Scottish West Coast

An excellent week, launching at Salen in Loch Sunart. The weather was kind all week, a lack of wind at times but this did not stop us visiting Muck, Eigg, Arisaig and Tobermory. The boat performed well. There clearly is a need to carry a small tender, something small enough to store in the aft locker and also to make a good quality fabric cover for the doorway.

It was pleasing to find the battery, only 12 AH, we'd fitted supplied enough power to recharge the VHF, phone and camera. It was connected to the solar panel for one evening and seemed to have plenty to power at the end of the week.

 

Crossing from Arisaig to Eigg

 

Anchorage south of Arisaig

 

Heading west out of Loch Sunart

 

Evening Rain - Isle of Muck

 

Lunchtime anchorage - Eigg

 

Anchor - ready to use

The new anchor has worked well. The storage was the concern, but that seems to have been solved using an old bag with a hole in the bottom so the line can pass through and onto the cleat. There is only 5 metres of 6mm chain and 30 metres of rope, but we carry another 40 metres of rope if it was really needed.

Sun and Wind

Over the weekend 17 & 18 May the weather was excellent. A good sail on Friday evening was followed by a more exhilarating one on Saturday. Other club members seem to think the wind reached F6, it certainly was a challenge at times, even with a reef in the main and several rolls in the jib. Sunday was slightly more relaxed but the reefs were still needed.

The club's new pontoon. The result of much hard work by some of the members.

St. Mary's Loch

St. Mary's Loch is situated high up in the Scottish Borders, about 15 miles east of Moffat. It was the location for a Drascombe Assn. Rally, which was attended by 13 boats. A full range of weather conditions were experienced and provided some excellent sailing, including an interesting treasure hunt on the Sunday. A very well organised event by the members of the sailing club.