Since bringing Sun Dog ashore in September 2008 she has benefitted from the following upgrading work.

New tan mainsail (Owen Sails)
New tan stackpack (Owen Sails)
Cage built over gas heater vent to prevent genoa sheets fouling.
All winches including mast winches renewed to Lewmar self tailers apart from the mainsheet winch, as it’s better being a standard winch.
New stainless steel grab rails manufactured for the sides of the wheelhouse.
New teak block made for under the mast and also for the reefing winch.(what a job finding solid Burmese teak!)
Underside cleaned and anti-fouled with new main anode plus bow thruster anodes replaced.
Renewed the top guardwire on both sides.
New bilge pump.
Rubber buffer cleaned prepared as per Sika techincal dept advice and re-sealed top and bottom with Sika 291 to prevent water ingress and subsequent staining of the hull.
Prop cleaned and polished.
Brightwork varnished.

Sara and I were taking my grandsons Reyce and Prentice (brothers) with us on holiday with the outline plan (a) being to go up to Ardrishaig – through the Crinan Canal and meander up to Oban. If the boys were unhappy or bored we could then get them back via the train from Oban, and if they were happy we would simply continue with the holiday.

We arrived down at Troon on the Saturday morning, but the weather was pretty grim so we couldn’t leave, and sadly the same was the case on the Sunday so we took the boys by car up to Largs for the day so they could have some fun in the amusements etc.

Monday morning arrived and the weather was improving but the sea was still a wee bit lumpy, Scott from the marina knew we were setting off for the canal and came down onto the pontoon to tell us that there was some issue at the Crinan Canal and that it was now closed – it really was very kind of him to come down and let us know – cheers Scott.

Reyce making a final call to his mum Debbie prior to leaving Troon – Prentice had just finished doing the same.

I gave the Crinan office a call and the chap said their had been a bit of a collapse in the sea lock at Crinan and the engineers and divers were on their way to assess the situation, but he couldn’t say whether this would mean the canal was going to be closed for days or weeks. The only real alternatives were (a)to cancel the holiday for the boys, (didn’t fancy this as we were all looking forward to the holiday) (b) sail through the north channel (via Campbeltown) between the Mull of Kintyre and Ireland, or (c) wait to see what the outcome of the engineers findings were regarding the canal.

To go from Troon to Campbeltown on the Monday would have meant having a rolly old ride (seas would have been on the beam) in F4/5 conditions which would not be the ideal conditions for the boys at the start of their hols, therefore I took the decision that we would motorsail pretty much head to wind up to Portavadie for the night and then check with the canal again in the morning – the boys had a bit of a laugh going through the waves on the way up and this settled everyone down.

Boys taking turns on the helm.

Next morning I checked with the canal and the early indications were that the canal would not be fully operational for some time! As the weather was changing, the conditions meant that going round the Mull were favourable for today, so the decision was made – it would be a very long day for everyone. We would leave Portavadie immediately and be off Sanda Island at the turn of the tide and use this to assist in getting us over to Port Ellen on Islay.

The trip down Kilbrannan sound was pretty straight forward albeit the visibility could have been better, but we did have the option of going into Campbeltown for the night if we changed our mind. However when we reached the entrance to Campbeltown Loch the wind had indeed gone round as forecast to the south east, which meant we would have both wind and tide together in our favour, and also the sea condition was slight so we committed fully to going on to Islay.

The next decison was whether to take the inside route, which I have never taken or go south of Sanda Island into the main channel where the eddies/overfalls are less powerfull than they are inside, but there is the traffic seperation scheme for commercial vessels to contend with. Local knowledge for the inside channel says that you should always be close enough to the shore to be able to throw a digestive biscuit and hit the rocks on the shore.

It would be a bit quicker to go the inside route, and there were a fair number of yachts already heading for the inside route but with the visiblity still being pretty poor (at times down to a few hundered yards), and given we had no digestive biscuits to throw at the shore, I decided on the longer option so headed south past Paterson’s Rock and Sanda and into the main channel. We gradually started to benefit from the tide and by the time we were almost round the Mull, Sun Dog was belting along at 10 kts over the ground and the mist lifted enough that we could make out the Irish Coast and Rathlin Island.

Caption Competition could be …………Just remind me whose idea this was !!!!!! or Are we having fun yet?

Personally I would have liked the visibility to have been better but was happy that the God’s had decided to grant us a straightforward passage through an area that can, depending on conditions, be decidedly challenging – we were all happy and relieved that we only had another few hours until we reached Port Ellen in Islay.

With the Crinan canal being closed (there were as stated above,a lot of boats doing the same as us) Port Ellen’s marina was full when we arrived, so we decided to pick up a mooring buoy in the bay rather than drop anchor over in the sheltered bay………bit of a mistake !! After we had settled down and had our evening meal and the boys had finished fishing from the boat we all turned in early for a good nghts sleep, but the swell running into the bay had other ideas! Now I might not be the old man of the sea but I normally can sleep through most things on a boat – but not this night………………

The wind was strong enough to keep the boat head to wind which meant we had the joy of the Atlantic swell being on the beam and we had a terrible rolling motion – I could go on about this – but suffice to say I ended up slepping outside so that I could lie across the beam of the boat. It was so bad that I eventually wanted to drop the mooring and go and and anchor in a bay out of the worst of the swell at about 0200 but I won’t print what Sara said I could do with that idea!………

In the morning a certain angler was up early for a spot of fishing, and to enjoy a quiet moment in the now calm conditions.

After breakfast we decided to use the tide again and head for Craighouse on Jura which again we had to do under engine as there was no wind; but it was lovely to be under a warm blue sky and it was only a few hours until we were turning in past the Small Isles and picking up a mooring buoy close into the shore.

The bay has quite a number of mooring buoys for visitors and we are fortunate enough having a shallow enough draft to get the spare one near the shore on the 2m contour – which was fine for us as the forecast was for a period of settled weather so no waves to reduce the depth. We had to get ashore and get some provisions and also use the laundry facilities behind the Jura Hotel, so it was out with the dinghy and a bit of exercise with the pump, then over to the pontoon provided for dinghies at the pier. Jura is a large island with a population of slightly less that 200 people in total, so the facilities they provide are very good all things considered, and indeed should be supported. Cost for one night on the mooring was £10.

Also met a mate of Marcus & John (private joke)

Round the other side of the pier is a small safe and shallow sandy beach and the boys had a bit of a laugh splashing around in the water and practicing their rowing skills in about 2ft of water, and it was good that they were able to burn off some energy. When we eventually got back to the boat they had fun going for a swim and using the dingy as a swim/fun platform, and then fishing again in the evening – a really good day.

Next morning we set off for Crinan so that the boys could see the exit to the Crinan Canal that we would been at days ago if the canal had been open – but there again we would have missed out on the joys of going round the Mull, plus Islay & Jura.

Once again it was a lovely day – in fact I think it must have reached in excess of 30 C. The boys sat up the bow of the boat and also on the coachroof to take advantage of the breeze created by our movement and we were all entertained by porpoise on the way up the sound of Jura.

We got in touch with Crinan Boatyard to arrange fuel and a mooring, and the only spare mooring the had was on the south side which was fine by us, but we needed to get moving if we wanted fuel that night – a wee bit of pleading had them promise to stay open long enough for us to refuel as we were setting off with the tide early the next morning.

