260817 The Voyage Home (pt.2)

A slightly disappointing end to an epic trip. There were two weather forecasts. The UK Met Office told us to expect westerly or southerly winds between F2 and F4. The NOAA forecast said there would be no wind at all. So the day started with a flat calm in Millport Bay. We started the engine and motored out to the southwest hoping to find some wind. Imagine our surprise when a Force 3 appeared from the north! We tried, we really tried, to make use of this wind but being a northerly (!) we were facing a day of slow tacks all the way home. So we gave up and started the engine again. We did keep the main halyard handy just in case the Met Office's fairy story came true but in reality it just got worse. NOOA got it wrong too but at least they didn't raise false hopes! By the time we reached our home mooring it was pouring with rain and still blowing F2/F3 from the north. Honestly, what's the point in checking the forecasts (not just one) when they get it so badly wrong. Sorry, rant over!