#47 | Sailing in Scotland: Tobermory, Loch Aline, Oban & Anchor Disaster

Join us in this exciting episode as we explore the Old Forge Inn in Inverie, Britain’s most remote pub.

Our voyage takes us from the charming Mallaig to the scenic Oban, filled with reunions and unforgettable sailing experiences. In Mallaig, we have a heartwarming reunion with Mark & Asha from Altor of Down, our companions from the Faroe Islands.

The crew expands as we welcome Manu and Marvin on board the good old Polaris for a couple of unforgettable days at sea. Autumnal vibes surround us as we navigate the calm Scottish waters. Our route unfolds, leading us around Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain.

The picturesque town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull beckons us with its charm, and we continue our journey to the protected anchorage of Loch Aline through the beautiful Sound of Mull.

We catch our first prawn with our pot, adding a delicious twist to our sailing escapade. However, challenges arise when we blow a fuse on our anchor windlass. Breaking out and lifting our 33kg Rocna anchor on 10mm chain by hand becomes a tough task.

In Oban, after a few delightful days of sailing, it’s time to bid farewell to our friends, Manu and Marvin.

#46 | Sailing in Scotland: Ullapool to Mallaig, Mutiny, Plan B & Dolphins

https://youtu.be/bh5CCDUKYmY

Join us on our trip from Ullapool to Mallaig as we face an unexpected twist in the weather, forcing us to alter our course and seek refuge in the quaint fishing harbour of Gairloch. In 20 – 25kt winds, short steep waves, squalls, and poor visibility, we activate our Plan B, discovering the enchanting Flowerdale waterfalls while awaiting a break in the weather.

Our next destination, Churchton Bay on the beautiful island of Raasay, becomes a magical experience as we encounter a playful school of dolphins accompanying us on our journey. Witness the mesmerising sight of these stunning creatures gracefully swimming and jumping in the bow wave of Polaris.

The brand new visitor pontoons at Churchton Bay come with a challenge as they are exposed to some swell. However, this doesn’t deter us from spending two incredible days exploring the island and indulging in the local distillery’s award-winning whisky.

Setting sail at sunrise, we navigate through the narrows of Kyle Rhea, taking advantage of the favourable tide during neaps, avoiding the thrill of a 9kt tidal current during spring tides. Our anticipation grows as we head towards Mallaig, where we eagerly await the arrival of our first guests this season. Additionally, we’re excited to settle some unfinished business and explore the local bake house, deserving of its far-reaching reputation.

#45 | Sailing in Scotland: Summer Isles And “Wetty Betty”

Welcome aboard for another episode of our sailing adventure! In this instalment, we set sail from Lochinver to the enchanting Summer Isles in the mouth of Loch Broom, one of Scotland’s hidden gems.

Join us as we navigate through stunning landscapes, bask in lovely weather, and witness breathtaking sunsets. Our journey takes us to the Summer Isles archipelago, a true paradise for sailors and nature enthusiasts. Amidst the beauty, we try our luck with our lobster pot, adding a dash of excitement to our maritime escapade. While our catch may not have met the size requirements, the experience is nothing short of memorable.

With the specter of Storm Betty looming over the British Isles, we make our way to the buzzing town of Ullapool, just 14 nautical miles away. Embracing the summery weather, we embark on a hike along the north shore of Loch Broom to the historic Rubha Cadail lighthouse.

Along the way, we encounter the legendary classic yacht, Gipsy Moth III, sailed by Sir Francis Chichester, winner of the inaugural OSTAR race in 1960. As storm clouds gather, we find ourselves bracing for the impending tempest.

Amid the building winds, we take refuge in the warmth of a beautiful evening on Polaris. The night proves challenging, with gusts reaching up to 53 knots, but our trusty vessel, Polaris, ensures our safety throughout the turbulent night.

Join us in this episode filled with adventure, natural wonders, and the resilience of sailing in the face of nature’s fury. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more captivating sailing escapades!