Once refuelled we did go past the entrance/exit to the canal, and it really did seem a bit strange to realise that had it been opened we would have been here days ago…….. anyhow we picked up the designated mooring buoy and once again the boys got out their fishing rods, while Sara and I were considering the next days possibilities.

We had to get through Doris Mor (Large Door) the next day as we were heading for Kerrera opposite Oban and could get there on the one tide (the tide turned at 0300) and according to the pilot book was at it’s strongest for the first couple of hours. We really didn’t want to wait at Crinan as the forecast was that winds were to increase to F5/6 from the NE within the next 24 hours and could last for a few days!

I awoke at 0430 and decided that we would get ready and head through Doris Mor and then up the sound of Luing (ling) and past Fladda Lighthouse by which point we would be through the strongest of currents.

Sara gave me a hand to get the boat ready and then quite rightly went back to bed. At the same time Reyce and Prentice came up as soon as they heard the engine fire up, and as ever popped on their lifejackets and then started pointing out the white waves on the shores of the island Garbh Reisa that forms part of Dorus Mor. Once again this was new territory as I hadn’t been through Dorus Mor previously, but I knew I was going through at the right time, with the tide, and knew to stay mid channel which we did and out we popped at 12 kts over the ground – the fastest Sun Dog has ever gone. I thought that 10 kts through the north channel was fast……………

Next point of close attention was the narrow channel at the head of the sound of Luing, and passing Fladda lighthouse the currents were pulling pretty hard and I was pleased that we had a decent sized engine and a big three bladed prop, that the tide was with us, and that we had at the time settled weather with calm conditions.

Doris Mor and this channel would no doubt be very interesting and different proposition (sic) in adverse conditions.

Once through the tricky bits the wind started to climb and soon we had 20kts true gusting 27kts on the nose, but I was a happy man as we were through the tricky bits before the wind had increased, and as Sun Dog has a lovely motion there was no drama or slamming. I also decided to go up the Sound of Kerrera and was momentarily confuddled by two starboard and one port hand marker halfway up – look at a chart and you will see what I mean. We entered into the bay where Oban Marina is located – it is actually on the island of Kerrera – and spotted a spare heavy mooring buoy which Sara picked up smartish in 25 kts of wind and got attached to Sun Dog. We then gave the marina a shout to tell them the number of the buoy we had picked up, and they said it was fine to stay there for a couple of days……….ticketyboo!

Oban Marina provide a couresty water taxi over to Oban town on an hourly basis and will also swing past and pick up people from boats on moorings and drop them back off when conditions are not ideal for rowing over to the marina itself. Only down side to this is, that whilst this is an hourly service, they are only allowed to take 12 passengers at any one time, albeit when really busy the do put on another boat – but it can cause a bit of angst when getting ashore or back to the marina in Kerrera during busy periods.

Thankfully we had no such drama, and whilst in Oban the boys bought new fishing gear (they do appear to have caught the fishing bug ) and we spent some time going round the shops and then going to the supermarket the following day to reprovision, and do yet another laundry at the Oban marina facilities. Where does all the food go, and where does all the laundry come from??

I think it’s fair to say that whilst I was sitting on the boat and having a moment to myself, I had a little frisson of excitment thinking that Sun Dog had come up from Ipswich with Marcus and I, then through the Forth & Clyde Canal with Sara and Eilidh, and had now had come the long way round to Oban from the Clyde with Sara, Reyce and Prentice……it was a really nice feeling.

Having arrived at Oban and spent a couple of days there until the weather calmed down again, we had the option of heading over towards Tobermory, Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan Point direction – or taking the boys up to the Caledonian Canal where they would be busy with ropes etc and indeed more involved with the boat as per the original plan of taking them through the Crinan Canal.

After some discussion we decided this would probably be the best option, and after checking out the tides for the route and also with consideration being made for arrival time at the Corran Narrows (6kts at springs) we set off for Corpach which is slightly north of Fort William, passing en route the entrance to Loch Creran (pronounced kreeran) which would be our final destination and Sun Dog’s new home.

Passing through beween the north end of the island of Lismore and Port Appin on the mainland was kind of neat as there were a lot of jaggy rocks, all easily seen as it was close to low water, and as not all of the rocks are marked this required a fair amount of attention. This was a wee bit difficult at times with it all being so pretty, then it was on past Shuna Island up Loch Linnhe (pronounced Linny) and for me it was a treat to be able to see the Ballachulish Bridge (pronounced bala who lish) down Loch Leven; a bridge that has been crossed by us loads of times by motorbike and car so it was quite exciting (and different) to view it from the sea.

Once past here we had then to focus on the Corran Narrows where the ferries ply across this narrow fast running piece of water, we had the tide with us and fortunatly didn’t need to dodge any ferries in the narrows themselves, and popped out the other end doing about 9 kts. Once again we could feel the strength of the current pulling at the boat and trying to twist her around – and once again I was happy to have a big engine and prop to keep direction and control.

Arriving as we did at around HW at Corpach we gave the British Waterways office a call on the VHF and were told to go straight into the sea lock; which we did and were raised up to the level of the inner basin. Sara and I then went in to the office to fill out the necessary paper work, insurance etc and pay the fee of £173 for an 8 day pass whilst Reyce and Prentice were left in charge of Sun Dog.

Given that we did not have enough time to go all the way through to Inverness and get back down again we felt this charge was a bit high, but given that we had promised the boys, and it was an integral part of the holiday we had to grin and bear it……………well what else can you do!

A surprise bonus we had was my mate Ian had given me a call to say they Veronica and him were heading up on his new motorbike -Suzuki Hyabussa – and was looking to catch up with us, and perhaps even stay over for a night in a local hotel/B&B. The British Waterways staff as ever were very friendly and helpful, they suggested we tell them to meet us at Banavie, which would give us enough time to get through the intial locks and ascend Neptunes Staircase which is a series of 8 locks and like the rest of the canal is really an impressive piece of engineering from the board of a certain Mr Thomas Telford.

Whilst waiting on the other two boats that would be going through with us one of the BW staff took time out with Reyce and Prentice to explain how the locks worked and showed them the lock controls etc – really nice guy and a credit to British Waterways.

We explained to the boys how we would be using ropes etc and took time to demonstrate this to them in the first lock, they picked it up really well and by the time we were into Neptune’s Staircase they were doing an excellent job, being off the boat with Sara and controlling the ascent with the ropes and “walking” with these ropes into the next lock and repeating this all the way up.

I wish the guy from Norway who was in front of us had thought things through a bit better, as in one of the first locks he hadn’t put his bow line far enough forward to act as a brake against the current, and as soon as the force of the water from the sluice took hold his stern almost hit Sun Dog – suffice to say international language from me followed with him firing up his engine to keep clear – bugger me does he not do the same in the next lock – more international language followed as did a conversation with the lock keeper re positioning of his ropes at subsequent locks.

Thankfully after this there were no more dramas, and as they moved their bow line forward in the locks it not only made their control a lot easier and safer, it avoided their crew on the bow having a hernia – so all was well.

Given they were making a pigs ear of things it was rather neat for us to be moving the boat from lock to lock without any similar drama or shouting and heaving on lines, and all this being controlled by two young boys on the ropes (being watched carefully by Sara)- I was so chuffed! Well done guys!

