It's raining again!

Blue Star awaits us in Dunstaffnage where we will resume our voyage at the weekend with new crew member, Peter, who has been following our blog and has submitted his first joke for publication! Hopefully there will be many more to follow! Here in Staffordshire it's raining again! I just hope it all clears up for next week when we plan to cross to N.Ireland and back.
Meanwhile, remember the Blue Star quilt produced by Diane's sister, Susan - quilter extraordinaire? Well she made another quilt similar to the Blue Star quilt, only in yellow, for Diane's birthday so we now have back up! Still, Yellow Star doesn't have quite the same ring as Blue Star. Ah well!

Peter's joke:
A couple of guys have set up a business making yachts in their attic. Sails are going through the roof!

The Yellow Star quilt

A short video clip showing following waves in the Moray Firth, en route to Inverness

Leaving the canal, sailing to Dunstaffnage and meeting Dylan Winter

After our descent of Neptune's Staircase there was time to watch some of the Euro 2016 football matches at the pub next door (particularly Wales v England), and on returning to Blue Star we noted an Open 50 racing boat (the type used in round-the-world yacht races), ‘Wolfi’s Toy’, moored next to us on the pontoon. The following day we left early to try and be in the first sea lock opening of the day at around 0800. As we approached the lock we noticed a fleet of other boats also moored in the yacht basin; they were taking part in the Three Peaks race in which teams have to sail to ports close to the three highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland, and two crew members have to race to the peaks! Fortunately their presence didn’t stop us progressing out of the sea lock and on our way to Dunstaffnage. With us were another yacht, Monkey Business, that soon motored past us once out at sea, and a catamaran, Sail Mhor. The sea was flat, the sun shone and there was a following wind that enabled us to sail a good deal of the way as we admired the wonderful scenery en route to Dunstaffnage where the boat will stay for a few weeks whilst we return home. Just as we were mooring our boat in the marina we noticed that we were being filmed! It was Dylan Winter who is himself sailing around Britain at, dare I say, an even more leisurely pace than Blue Star. His website is www.keepturningleft.co.uk . I don't know whether our 'boat parking' will appear on any of Dylan's films, but I gave him a copy of our calling card so hopefully he might give a mention to our cause.

Joke:

What does Captain Jack Sparrow use to cook?
Pyrex of the Caribbean!

'Wolfi's Toy' that was moored just ahead of us on the pontoon below Neptune's Staircase

Sail Mhor ahead of us in Loch Linnhe after exiting the canal

P.S. I have added some photos to the previous posting now that I am home and have access to decent wifi. I hope that you like them!

The Caledonian canal

Blog posting has been infrequent / non-existent recently because of poor wifi signals. Briefly, we entered the canal at Inverness and progressed to Loch Ness where we moored at the Aldourie Estate pier where Angela and Keith, who own Woolcool, had hired a cottage and Diane had come to visit for a few days. Tying up at the pier was difficult because of insufficient water depth. We rafted up against another boat and had a lovely lunch at the cottage, but we felt unhappy with the security of the mooring (we actually used the other boat as a spacer to keep us away from the quay and in the deep water, but it all looked very dodgy) and so we didn’t stay there all night despite that being the initial plan. Instead we navigated the length of Loch Ness to Port Augustus where Woolcool took the crew out to dinner! What a wonderful welcome! Thank you Woolcool! The following day we took Keith for a sail on Loch Ness which he enjoyed. On Tuesday we left our Fort Augustus mooring at 0930, ascended the flight of locks and, in convoy with a navy training vessel, HMS Archer, and a private motor launch, Teisten,  (formerly a Danish patrol vessel) bound for Greenland and passed through Loch Oich and into Loch Lochy where we sailed downwind to Gairlochy where we moored for the night. The next day, Wednesday, was grey and wet and windy, and we moved on to the top of Neptune’s Staircase (the flight of locks) at Banavie, ready to descend the following day to Corpach where the sea lock is.

Thought for the day:

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

Looking back to the Firth of Inverness after entering the canal

Blue Star on the dodgy mooring when we had lunch with Angela and Keith

A close up of the dodgy mooring

The navy turn up (is this all of the British navy now?)

Woolcool give us a gift of food in their packaging to keep it fresh

Woolcool take us out to dinner

Bob takes a selfie by Loch Ness.....but who is that in the background?

In a lock with HMS Archer and Teisten

Following HMS Archer towards Loch Oich

Rowena helms as we sail along Loch Lochy

One of the delicious pies that Woolcool gave us

Lossiemouth to Inverness

We left Lossiemouth in the damp morning at 0845. The tide was falling and it seemed that the depth in the harbour was not as much as would be comfortable at low water. The sea still hadn’t settled completely from yesterday and the boat wallowed, rolling and pitching when we tried to sail at an angle to the easterly wind to fill the genoa. We didn’t get much speed either and soon gave up, put on the engine and aligned the boat so that the waves came directly from behind which gave a more comfortable motion. Slowly we worked our way to Inverness Firth. We passed a military firing range at Fort George with red flags flying, indicating that the range was in use – fortunately they were not firing in our direction. Later we passed a group of dolphin watchers on the beach. In the final run-in to Inverness marina we passed under the road bridge – it seemed there was not much clearance, but there was ample.

