056:29.079 N
006:52.342 W

Tiree

Up and away by 0600 from our peaceful anchorage to beat the tide in the Sound of Mull.  Off Tobermory we crossed our previous track, we have now circumnavigated mainland Scotland’s ‘top half’ which makes a pleasing pattern on the chart.

Thursday’s Child is very slippery through the water at the moment as her hull is clean thanks to the fresh water in the Canal poisoning the seaweed growth, nice job.

Again the valleys and glens in the Sound of Mull threw strong winds at us:  “the Venturi effect is the phenomenon where wind increases in velocity and drops in pressure when forced through a narrow, constricted space” ie wind seems to come from nowhere and disappears in a trice.

We knew what to expect this time so didn’t worry about putting the sails up until we were nearly at the top of the Sound. Then we had a cracking sail, everything up including, a first for this trip, our spinnaker. Being short-handed Bol put its original bucket back on so it was very easily handled. We carried it for a few hours and it was mesmerising sailing with it on such a vast open space. TC was clearly happy as she was fizzing once again and it was wonderful to be amongst Guillemots, Puffins and a pod of friendly Dolphins. 

We were aiming for the Hebridean island of Tiree, the SW neighbour of Coll, which slowly appeared under the spinnaker pole. It is very special to be here as it is one of those places with a mystical feel; sitting right on the edge of the Atlantic you get the feeling you are on the edge of the world, not only does it feature in the late night Inshore Shipping Forecast, but is a place that our family has had a connection with for over 50 years. Feels great to be visiting it ourselves finally.

We met a skipper in the Caledonian Canal who recommended we come this weekend as it is the Tiree Musical Festival; the timing is perfect so we are now anchored off Crosspol Beach. From this distance the scene is positively Caribbean; festival tents and flags fluttering behind a beach of white sands and sparking green/blue crystal clear water. We have been listening to the music from the cockpit all evening, and will go ashore tomorrow for an explore.