With just about three locks to go Ian and Veronica arrived, and they had booked themselves into the Moorings Hotel at the side of the locks. They came back to the boat which we had tied alongside for the night behind a big motorboat for a coffee and a good ol’ chinwag before going back to the Moorings to get changed. Everything was peacefull and quiet when lo and behold Mr Motorboat decided to fire up a generator – the fumes of which we blowing straight down on us – why he should do this I don’t know as he could have plugged straight into a power supply which was right alongside his boat!! Luckily a boat moved off one of the pontoons further down and I decided to simply move the boat rather than have another “verbal exchange” on the canal – it really does however make you wonder about some people !

Ian and Veronica duly arrived looking a lot “cooler” than they had in their leathers, and we all went back to the hotel for a meal which was rather tasty with the boys opting for copious amounts of ice cream for dessert – the adults were all stuffed so declined. From there we all went back to the boat where Ian decided to show the boys how to set up their lines for river fishing and subsequently spent hours with them along the canal banking – not even the infamous Scottish Midgie could put him off – nice one mate the boys were impressed.

The following morning we set off with Veronica on board and Ian riding his motorbike round to Gairlochy at the start of Loch Lochy where once through the locks we went into a pontoon.

Reflections; I love this photo taken by Prentice

And this one taken by Sara

Sara on the phone to Debbie – seems like a day for laughter – great!

Ian joined us onboard for a short trip out into the Loch before returning to the same pontoon to have a late lunch before they set off home on the bike – a bit quicker than the boat no doubt!! We decided to spend the night here and the boys had a ball swimming around, feeding the ducks and fishing till it got dark.

We awoke to another beautiful warm day (with no wind) and motored up Loch Lochy to Laggan Locks which I have to say is delightful.

We had again to wait to get through due to lunch breaks so tied up to the waiting pontoon and another yacht came in and moored at our back. We used the time to look around and saw the sign on the lock keepers office said 1300 would be the next opening. With it being so hot the boys again went in for a swim then had lunch whilst drying off. Just before 1300 a hired boat (of which there are many) motored up to the lock gates not caring that there were already two boats on the waiting pontoon and was gesticulating and muttering loudly(as it turns out in Swedish) why the hell the gates would not open for him. I did try and explain that it was lunch time and that he would be best to tie up and wait – no sooner had he set off round the other side to tie up than the lock gates opened………was the lock keeper listening all the time and waiting for the most opportune moment to open the gate???? Anyhow Mr Sweden spotted the lock opening and the three of us went through together with Reyce and Prentice once again doing a grand job on the lines.

From there it was a short time till we reached the Laggan Swingbridge, once again a bridge that we have crossed so many times by road, and it was neat to have it open for us to go through by boat.

This then led into Loch Oich which for me was really pretty with plenty of marker buoys so it would be really hard, (despite it being narrow), for anyone to get wrong. From there we went through the locks at Cullochy and Kytra before arriving at Fort Augustas. Once again we were fortunate to get onto the end of a pontoon and whilst a number of boats had to raft up we were left alone – I’m never sure if it’s the low freeboard or rubber buffer that goes round Sun Dog that puts people off rafting alongside…..but who cares!

Once again the boys wanted to cool down by going in for a swim, and we also cooled them down with the water hose 🙂

We stayed the rest of the day here and came to the decision that we simply didn’t have enough time to go down through the locks and into Loch Ness. Once again we reprovisoned, then sat on the side of the series of locks and ate food from the chippie – washed down with cans of juice – not in the least bit healthy – but really tasty 🙂

The boys then disappeared with the camera to take photo’s of horses in a field next to the canal, and here are a couple of my favourites – these were taken by Prentice and I believe he really does have an eye for a good photo – he took the “reflections” one posted earlier in the blog.

Next morning we set off back down the same route and spending another night at Gairlochy which was by now a firm favourite with the boys for fishing, swimming and generally being able to stretch their legs and run around. The canal must be used regularly by the RNLI as during our time in the canal we saw three different lifeboats transiting.

Even when the rain came on the boys were not in the slightest bit detered, they simply put on their waterproof jackets and continued having fun with their home made boats c/w mast and sails with competitions to see which one went furthest.

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The good weather came back the following morning, & our plan was to get to Banavie, get a final laundry done (and dried) then get down Neptune’s Staircase into the basin at Corpach to refuel and be ready to leave when the tide was right. As it turns out we managed the laundry part easy enough but when we asked if it was possible to get down through the locks we were told that it might be marginal time wise as “The Lord of the Glens” was on it’s way up from Corpach to tie up for the night at Banavie and it would take about 1.5 hrs to get her through Neptunes Staircase.

I had never heard of nor seen this boat before but apparently she was specifically constructed to fit the locks; as you can see above there is not a lot of free space! We were told that only those with a few thousands to spend can afford to take a berth on her, and that she was/is extremely popular with Americans and Canadians.

Upshot was we didn’t get through that night but managed on the first lock through in the morning (0800) with another couple of boats and got into the basin for fuel, after which we were put into the sea lock to be ready to leave when the tide was sufficiently high to float the gates. The boys spent this time fishing again and spending time chatting/fishing with some of the local boys. Below is a shot of Ben Nevis taken as soon as the summit cleared.

We really needed to leave with an outgoing tide to enable us to get through the Corran Narrows and head for Loch Creran. We needed to arrive that night as once again the forecast wasn’t looking so good for the following day and the timing didn’t allow us to exit from Corpach and get into Loch Creran on the same tide. At one point or another we would have to punch against the tide.

Plan A was to exit the sea lock and wait on the pontoon till the tide turned at 1800.

Plan B I spoke with the guys at the sea lock and they reckoned that with the boat being the way she was with a big engine etc she should be able to punch through the tide without needing to wait. Their caveat was to stay on the eastern mainland side of the narrows and if the boat struggled this would give space to turn, and that the eddies etc were lesser on that side.

I finally decided on a compromise plan, which meant we would exit the sealock and head down to Corran as slowly as possible and by my estimation I would arrive at around 1600 which would mean That there was still two hours of foul tide to contend with which we could punch through under engine, or we would simply sit out these couple of hours at anchor round in one of the bays.

When we arrived at the Corran Narrows I did stay closer to the eastern bank and whilst there was no white water there was whirlpool effects eddies etc and the boat was having to work harder and harder as I was increasing the revs to maintain headway whilst keeping sufficent sea room to turn around if necessary.

In the midst of this one of the ferries decided to set off across the channel, but let’s face it, it was really easy for me to slow down !! Upshot of all this was I ended up at maximum revs on the engine and was only making 4 kts over the ground, once again showing that a big engine can sometimes be handy.

From there it was a reverse of the upward journey, and we arrived at Loch Creran at the time we had hoped/planned just as the tide was at slack water – this is also a narrow channel and subject to 4/5 kts of tide at spring tides – which was my dilema in getting down from Corpach………..I was always going to hit an adverse tide somehwere.

On the run into Loch Creran the winds, as forecast started to to build and once again we were going from calm conditions to 25kts of wind within a matter of minutes, we arrived at the mooring and I’m glad to say that once again Sara picked up the line first time and secured us quickly, which pleased me greatly given all the boats around about us swinging about on their moorings.

We spent a windy night onboard and had a “smiley miley” competition on miles covered from Troon the next morning, with everyone being close to the actual figure of 274 nm, almost all of which was done under engine or motorsailing.