We said good-bye to crew Richard and Robert, and it was sad to see them leave the boat. New crew Bob and David arrived, and we look forward to welcoming Rowena too tomorrow as we start our second passage through the Caledonian canal.

Joke:
Q. How does a dolphin make a decision?
A. Flipper coin.

With wind and waves approaching from behind it was a more comfortable motion

The crowds gather to watch the dolphins jumping from the water nearby

The bridge - will she fit?

Wick to Lossiemouth

We left Wick at 1000 under cloudy skies and a gentle F3 wind from the east. Full sail was set and we cruised at 5 knots across the Moray Firth bound for Lossiemouth. It was a good morning and we maintained our speed although at times it seemed the wind might fade. At the half way point we passed several oil/gas platforms and a few commercial ships. Lunch was ham and cheese sandwiches, crisps, and tea. An afternoon mars bar snack also made an appearance. Shortly after the wind picked up and we put a reef in the main and several rolls in the headsail. Still our speed picked up, and wind continued to rise to F5 gusting F6; definitely not the F3/F4 forecast. We were belting along at 7 knots plus. More concerning was the waves that were growing in size, occasionally coming from our side and causing considerable rolling of our boat. The seas continued to grow and by the time Lossiemouth was in sight we were ready for a harbour. The entrance was tricky under the conditions. The boat was getting pushed around by the waves and the entrance to the harbour seemed very narrow! We squeezed through the narrow gap and into calmer water and congratulated ourselves. (Richard said it was 2 m wide, but I think it was a bit wider than that. Wasn’t it?!) Phase two of the operation still required us to tie up at a berth. The harbour was small and there was little room for manoeuvre. We went into the first finger berth we cam across whilst the strong wind tried to blow us elsewhere. Phew! All done at 1800 hours. After calming down we went for a lovely meal at a nearby pub. A great way to end the day - 45 miles today, all under sail!

Joke:

An oil rig Roughneck went to the hardware store. The attendant asked what he needed and he told him he needed a wrench. When asked what type of wrench, the Roughneck replied “It don’t make no difference. I’m going to use it for a hammer anyway!”

The harbour at Lossiemouth seen from the deck of Blue Star

Yesterday's post - Stromness to Wick

No wifi yesterday, so here is a belated post:

Thursday 9 June: Stromness to Wick

We left Stromness shortly after 0630 in a cold light breeze. We crossed Scapa Flow on the next leg of what sometimes seems the Blue Star GB Motor Cruise, so infrequently do the conditions seem right for sailing. Tea was offered, but Roger thought he might need anti-freeze, so cold was it! We motored out of Scapa Flow into the Pentland Firth which has the strongest currents in the UK, over 9 knots. Since Blue Star motors at a maximum 7 knots this had to be timed right! It was. We positioned ourselves part way between the Orkney Islands and the mainland at slack water. The tide change was rapid and it was soon sweeping us along (in the right direction) at 5 knots, on top of our boat speed of 5 knots making 10 knots over the ground! Just after we cleared Duncansby Head (the most north east headland) the wind enabled us to sail with full main and genoa on a port tack close reach. 6 knots! Hooray! We had almost forgotten what it felt like! An hour and a half later we were in Wick. Wick is a fishing harbour that also has a nice marina. It its heyday the port landed and processed 24 million herring in a single day! We walked into town and found a restaurant for this evening’s meal, and on our return a very kind gentleman called Willy Watt handed us a £20 note for the CF Trust! It is so gratifying to come across such generous people!

Joke:

Why didn't the candle get any sleep?

Because there's no rest for the wicked! (WICKed)

Approaching Duncansby Head on the mainland

Richard at the helm, under full sail at last!

A day in Stromness

We decided to stay another night in Stromness to give ourselves chance to see a little of the Orkney Islands. Had we left today it would have had to be at 0545, so soon after just arriving! We walked into the town looking for a coffee shop and at the far end we found a museum which was very interesting – WW1 and WW2, natural history, polar exploration and Victorian history. We returned to what appears to be the only coffee shop in town, opposite the marina. After bacon sarnies for lunch – shock! In what are normally bone dry bilges we discovered an inch or more of water! Was this a consequence of the difficult passage around Cape Wrath?! After pumping the water out we allowed Roger to taste it (:-)) and he declared it to be fresh water. I believe him and feel no requirement to taste the rather oily disgusting stuff myself! A little more detective work revealed a leaking water pump, emitting a drip or two every few seconds. We will have to do a daily mop out until we can repair or replace the pump.

Joke:

* 'This coffee tastes like dirt!'

* 'That's not surprising, it was just ground this morning!'

