056:19.370 N
005:35.356 W

Puilladobhrain anchorage, Seil Island

We headed out of Craignish Lagoon into a thick mist, very eerie heading into a whiteout and relying on electronic charts. We have three different types of e-charts; Navionics, Open CPN and Garmin; so long as they all agree, we relax.

As we crept down Loch Craignish everything lifted and we could see 10+ miles, a huge relief as we turned right to go through Duros Mor gap up past Luing Island with its 5 knot tide so visibility was a real bonus.

Wind came and went, rain came and went and then returned and stayed and accompanied us for most of the journey. It was our first time sailing in a downpour and I’m delighted to let anyone who very kindly contributed towards my RSYC leaving gift, a fabulous set of Musto oilies, they do not leak.

We had one exciting moment heading through a gap between two lighthouses “Fladda” and “Dubh Sgeir” built on two rocks guarding the Firth of Lorn; almost zero steerage but 7 knots over the ground, whirlpools and overfalls swirled all around, TC’s bow was pushed in several directions and there was a creepy sound of rushing water from nowhere. In the end we shot through the gap between the two lighthouses under engine.

The rest of the journey in tipping rain was enjoyable as we were flying along under full sail (Bol saw 10 knots on the speedo). Exciting to see the iconic island of Mull visible in the distance.

Now anchored in the very beautiful Puilladobhrain anchorage, translated as ‘Pool of the Otter’ so we keep checking the binoculars for a sighting. Wind and rain have died right away, it is so peaceful and filled with birdsong.

We reinstated our 3^rd and 4^th solar panels this evening to boost our capacity - we had removed them in the 50 knot blow in Penzance – but figured our batteries need all the help with less sun here.

All is good on TC.