Next day it was a case of rowing everything and everyone ashore, then getting the dinghy into the secure compound – taxi to Oban (the rain was absolutely pelting down) to catch the train to Glasgow Queen Steet, then round to Glasgow Central were we caught a train immediately – then off at Troon – taxi to Troon marina to pick up my car. From there we had to drop the boys off first, and they had a welcome party all ready for them complete with flags, balloons and bunting.

Then home for us a wee bit tired and jaded- but we did achieve a fair amount this holiday and the boys were fantastic – great company – great fun and great crew – well done lads.

Forecast was for NW 5/6 reducing to F3 on Sunday and even less on Monday. Our plan was to get up to the head of Loch Goil (a branch off Loch Long) as we had not been there before. Checking charts and cruising guides didn’t really give us a clear understanding of the defence situation both in Loch Long (Coulport Naval site) and also the “experimental areas” within Loch Goil.

I convinced myself that there would be no real activity over the weekend by HM Forces and if there was we would not be long in getting stopped by machine gun totting Royal Marines – and this would be sure to get my attention!!

Sara and I set off with the wind F5 ish – (really must fix the wind speed indicator!) straight on the nose so it was on with the engine and we motorsailed up to Portencross where we managed to get a short sail through the Largs Channel when we once again had to fire up the engine……..never ceases to amaze me how the wind knows where we wish to go !!! Some of the Fife Yachts are assembling for their Regatta this coming weekend, should be an impressive sight when all these boats from across the globe assemble and sail past the town of Fairlie where they were originally built.

Conditions after the Cumbraes were a lot calmer and the further north we went the calmer it became and the more the sun shone – lovely jubbly. On the way past Coulport where the Trident Missiles are stored I had mixed feeling on the beauty of Loch Long and our need for these kinds of weapons…..I couldn’t help thinking of the words penned by a certain Robert Burns who stated ……”Man’s inhumanity to Man makes nations weep” ….why can’t we learn to live in peace and harmony with fellow humans, irrespective of our different nationalities, race, colour, creed? Almost stepped fully onto my soap box there – sorry 🙂

The entrance to Loch Goil was simply stunning as it gently opened up with high hills on each side and Carrick Castle visible and the leading lights extremely clear even on such a bright day.

It was really beautiful going down the Loch and there were a few stunning properties – this one in particular caught my eye!

The new Anchorages Guide for 2008 produced for (boating) visitors to Scotland and an excellent example of joined up thinking, lists some nine moorings at the NE corner of Lochgoilhead – however the reality is there is only a trot of five, and we were lucky enough to use one for the night.

Next morning Sara fancied going up to the head of Loch Long to view Arrochar from the loch, (a place through which we have ridden through countless times on the motorbike) so we dropped the mooring and started heading out of Loch Goil in a perfectly still and beautiful morning as can been seen in the following photograph.

We then closed inshore to look at Carrick Castle which is listed as a ruin, but quite clearly someone is involved in a reconstruction program, and bringing this castle back to it’s former glory.

All along the banks of Loch Long there was quite a number of people fishing and diving, with some rather substantial “base camps” having been established on the side of the Loch & I was pleased to see so many people enjoying the great outdoors. When we reached Arrochar it was rather strange for us to view this town from the water, and the weather was so clear that we could see the top of “The Cobbler” one of the “Arrochar Alps” so named because the top of the mountain looks like a cobblers last.

Having reached the head of the Loch at Arrochar, we then about turned and headed back down Loch Long, and I wanted to check out a fishing boat that appeared to have been lifted ashore – still don’t know how he managed to achieve this! I realise a crane must have been involved but it would have had to have travelled a fair old distance to reach this location and there would be a fair reach out into the Loch to lift her out!!

From here we meandered back down Loch Long and then went up the Holy Loch to see the changes being made at Holy Loch Marina, and since I last visited they have been pretty busy, with the new extention to the marina well underway.

We then decided we would head down the Clyde and spend the night in Kilchattan Bay (Isle of Bute) where the St Blane’s Hotel have a trot of six moorings for visiting yachts, and there is also a small jetty for dingies located beside the flags of different nations – difficult to see the jetty from the moorings – but it is to the right of the hotel. There is also a nice long crescent shaped sandy beach for stretching of legs, building sand castles having picnics etc – nice spot.

There was lovely yacht on the mooring next to us, and the owners informed us she was a 1985 Taiwan built CL32, I’ve never heard of this make/model before but she was stunning.

We had a lovely relaxing night here and set off early the next morning. On the way down we had a “rare sighting” we could see Arran as clear as a bell, and that’s quite unusual because the old saying goes “if you can’t see Arran it’s raining – and if you can see Arran then it’s about to rain”. However this morning it was lovely and stayed that way all day. Marcus will appreciate this shot of Arran on a good day, as the last time he saw Arran it was a bit less than clear and calm (sic)!!

On the entrance to Troon (from where the Irish Ferry operates) there is a quick flashing light on the west pier that flashes when the ferry is either arriving or departing, and Sara and I had just been discussing this and checking with the binoculars. To get into the harbour one needs to cut across the bows of the Ferry therefore a wee bit of care is required when the ferry is in port. Neither of us could see the flashing light so Sara started heading for the harbour entrance, when suddenly we both realised that the ferry was actually beginning to move !!! expletives deleted! Sara went hard to port to circle away from the Ferry……….either they didn’t see us or they were fully committed to their exit, but whilst it wasn’t a “taking the paint off each other close” it was close enough for me………….neither harbourmaster nor ferry tried us on the VHF mmmmmmmm!!!

No real periods of sailing, but a lovely weekend non the less with us feeling a bit like tourists on a whistle stop tour – but it was good for the soul. Bring on the holidays

On Friday morning we set out for Campbeltown with the forecast being; wind east backing north east F4/5 occassional 6. Visibility was pretty poor, but looked like the sun might burn it off eventually.

Passing Lady Isle we noticed a fishing boat that looked a bit peculiar, our came the binoculars aand the reason why she was looking peculiar was that she was up on the rocks !! We had not heard anything on the VHF and assumed that they were waiting on high tide to try and refloat – fingers crossed.

Being on a broad reach we were having a terrific sail with the wind increasing as we cut past the Island of Pladda (off the south of Arran) Sara and Eilidh were taking turns on the helm and I was trimming the sails. To be honest there wasn’t much trimming required and it gave me time to relax in the cockpit and enjoy the sunshine. The only boat we saw, was a motor boat that passed us also on going to Campbeltown – no sails to be seen anywhere – and this a bank holiday weekend!

On we went until we were passing Davaar Lighthouse and into Campbeltown Loch

and down to the single pontoon which was really busy, and we were directed to go in the inside of the pontoon and raft alongside a UFO34 to leave space for older wooden boats. Turns out there was an Old Gaffers Associations meeting, and there were some really stunning boats. Sends a shiver down my spine when I think of the money and how many mandays must be spent ever year on these boats to keep them in this condition. Full credit to each and everyone of them as they are in actual fact maintaining part of our maritime heritage. There was even a full wooden Twister not composite or fibreglass – fully varnished – and from memory she was called Dream Twister, she must have been one of the originals. I should have taken photos’. Note to self – think!!

Next morning the forecast was much the same and we exited Campeltown Loch to headed up Kilbrannan Sound in a wind against tide situation, heading for Loch Ranza on the North West corner of Arran. It’s fair to say that by the time we arrived Sun Dog has an overall coating of salt ! Eilidh was at the helm most of the way as Sara was feeling a wee bit squiffy. Note to self – get some sea sickness tablets onboard.

