#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!

#44 | Sailing Adventure in North-West Scotland: Lobsters, Highland Games And Mount Suliven

We sail for a thrilling adventure from Kinlochbervie to Lochinver, and we unveil the results of our lobster pot catch against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Northwest.

Join us as we harness the power of a fresh NW breeze, navigating through the pristine waters from Kinlochbervie to the commercial fishing harbour of Lochinver with its quaint marina.

Lochinver hosts the annual Highland Games, a celebration of Scottish culture and athleticism. In this video, we bring you right into the heart of the action, witnessing local and international competitors engage in a series of traditional heavy weight disciplines. Marvel at the sheer strength and skill displayed in the hammer throw, shot put, caber tossing, and weight over bar competitions. Don’t miss the bagpiping and the grace of highland dance competitions, adding a touch of tradition to the festivities.

Kathrin embarks on a challenging 30km hike from Lochinver to the summit of Mount Suliven, the crown jewel of the Assynt region. On the hottest day of summer, Kathrin’s physical and mental endurance is put to the test. Experience the breathtaking views, feel the burn, and share in the triumph as she conquers the highest peak in the area. After over 7 hours of exertion, Kathrin returns to Polaris, our floating home, exhausted but with a heart full of joy.

Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast, a nature lover, or a fan of cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone in this adventure-packed episode. Join us as we uncover the wonders of the Scottish Northwest, witness the thrill of the Highland Games, and conquer the heights of Mount Suliven!