Looking out to sea from the 'high street'

Stromness 'high street'

Robert with his coffee and cake

The bilges, after pumping and drying

Scrabster to Stromness

We departed Scrabster at 1500, timed to enable us to enter the Sound of Hoy leading to Stromness whilst also avoiding the overfalls. It was sunny as we left, with a gentle breeze. We tried sailing but the wind was from the wrong direction and we began to fall away from our necessary track; soon the engine was back on. We had tea and mars bars, and then the fog came down, quite thick. We tracked other vessels on AIS and on radar. One vessel appeared to be on a collision course with us so we radioed them to check their intention about which side of us they would pass. The vessel turned out to be a huge ferry – just as well we checked with them! The fog lifted as we approached the islands and the Old Man of Hoy became visible as the natural beauty of the islands became evident.

Joke:

Q: What do you call a sheep covered in chocolate?

A: A Candy Baa.

In the fog, another ship ahead of us was detected on radar

The 'Old Man of Hoy' was revealed as the fog lifted

Approaching Stromness

Cape Wrath

I couldn't find a wifi signal last night, but here is yesterday's post:

D Day, 6 June 2016

We left left Kinlochbervie shortly aft 0700. The French boat had left earlier at 0630 along with another Bavaria yacht that had been rafted up to us over night. The sea was flat calm……to start with. We made good speed to Cape Wrath passing numerous beautiful beaches and headlands, then……all hell was let loose! Massive waves came at us from all angles and it was impossible to know which way to orientate the boat to approach most of the waves at the right angle. If you imagine being in a washing machine you might have some idea of what it was like! Three metre waves stood high above the boat right next to us but somehow they passed beneath us. The boat took some punishment too as a baton pocket on the sail was torn. Wizard, the other Bavaria yacht, had followed us to Cape Wrath but had now disappeared! Did they turn back? Eventually, slowly, we worked our way eastwards and the waves became smaller. We braved making a cup of tea and a cheese sandwich. By the time we got to Scrabster the sea was almost flat and it was a pleasure to be at sea once more! We think the wind and tide being in the same direction helped a lot, even though it was not in the preferred direction. No photos from me of Cape Wrath in this post – I was a bit too busy to take photos!

We have now rounded a number of significant turning points – Dover, Peterhead into the Moray Firth, and now Cape Wrath. Next we visit Stromness, our most northerly point on this project. All downhill after that!

Joke:

I tried to find a joke about Cape Wrath. There aren't any. No-one jokes about Cape Wrath.

Motoring up to Cape Wrath, Wizard is in the background following us

The coast up to Cape Wrath

OK here's a photo of Cape Wrath - just not one that I took!

Waiting a bit longer

The waves had made a dreadful noise slapping against the hull all night, and finally stopped at 0630 this morning, heralding a change in the weather. By late morning the sun was up and the sea was like a mill pond in the loch, and we wondered why we were still waiting instead of sailing. The forecasts however still spoke of F5 from the east, so perhaps it was the right decision not to sail.

We went for coffee at the hotel once more, then walked to Oldshoremore about 2 miles away. On the way we met Michael Otter who was rounding up his sheep with his two dogs; it was very entertaining. Roger has recently been a on a ‘shepherd’s course’ day and was tempted to try his skills (but didn’t – might have been very confusing!). We helped Michael to move his sheep to the next field where they could drink. At Oldshoremore we paddled on the near deserted beach in the crystal clear water. What a brilliant place to chill!

We noted that the sailor from France had made a donation, and thanked him (in French of course!). Merci Monsieur, nous vous remercions tres beaucoup!

Tomorrow we will sail at 0700 to catch the tide around Cape Wrath en route to Scrabster.

The view of the harbour from the hotel

The view from the coffee table!

Looking back on the road as we walked to Oldshoremore. The new high school on the lakeside can be seen, built with EU money. It has 50 pupils we are told! Whar a great place to go to school!!

Michael Otter with his sheep

Helping to round some sheep up - all in a day's work for the crew of Blue Star!

The bay at Oldshoremore

The beach where we paddled

An Englishman on holiday - no-one I know though

Richard

Robert

Mr Pig - a local inhabitant of Kinlochbervie

Waiting, and wondering about the weather.

We arrived back in Kinlochbervie yesterday, new crew Robert Langford joining Richard, Roger and I. Today we wait. We have checked various weather forecasts, and it seems that tomorrow the conditions might be acceptable for progressing to Scrabster. The skipper of the boat behind us told us it would be 's**t' for us trying to get to Scrabster. Later he said it wasn't as bad as the forecasts. We wonder and speculate. We took delivery of diesel in jerry cans and emptied them into Blue Star’s tank. We visited the local Spar shop, then went for coffee at Kinlochbervie hotel, before returning for lunch on board Blue Star. A French flagged boat, Calobra, with aluminium hull came to berth ahead of us. It made a poor approach and scraped down our starboard hull. We moaned at the skipper and asked him to make a donation to charity as recompense, which he said he would do. We asked about his experience at sea today - he said he was 'promised' 15 knots and got 22knots. Hhmm. We ponder the weather again. Richard is cooking dinner tonight – haggis I think he said! We will check the weather forecasts again too.

Coming back from 'coffee'

The french boat that scraped our hull