We picked up a mooring buoy in Lock Ranza and had a late lunch, whereby the decision was made to stay the night on this mooring, so on with another line to the buoy – along with a silent thank you to the local authority for providing these facilities.

Loch Ranza is delightful, however it is well known for the squalls coming down off the mountains and sweeping across the Loch, and indeed I was awakened at 0400 by a really strong squall blowing though, and so pleased I had decided to double up on the lines.

After breakfast we were getting ready to head for Colintaraive to meet up with Roger and Hilary who have just refurbished the interior of Ducier their Nicholson 35, and had been on the phone saying they would be there today. The wind had increased and I was mulling over whether to put a reef in the main or go with full main – most yachts were going out either single or double reefed, but Sun Dog being a motorsailer has a shortish mast and therefore not a very large sail area on the main. Decision made I put in a reef on the mooring before setting off from the mooring buoy.

The seas were a bit lumpy and the wind increasing in strength of the north end of Arran, Sara was at the helm (feeling a lot better) and she did a super job on the helm through this lumpy stuff, while I again trimmed the sails – I was a bit busier today! Unfortunately Eilidh had agravated an old neck shoulder injury and was in a fair amount of pain and discomfort, the rockin’ and rollin’ the day before would not have helped! Note to self – get some painkillers onboard!

The sail across was terrific and we could, in reality have shaken out the reef – but didn’t. On the way across to the West Kyle we could see up Loch Fyne and saw the boats from the Scottish Series sailing down each side of the Loch in a flood of sail and colourful spinnakers.

We continued to sail all the way up the West Kyle in company with quite a number of other boats, and when the wind was stronger we caught up on the single/double reefed modern boats, and when the winds went lighter we lost out……….it really was a fun and enjoyable sail to the top of the Loch where we dropped sails and Sara took us through the narrows at Burnt Islands and we managed to pick up a mooring right behind Roger and Hilary.

I noticed that Roger had his dinghy inflated and he was “volunteered” as Mr Water Taxi (he was to much of a gent to refuse) for us to have a look at the work they have done on Doucier. We were all impressed and she is looking really really pretty, in fact I would have to say that she must be one of the best kept Nicholson 35’s around. Later that night Roger & Hilary joined us aboard Sun Dog for a lovely meal prepared by Sara and Eilidh (don’t know how they managed to conjure this up – well done ladies) and had a lovely time getting up to date with each other…..smashing.

Next morning we set off at 0600 and trundled down the East Kyle in calm conditions – perfect for breakfast and coffee before getting out into Rothesay Bay where there would be enough wind to sail. Indeed we ended up having a terrific sail down to Troon and we were all pleased to see that the fishing boat had managed to get off the rocks at Lady Isle.

All in all I would have to say that this was the best “sailing” weekend we have had with Sun Dog, and whilst she is not a “gung ho macho boat” she does manage to tick a lot of boxes not least of which is comfort and shelter from the biting winds – and we are increasingly of the opinion that she is eminently suitable for our type of “boating”…….Roll on the hols!!

When we got into Troon I decided to fill up the fuel tanks as it’s been some time since this was last done. After refuelling I done the calculation on ltrs/hour and was once again delighted to see that she is still only using 2.5lts per hour – or in old money slightly over half a gallon per hour. Pretty decent figures for a 92hp engine !

Sara, Eilidh, and I went through to Sun Dog late on Friday night arriving around 22.30 – stowed the food etc, and then to sleep.

Forecast for week-end in SW v NW 3/4 occ 5.

Original pencil plan was to head for Campbeltown this week-end, but with the forecast we decided to head up to Colintraive which would give us a reach pretty much all the way.

When we left the marina around mid-day it was a SW F5, so one roll in the genny and full mainsail we went cracking along at around 6 kts until sadly, but not surprisingly, the wind eased for a time just south of the Cumbraes. Shortly beforehand Hilary had phoned to say that she and Roger were up on Doucier this week-end and invited us to join them and others on Sunday for a BBQ on one of the beaches around the Burnt Isles.

We persevered as we knew the wind would come back and just coming round into the Largs Channel the wind started to pick up again and off we went again, this time on a broad reach running about 5.5 kts and a bit more in the squalls – visibilty was poor. Once round the north of Big Cumbrae we were heading into the wind and it also decided to wain to around a F2/3 so we decided to motorsail and have a spot of lunch as we went along.

En route we saw “The Waverley” exiting the Kyles and heading for Rothesay – beautiful old boat;

In heading up the Kyles the sea state was calm, pretty much in line with the forecast, but the squalls off the hills were pretty strong and we had to ease the mainsheet a couple of times. As we neared Colintraive the winds eased and it ended up a lovely peaceful evening with us swinging on a mooring, run today of 31nm and really enjoyable.

Sunday morning and we awoke early to a lovely clear morning, which carried on into the afternoon. We nipped across in the dinghy and went for a walk via the Colintraive Hotel and then down to the Community Centre where there was some kind of festival taking place with live music, food stalls, kids running around having fun with a lot of smiling happy people and all this taking place under a blue sky – terrific.

We went back to the boat and whilst waiting on Roger and Hilary to arrive, what should appear going up the Kyles again but “The Waverley”, and as you can see by the numbers onboard she is still very popular and elegant.

We decided when they came alongside to pick us up, against joining Roger & Hilary for the BBQ, (we felt we might be gatecrashing) but were delighted when they agreed that they would join us when they returned – which they duly did and we had a really good night catching up and enjoying each others company. Hilary is very accomplished and has compiled a number of CD’s – see Celtic Music under Links

“Doucier”; Roger & Hilary’s Nicholson 35

(L to R )Sara, Roger, Hilary, & Me, taken by Eilidh

Eilidh also took this shot of the Moon above the ferry terminal – excellent composition;

Next morning it was up and away by 0800 and we had expected to see Roger fishing as he had promised to Hilary last night that he would be up catching her fresh fish for breakfast! . Guess “Plan B” took over. However we did motor over to say farewell, but there was no sign of life on Doucier only little bubbles containing zzzz zzzzz zzzzz noises emitting from Doucier 🙂

We had a cracking sail on the way back to Troon, but unfortunately Eilidh wasn’t feeling that great and was trying to stop a migraine developing fully. So we closed out as much light as possible and suggested she just lie down and get some rest/sleep and hope it passed. I get these periodically and they can be most debilitating, real shame for Eilidh.

This left Sara and I to sail Sun Dog, and we worked well as a team and I have to say that the macho part of me has to admit failure, as Sara is now the official holder of the (current) boat record of 6.5 kts through the water on a broad reach in a F4/5.

In truth I think we could even have squeezed a bit more out of the sails, but we were heading for a gap in the islands where the wind would have been increasing and possibly becoming a bit “squally” – so we stuck a roll in the genny again just for the sake of prudence.

This breeze stayed with us all the way down our SE course till a few miles out from the marina when it dropped back to around F3/4 which meant our speed dropped significantly, shame really, but we had enjoyed the sail immensely. Sun Dog may be an old motorsailer, but in the right conditions she fairly trots along.

On the way down we had passed a larger yacht that was going along with no main, and a genny that was well furled, just shows the difference from a few weeks ago when we were overtaken by a “Legend” that was using the same sail plan, whilst we had everything aloft. If nothing else we have realised that Sun Dog does need a bit of breeze to sail and she can carry all sail comfortably up to (at least) a F5.

