Andrew Holden

Lovely morning sail up the Sound of Mull - stunning scenery all along the way. Now at a lovely community run facility where we have enjoyed a sauna and dip in the loch (even Andrew!) and a drink at the outside bar…. And nowhere near as much rain as predicted! Decided to stay an extra night given predicted rain which did duly arrive. Managed a walk when the weather broke late afternoon and bizarrely bumped into an old medical school mate of mine and work colleague for Andrew at the Swan - small world even in Scotland!

Nice jib sail over to the loch this morning but dodging the rain as we went…. Would be lovely if someone could blow us some sunshine! However clearly someone did because we had a lovely walk in the sunshine around Stalker Castle so our faith in the weather is temporarily restored!

Not much to say about this that is raining a lot!! Little wind but have decided to take cover in a marina to keep a bit dry… A lovely wet walk around the island of Kerrera with lots of wildlife and the Scottish island version of a ‘supermarket’!

Started with rain and mist and not much visbility as we made our way through Cuan sound. Then the mist lifted and got our first sight of Mull! Anchored in the beautifully named Pool of the Otter Anchorage. Puilladobhrain in Gaelic. Did a lovely walk to ‘The Bridge over the Atlantic’ which is apparently quite famous in the sailing world! As is the pub next door!!

Motor through Dorus Mor a strong tidal stream but very straight forward given no wind. Rain jackets back on! Now anchored in another loch …. All very peaceful. Nice walk ashore up to an inland lake then aboard for a quiet night!

So started mid Crinan Canal and made it through the other side… started with rain but then the midges came so were relieved to have the rain again to send them away! Now anchored in a beautifully quiet anchorage all to ourselves - managed a swim all on my own!

Finally managed to get the cruising chute up for a gentle downwind sail towards the start of the Crinan Canal. So far quite straightforward despite the rain and feels very odd to be in a yacht high above the adjacent sea!

Sad farewell to Amy and Jemma after a wonderful few days…. Who promptly took the sun with them! Stock up in Rothesay followed by a motor back up the Kyle’s of Bute before a tricky beat into a much stronger wind than predicted! Then up the mast for Suzy to fix some ropes!

Nice quiet morning in lovely anchorage then easy motor down through the Burnt Islands to anchor for lunch. On to mooring which the girls paddle boarded to. Gorgeous walk on Bute followed by early celebratory birthday dinner for Jemma before the girls head home tomorrow 🙃

Woke to more sunshine and a bit more wind. Made our way over to the Isle of Bute and a lovely sail up the West Kyle with Jemma on the helm. More dolphins and seals. Anchored in a beautiful bay , blissfully quiet, lots of jelly fish so maybe no swimming but did get the paddle boards out for the first time!