a following force 5, which allowed us to arrive by
1930. Peterhead is a very busy commercial port, where there are breakwaters
enclosing the outer bay which, once clearance has been given by the Harbour
Control Authority to enter, gives good shelter whilst stowing sails and
preparing to berth. They have built a safe marina behind its own inner
breakwaters in the southwest corner of the bay. The marina breakwaters also
enclose a clean sandy beach, providing a leisure oasis within a busy
port.
 We are still surprised by the relative lack of
shipping and fishing boats along this coast. In the Forth we only saw a few
ships, and along the coast, except around the major hubs such as Aberdeen or
here, where the supply vessels are busy in and out to the rigs in the North Sea,
there has been little sign of activity. But most surprising is the limited
amount of fishing activity, and even pot markers are few and far
between.
But are we glad that we made the passage yesterday!
Today has been one of continuous heavy rain, strong winds and poor visibility.
Our only venture outside the cabin has been to arrange a hire car for the next
two days, so that we can explore the area and Royal Deeside. Balmoral for tea,
anyone??
|