I had also noticed some of the plastic clips that hold the foot of the sail to the boom had burst, they looked really old and had probably just lost out to the ravages of time and UV’s – therefore into the chandlery when we got back for a full compliment of new clips etc and had this all fixed out before leaving for home.

All in all a good week-end and we found out a little bit more about Sun Dog and her abilities, (along with ours for her) and so far I would have to say she is proving a great all rounder; and when she loses in certain areas she gains in others. I suppose it’s no different really to any type of boat – as all boats are a compromise somewhere along the line.

11th July 2007

Bowling to Colintriave

Having left Bowling we set off to motor down the Clyde (something I have longed to do for a long time) heading for Colintraive. I cannot explain why I felt so elated at this straightforward part of the journey but sometimes that’s just the way life is !

We were motoring along in sunshine, and shortly after leaving Bowling we were passing Dumbarton Rock which has a whole shed load of history attached.

When approaching Gourock we saw The Waverley crossing Holy Loch entrance – a magnificent old boat and recognised as the World’s only remaining Ocean going paddle steamer. Once round the corner I relinquished the helm and Eilidh almost took my hands off – she had been waiting a while !! We headed for Toward Point and then across the bay to the East Kyle and from there straight up to Colintaive. Nothing much happened on the way down – the sun shone – the sea was calm and the Porpoise were in hiding. Arrived in Colintraive, picked up a mooring at around 17.00 – everyone was a bit jaded so we decided not to go to the Colintraive Hotel for a meal, but to dine onboard and enjoy and savour the fact that Sun Dog had made it from Ipswich up the east coast – through the Forth & Clyde canal and was now in the West of Scotland.

12th July 2007

Colintraive – Tarbert Loch Fyne

Beautiful morning when we awoke, had a lazy breakfast and then went over to Caladh Harbour went around this small yet delightful spot………..this ” island circumnavigation” took all of five minutes, but it is seriously pretty with a lovely (small) protected anchorage.

In this photograph you can see the markers at both ends of the island.

From there we worked our way down the western side of the West Kyles to check out the mooring off the old Royal Hotel in Tighnabruich which has now changed it’s name to An Lochan, and it has a small landing pontoon for dingies – quite cool. A general meander in sunshine around Ardlamont Point with the sea like a millpond (we have seen it somewhat differently off Ardlamont before !!) and we had the odd glimpse of Porpoise and a Seal popped it’s head up to see who/what was disturbing the peace and quite!

Noticed on the way down the Loch that the wind instrument was reading diagonally opposite – realised we hadn’t moved this back (we had turned it around to go through the canal) before putting the mast back up – bosun’s chair job sometime soon – and slapped wrist for me!

Into Tarbert harbour and with us arriving early in the day we managed to get alongside the visitors pontoon. As the day progressed more and more yachts arrived and all ended up rafting. However, they either didn’t fancy our low freeboard or perhaps it was the black rubber moulding all round the hull, because we ended up with a raft of three astern and a raft of three forward.

We had to reprovision the boat so off we went to the Co-Op – back to the boat – showers etc – then out for a walk up to Tarbert castle which sit’s just above the harbour.

On the way down from the Castle the girls noticed an advert for massage therapy etc in the local Health Centre – quick phone call and they were booked between 19.00 & 21.00. They came back all enthused and it turns out it was only £10.00 per person for the therapy…………good value and they had a good old chuckle all evening.

13th July 2007

Tarbert – Portavadie

In the morning I borrowed a Bosuns’ Chair and Eilidh “volunteered” to go up the mast and turn around the wind indicator so that it would read correctly – her rock climbing experiences held her in good stead and she completed the task within a matter of minutes and was back down again energised and ready for breakfast.

After breakfast it was back round to the Gallery where we made a purchase or two, and Eilidh bought me a present of Neil Munro’s book “Para Handy” – really sweetly inscribed. Sara bought a print of Scotland from a different perspective entitled “The Big Picture” and the gallery are arranging this to be delivered to home. We then visitited the local ironmongery shop for some bit’s and pieces and then back onboard. We were thinking about staying another night due to the forecast, but Sara fancied visiting Portavadie just across the Loch – it seemed fair enough and would provide shelter from the forecasted F8. The rain started as we set off, but with the wheelhouse on Sun Dog it’s not an issue – still a strange experience, but one that I am getting more and more accustomed to 😉

We had heard that there was to be a new Marina in Portavadie, and when we went through the breakwater we were met with a “Marie Celeste” type situation – brand new marina/pontoons – all lit up with power…….and nobody on them!! We went down to the bottom end of the marina and went alongisde facing west – the direction of the forecasted gale. I was so taken aback that I never took a photo – bugger !!

Sara and Eilidh went off to check things out – and came back saying there were portacabin offices but these were all locked up and there was no sign of anyone.

Just then the Irish couple who had been moored behind us in Tarbet also arrived and took up a berth in front of us, with Sara and Eilidh taking their lines to avoid them having to get off the boat ( I was still in the wheelhouse, but to be fair I had put the gas heater on for them coming back onboard – thoughtful of me or what ?). We reckoned that they were not officially opened but were confident the pontoons etc were finished and secure, especially as there was electricity and water operational on all of the pontoons.

We were ready for a night with a bit of a blow, but it must have missed us or we slept right through it, but we awoke in the morning to another lovely day. This time I went off for a wander to see if I could find anyone, but returned only having found out that the marina was part of Portavadie Estates. Just after breakfast when we were having another cuppa, two people (one being Elspeth the marina manager) arrived to explain that the official opening was not for a couple of weeks.

They went and got all the drawings, marina prices etc and explained how the area was to be developed……….but my initial thoughts are they are overpriced for where this is, and the travelling time from the mainland will be increased for anyone taking a permanant berth when compared to the marina’s at Inverkip, Largs, Holy Loch, Rhu and perhaps even Troon. As we have nowhere yet booked for Sun Dog I asked that she get back to me with any special deals even if this meant a three/five year deal. It would mean keeping the boat on a building site whilst they build the office block and the flats to rent complex – but it is a well sheltered marina – and if the deal is right?

(Update) Elspeth got back to me a week or so later to inform me there are no “deals” available other than those on their brochure/web site..c’est la vie. Personally I think they are making a mistake as it’s all about occupancy ratio’s, and it would be better for the marina to have say 80% occupancy at a reduced price than say 15% occupancy at their published price. It will be interesting to see how this develops, but I wish them every success given the level of investment and it would also be good to have another successful marina available.

Time to go; and we decided to head over and pick up a mooring at one of Sara and I’s favourite hotels Stonefield Castle Hotel just north of Tarbert on the west coast of the loch. We picked up one of the hotels moorings and went ashore in the dingy to have a coffee or perhaps lunch in the hotel.

You can get a glimpse of the hotel in this photo’

The hotel might not suit everyone but we like it. From there we decided to carry on and head up and take a mooring of the hotel just past Otter Spit on the eastern side of the Upper Loch (Fyne). As we were approaching the Spit we noticed a yacht with a French Ensign heading for the hotel/moorings area and when we went down they had picked up the last available mooring. Fair enough we all thought, as they are visiting and we can come here almost anytime – so we headed a bit further north to Largimore where the almanac had mentioned possible moorings. There was only one that seemed suitable for a yacht and it had a a Moody 37 on it. They were waiting on a couple of the crew coming back from the holiday park – and we hung around until they were ready to leave – and subsequently picked up the mooring.

