Bazza's RBC

Leaving Plockton Tuesday we headed north to Gairloch. Once more a very wind less day but hot and sunny where were to meet up with Gordon and Elaine on Tantina II. Shortly after arriving in late afternoon we received word that “Maggie” with Rik and Miriam on board were going to join us. They are on their summer cruise and the latest new members of the OGA before heading off to Loch Shell on Lewis. We spent the night at anchor before setting off for Stornoway. As we approached Stornoway with some wind and for the first time rain, our host Gerald greeted us playing the fiddle much to our delight on his beautiful gaff-rigged boat. Later in the evening Bonita arrived and rafted up alongside. Just heard that Windbreker will be arriving today.

Once more on our journey north the weather holds up but entailed a 10 hour motor journey from Tobermory to Plockton. The sun was so hot at one stage I had to cover my legs although there was plenty of Sun Cream on. The approach through to Kyles and the journey through the straits was uneventful as we managed to get the tides just right, as we shot through to the Kyle of Lochalsh . Ross the Cox of the Kyles Lifeboat came down to the jetty to sign the RNLI Page. We would have liked to stay longer but needed to get to Plockton where waiting to greet us were old friends. However this did not go according to plan but later met up for a  last drink. Today is a rest day but in saying that Neal has taken some locals out for a day sail in the warm sunshine.The winds will be turning southerly we hope which will give us fair winds for our next major stop Stornoway.

Naiad and Tantina II left Campbeltown on Monday June 3rd and sailed round the Mull of Kintyre to Gigha. On the way round the Mull Tantina sailed through approx. 30-40 seals awaiting breakfast on the courtesy of the tide. The mist eventually burned off and since then the weather has provided spectacular sailing sunshine and breezes. On Gigha the two boats met up with Bonita and enjoyed a lovely meal ashore.
Tuesday Naiad and Tantina 11 set off for Islay on their way to Gometra on the isle of Ulva. On the way Porpoises played around the bow of the vessel round the Ross of Mull. When we arrived in the Sound of Iona the Cathedral looked splendid in the sunshine, a breeze picked up as we sailed towards Staffa and Fingalls cave before before settling in for the night at the anchorage – it was this time for Naiad to act as hosts. Thurday morning dawned as we set sail for Tobermory. After a short time motoring we were able to enjoy a spectacular sail to Tobermory where once more Bonita was to be found.
All being well, Saturday morning we will head for Plockton via the Kyle of Lochalsh.

 
Ship in a bottle

The Scottish ” Token”, specially made for the RBC challenge, is a scale model of Scottish fishing boat Reaper, it is now on board Naiad for its journey to Cowes.
After the spectacular party at the Campbeltown Sailing Club and its unrivalled hospitality we are looking forward to the next event on Stornoway.
The other image is of bottle of a malt whisky especially bottled for the RBC event, it tastes good to!
Tantina II and Naiad will be leaving for Gigha at 5.30 in the morning to get the tides around the Mull of Kintyre. Weather looks good.

It is now June the 1st and here in Campbeltown at the moment only 4 boats have arrived. Naiad, Swyny y dor, Tantina II and Emerald. The weather is sunny and warm. In the yacht club there is a “small” whisky tasting tonight so perhaps one or two sore heads in the morning. It is envisaged that we will moving from here on Monday on our way to Stornoway.I expect that some of the boats that were due to be here may arrive over the weekend. If not all the more Whisky for us, but will toast you all!!!

Neal My Skipper till Stornoway, has a friend to help him through to Campbeltown from Oban. So now will travel to Campbeltown via Glasgow and considering flight to Campbeltown from Glasgow next Friday. Aerial images above the Sound of Arran could be a possibility…
watch this space !!

Last spring the sound of Arran was virtually flat calm I wonder what this May / June will hold ?

At home at the moment getting ready to join Neal possibly at the Crinan Canal as he will be bringing his boat down from Oban.All being well meet in Campbeltown in time for the Guys who will be going over the top to Stornoway and the Shetland Isles. Just hope that the weather improves so far alot of wind and not too much sunshine…

By the end of the month the next phase of the Round Britain Challenge begins. From Campbeltown boats will be setting off to go “Over the top ” some will be going as far as the Shetland Islands before continuing on down towards Anstruther and the English Coast line, staying for Cowes before they they head back home up the Irish Sea..Some of these boats will probably however come South down the Caledonian Canal at Inverness, maybe meeting up with those going up the Canal… Perhaps between these boats they could do a bit of “Nessie” hunting……

Leaving Plymouth on Friday morning as there was no way unfortunately to get to the scilly isles as weather conditions were appalling, decided to come home via Cardiff and was given a guided tour of the facilities for the Cardiff gathering of boats in Cardiff Bay by the OGA Secretary, and then had lunch with David Owens and Viv Head. They now owe me a pint or two !! Bringing website uptodate as far as possible before heading off for Campbeltown to join the Boats that are going to Stornoway and the Shetlands Isles

Pre planning is my little blog for today { or lack of it} When one is on aboat and is preparing to leave a Harbour or Marina a little planning is essential ! As an example preparing to leave there are many little jobs , preparing the Sails removing the lines that hold you on to the jetty starting the engine.Then just when this is all happening it has to stop because it starts to rain D………. or something like this because now we have to get the wet weatherout change clothes. Quickly we go below and change clothing. NOw that we are under way one thing that we forgot to do was to go the Loo { The Heads} now this has to be done quickly as disaster could loom which could be prett horrendous. The moral of the tale is to be prepared !!!