55:46.41N 004:51.55W
The Round Britain Experience
Sun 15 May 2011 12:38
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An early start for the 1st Watch; got up at 5.39 a.m.; had been awake for some time listening to the north westerly wind whistling round the mast and its rigging, easily visible in the greying dawn through my cabin light. Our beautiful anchorage lay on the lee side of the Mull of Galloway, and I wondered what seas would greet us as we rounded the Mull to begin our passage northwards to Largs in the Firth of Clyde. On engine for the first hour, wide round the southern tip of the Mull from east to west through the currents and races which characterise the waters round the headland; slapping smartly against the bow and preventing the 2nd. Watch from feeling too comfortable below in their warm cabins. We motored for the hour, keeping well clear of the now lee shore, then hoisted a reefed main and foresail in Force 4/5 north easterly which gave us a reasonably comfortable 7-8 knots of speed over ground towards the north. I found this section of our day stunningly beautiful; the low rolls of the Mull flanked by impressive and cragged cliffs, their lower base kissed by breaking waves; the clarity of the view made more vivid by the clear blue skies above - but there was no warth in the retreating dawn and the crisp north easterly kept us well wrapped. As the morning widened, rows of small cumulus clouds lined up along the lines of the Mull, like small appreciative crowds observing our passage north. The route progressively widened northwards and the distant, but distinctive shape of Ailsa Craig beckoned us north; its solumn mass triggering darkening, sudden showers and squally winds. The seabird colony on the southern ramparts is spectacular, embraced by wheeling clouds on the southerly aspect, the northerly side only offering colder shadows and noticxeably deserted of movement or sound. The winds dropped at midday, and we motorsailed along our northern track well content with the time we had made from the south, for the most part helpfully pushed by small supportive tidal flows; the 70 mile stretch did not drag for me; a fine day of mixed cruising along a memorable stretch of coast and I reflected on the comments made by my companions and described in our pilot books - that things will only get better. But with the exception perhaps of the weather - I sense that western Scotland will not relent easily. Made a passable attempt at mooring the boat, but only just. Took advantage of the friendly Yacht Club at Largs for our supper; well lubricated by a few beers and somehow ended up taking part in the Quiz Night which caused much scratching of heads - I recall the RBE Team came 8th out of 10 - a very modest performance, (rather like my my mooring) certainly not helped on my part by only being able to understand a fraction of what people were saying - I get the impression most of them are speaking a form of Bulgarian but Elspeth assures me its Scottish. Anyway a rest day tomorrow - and more Scottish lessons. |
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