I couldn’t really settle here so phoned the Creggans Inn further up the Loch, as they were listed in the almanac as having 5 moorings. They owner said they only had two and were both available this evening – so off we went again. I decided to take the narrow channel through the Minard narrows – lot’s of jaggy rocks at low tide! There is also a submerged rock that needs to be avoided when through the other side – when we passed it had a small marker on the surface – but vigilance is required.

The mooring off the Creggans Inn (which is diagonally across the loch from Inverary) are pretty close inshore – so we picked the one nearest the shore (still in 15 mtrs) got into the dingy and across to the Creggans for an excellent evening meal – albeit the bar sounded a bit boisterous after having been on the boat for so long. It’s well worth a stop and they are very friendly helpful people keen on attracting yachties. We also had a bit of fun skimming stones on the beach before returning to Sun Dog, childish I know – but fun non the less.

15th July 2007

To the head of Loch Fyne & Back to Tarbert

We left the mooring at the Creggans Inn, once again in beautiful sunshine and decided to go to the head of the Loch and check out the availability of moorings – there are a reasonable number on the western side of the Loch opposite Cairndow with others belonging to Loch Fyne Oysters on the same side right at the head of the Loch. They are pretty much in a line north of this lovely property situated on the west side of the loch.

Guess this house must be owner by a sculptor or an art lover as there are a number of sculptures visible in the grounds.

From here we went over to Inverary but decided not to stop despite it being bathed in lovely sunshine.

From Inverary we again went close inshore on the western side of the loch with everyone enjoying the sunshine – crew were basking in the sun and they had no intention of taking the helm 🙂

Once again we went through the inner channel of Minard narrows and then down to Otter Spit – into lower Loch Fyne, and back over to Tarbert to get some provisions/showers – and a visit to the local launderette was also required.

Seagull on mooring protection duty !!

Tarbert was particularly busy with boats all rafting together – however there was a spare mooring available in the middle of the harbour so we picked this up – dingy was still inflated so no issue in getting ashore.

16th July 2007

Tarbert to Loch Ranza – Arran

Visit to the shops again for some provisions and picked up the laundry at 11.30. We left Tarbert at 12.30 and hoped to get a nice beam reach down to Loch Ranza – however Murphy’s Law struck again and we had once again to motor sail again. With the main up it does steady the boat quite well – albeit we still haven’t sailed her properly during the entire holiday !!

We entered Loch Ranza, but the wind direction was creating squalls off the hills which made picking up a the mooring (no pick up buoys) a bit of a lottery as I would be lined up going into the wind when sudden squalls made the wind change direction before we could get the line through the mooring. These were pretty powerful squalls and at the third attempt we managed to get a calm enough spell to get the rope through the mooring and settle down for lunch. Well done Sara & Eilidh as this was not easy.

This reminder me of the palaver I had at St Mary’s pool in the Scilly Isles whilst crewing for Marcus on his yacht Csardas !! We never really appreciate pick up buoys when the weather is good – but sure as hell miss them when the wind in strong & flukey! The agility of Marcus saved the day in the Scilly Isles.

It wasn’t just us who had an issue getting a mooring picked up as a “Fisher” came in and it took them about 15 mins and half a dozen attempts before they finally got a mooring picked up and managed to get settled down. I was also very surprised at the amount of “hunting” around their mooring a Bavaria 38 was doing when compared to the other yachts in the Loch – guess it was either a bilge keel or the skipper handn’t locked the wheel/rudder !

When we left Loch Ranza we initially planned to go to Millport, but if the forecast was proved to be right, it would have been an uncomfortable night – so we decided to head back up through the Kyles and get some real sailing in as the wind was perfect for a beam reach!!

Just out of Loch Ranza – all sail up – engine off – lovely. Within 5 mins all change – wind back on the nose and the rain started again…aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Passing Ardlamont point back into the Kyles the sun came back out again and the West Kyle was lovely. As it was low tide we had another look at Caladh Harbour – looks a lot different at low water! Back through the channel at Burnt Isles and back onto a mooring a Colintraive around 20.00.

Yet another lovely day with a dramatic change to the scenery as the sun started to fade.

17th July 2007

Colintaraive to Troon

Set off at 09.20 for Troon with a quick nip into Millport so that Eilidh could have a look at this popular resort on Big Cumbrae. We were once again motorsailing as there was precious little wind – enjoyable none the less.

Going between the Cumbraes I decided to take the inside channel into Millport bay, bobbed around for five mins to have a good look around, and then exited by the conventional route and off towards Portencross then a heading to clear Horse Island, Ardrossan etc. Wind was building to around F4 and as soon as we cleared Ardrossan we would be able to sail……….yippee.

Genny out, full main and we were trotting along nicely settled at between 5.5 & 6.0 kts and holding off another yacht heading in the same direction as us. Great sailing for an hour and a half and then the wind started to get get a bit lighter. The other yacht turned out to be a Legend 36 which eventually passed us with only their Genny out……….we had everything up but couldn’t get enough breeze to move ol’ Sun Dog along properly – c’est la vie. After all Sun Dog is around 8.8 tonnes displacement – a wee bit heavier than the Legend !

During this time both Sara and Eilidh were like me, hoping for a F5/6 to get her creaming along – but it never materialised – real pity as everyone was up for a cracking sail.

Arrived in Troon at 16.00 to take a visitors berth but not before we had a visit ourselves in the outer harbour from Sammy the Seal (well three of them to be accurate) one of them sure is a big ol’ boy.

Anyhow into the visitors berths and the one we had been allocated meant we were going to be blown away from the pontoon – we had a quick crew discussion – and we got in perfectly with Sara and Eilidh getting lines on pronto………really neat job in front of a gathered audience.

Another yacht tried to reverse in and naturally lost his nose to the wind ending up across other boats…….thankfully not ours.

18th July 2007

Troon to Lamlash Arran

Departed Troon at 12.35 – “calm as” all the way over with hardly even a zephyr on the surface. Altered course to check out a white object floating on the surface – no one could make out even with the binoculars. At times it looked like a dingy – other times like an old ships lifeboat. When we finally got close enough it turned out to be a big lump of white polystyrene !!………….but it had to be checked out, and didn’t take us too far off course.

Back on course, and it’s many a year since I crossed to Arran in conditions as flat as this – from the photo below you can see the sea state looking towards Ailsa Craig, famous for top quality curling stones.

However when we looked back to the mainland it was covered in black thunderous looking clouds, but thankfully they stayed well away from Arran. Turns out there were thunderstorms and torrential rain but we only had sunshine!!

We picked up a mooring in the bay watching the kids jumping in off the pier – yes it was that warm, and went for a walk along the front and also to pick up information on the Holy Isle for Eilidh, and do a bit of shopping.

Had a bit of banter with the folks on Bolero IV a Hanse 411 out of Largs as their crew was trying out their rowing skills whilst onboard Bolero they were trying to get the outboard fired up – with a bit of difficulty despite the fact one of them was a mechanic ! On the way back to Sun Dog in our dingy they rammed us with theirs (well a gentle nudge really ) they were only having a bit of fun as they had finally managed to get their outboard running.

We rowed back onto Sun Dog for delicious evening meal prepared by Sara & Eilidh and set off for Troon at 19.30.

