Explorers News

Explorers Cruise 2001, Scotland

It seems to be getting to be the done thing to fly these days. Actually, that makes a lot of sense, particularly if you can get someone to pick you up from Glasgow and drive you to Oban. All arrived in good order, and after shopping for the food (Nicki didn't come this year, but had prepared well and left victualling instructions), we got our act together and sailed up to loch Aline for a peaceful night. Sunday saw us up the Sound of Mull as far as Armadale Bay. This is OK as long as there is no West in the wind, but during the early morning it was beginning to be uncomfortable. We pulled up and continued Northwards, running through the Kyles in a very stiff breeze, which continued us up to Plockton chased by ever more threatening clouds. Plockton is a safe anchorage, fortunately, but a trip ashore was but a distant dream. Tuesday gave us great sailing in the Inner Sound - I wouldn't have liked to be outside - Rosally pulled down to three reefs and even then was well laid over. We found a relatively flat but squally anchorage in Loch Scavaig - not particulrly pleasant- you could see the main (or main for Skye) road, but it was OK.

Wednesday the wind dropped a bit, and we returned under the infamous bridge, stopping at Kyle of Localsh where most found welcome showers. We continued with a long and foggy passage under motor to Loch Moidart (North) where we were the only two boats in this unspoiled and placid place. Wonderful, misty, and FLAT! Thursday enjoyed a trip to Muck (I think Angela sampled Tobermory) and we both ended up at Loch Drumbuie, everyone's favourite. Friday gave us an easy sail down the sound of Mull, with a peaceful and leisurely lunch-time stop in Loch Aline again, just ghosting down and back the Loch with the merest of breezes.

All in all, an excellent week which everyone enjoyed, to the extent that they all wanted to come again the next time!