The wind gods must have been happy with us, as we had a great beam reach for all of 45 mins again getting 6kts, before it all went light again, we kept trying to sail until the speed dropped – and then sadly it was case of firing up the engine and motorsailing back to Troon arriving at 22.30, but not before enjoying a terrific sunset – couple of photo’s below, but they don’t do it justice.

Onwards into Troon where Sammy (as we have Christened him/her /them) was once again there to welcome us into Troon – or possibly to check if we were a fishing boat with perhaps supper on board !!

That pretty much ended the holiday with the following day spent refuelling/cleaning and organising a permanent berth. I had tried to arrange a trip to Ailsa Craig on the Kintyre Express, but they have had such little demand they are now focussing mainly on golfing runs to Campbeltown – a real pity as it would have been neat to go ashore on Ailsa Craig. I have sailed past it before and been scuba diving at the side of it – but have never landed……oh well sometime later perhaps.

We had a fun competition on how many litres of fuel it would take to refill the tanks – all we had to go on was that we had spent a total of 37 engine hours since the last refill at Bowling and we had kept to around 1200 revs on the engine. My guess was around 140 ltrs which would have been an average of 4 ltrs per hour.

Anyhow, the upshot being that we were all pleasantly surprised as she only took 95 ltrs; which divided by 37 engine hours equates to 2.57 ltrs per hour……………..in my book excellent considering she runs with a 92 hp Perkins.

In summing up the holiday Sara gave it a 9 out of 10 as we could have done with more wind. Eilidh gave it 10 out of 10 and really enjoyed her first boating trip. Me; well as I was happy as a sand bunny and just wished it didn’t have to end. Still all adventures must end to allow others to begin.

7th July 2007

Having clarified with the staff of British Waterways that the maximum air draft to facilitate a transit through the canal was 3 metres we prepared Sun Dog and carefully measured the air draft as being slightly under the maximum at around 2.9 metres.

We set out from Port Edgar to arrive off the Carron River entrance around 18.15 as previously arranged with the guys from British Waterways.

On board was myself, my partner Sara and her good friend Eilidh who had not been on a yacht before and also had never been through canal locks either. Eilidh was keen to take the helm so once clear of Port Edgar she took the helm in a F3/4 wind against tide situation with the associated short choppy waves.

I’m delighted to state that she was as happy as a sand bunny riding through the waves. As for me; I was pleased that I had taken the time to lash the mast and boom securely to Sun Dog as this would not have been the time to try and re-adjust !!

We had pre-booked our slot to get into the first lock (currently numbered Lock 2) but first we had to get up the Carron River with enough water underneath us whilst having sufficient air draft to get under the Kerse Road Bridge. Given the fact that the river level (impact on height) can fluctuate, we had arranged to give the lads at the Lock a call when we were approaching the river as they agreed to come out and allow us to follow them up the river to the first lock. This was the start of what can only be described as first class service from all the staff of British Waterways (BW) who were involved in our transit of the canal.

They asked us to follow them up the river (keep in our wake) while they were taking depth measurements with a stick all the way up the river.

To be honest I think this would be advisable for anyone transitting the canal with similar air draft, because at times we were pretty close to the banks of the river – local knowledge is a wonderful thing! I’m pleased to say that we slid under the Kerse Road bridge easily enough and entered the first lock and into the Forth & Clyde Canal proper to berth for the evening, mightily relieved and looking forward to the rest of the trip.

8th July 2007

The next morning we had been asked to be ready for around 08.00 to ensure we completed all the paperwork and provide a copy of insurance certificate ( a “must have” document) and were informed that we would be locking through with a 60ft barge that would eventually be cutting off to join the Union Canal at the Falkirk Wheel (as they were heading for the centre of Edinburgh) . Going through the locks with the barge crewed by Charles & Hamish was a lot of fun – nice guys.

I have to say that the BW staff were exemplary in taking lines and working all the lock gates etc. Also Sara had given Eilidh some instruction on handling the ropes while going through the locks and she stuck to her task well, so well in fact it never once looked like this was her first experience of rope handling – well done Eilidh.

Our plan was to get through to the Stables at Glasgow Road Bridge and spend the night tied alongside, all through the locks Sara and Eilidh worked as a great team and made the whole process really easy and straightforward – not once did they miss a throw or end up with a rope in the water – really neat teamwork.

We said goodbye to Charles & Hamish at the Falkirk Wheel and wished them well on their return journey. We waited and waited for an operator to come down and open the bridge, so the girls had gone up to the Falkirk Wheel offices to find said operator. While they were away the person arrived Sod’s Law but it had to happen. I just cast off the lines and took Sun Dog through the bridge and picked the girls up on the other side amid much laughing and banter – so good for the soul.

We were to pick up another boat at the road bridge further down river and accompany them to the Stables.

There were some really lovely parts of the canal, and given the fact the sun was shining, really enhanced the experience. I really never thought it would be so pretty.

When we arrived at the hydraulic road bridge we had to wait while two other boats came through first, this was to be the first of a number of different solutions to the road crossings now in place since the canal was closed and subsequently re-opened. This bridge being hydraulic with some others being basic and others can only be described as somewhat ingenious – like the Falkirk Wheel linking the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal.

We duly arrived at the Stables and had a lovely quiet night alonside the pontoon. Chap next to us was not so fortunate as he had picked up a lump of plastic sheeting around his prop. However as luck would have it, he has a dry suit onboard and nipped over the stern to cut this away and disposed of it safely so that no other boat would have trouble with this particular piece of plastic.

9th July 2007

We set off from the Stables (Glasgow Road Bridge) at 07.00, as we had a reasonable run to get to the next set of locks at Maryhill in Glasgow and start our descent towards Bowling. En route to Maryhill we reached Stockingfield Junction ( a “T” Junction) where to go left ,would take one towards Port Dundas whereas we branched right for Maryhill and arrived at the top of the locks around 08.30.

Once again the BW staff were already there preparing the locks, and lo and behold another 60ft barge was joining us for the descent. They were heading for the penultimate lock gate before Bowling, therefore we would be in company all day. When we were going “up the locks” with Charles and Hamish and their 60 ft barge, they always went in first and were properly tied alonside before we entered. This time as we were going “down the locks” we had to enter the lock first and then watch a mass of steel heading towards our fibreglass boat. All I can say is 10 out of 10 for the chap at the helm of this barge and he was inch perfect in every lock – a mighty relief to me I can assure you.

After going down the initial batch of locks at Maryhill we tied up to a rest area where there were BW shower blocks and toilets – everyone took full use of the facilities and also took time to enjoy a cuppa and feed the swans.

After this we had only another lock to negotiate before arriving at the worlds only sail through Chippie – right in the centre of Clydebank. As we were approaching we could see that McMonagles restuarant was shaped like a boat. We had been told by the BW staff earlier that we could tie alongside the pontoons and walk back to the restuarant, or tie up at the “take away” window and get our Fish N’ Chips prior to going onto the pontoons. Well what would you do ? – Correct we did the same and pulled up the take away hatch……………really neat and a “must do” if transitting the Canal for the first time – a real novelty.

We had to stay tied alongside the pontoons while the walkway to the shopping centre was closed to pedestrians and the bridge raised enough for us to get under – a fairly substantial number of people stood around watching all this happen – again I think pretty neat and different thing to happen whilst out shopping!

With everyone suitably rested we once again set off heading for what was for me, going to be one of the highlights of the trip – going through the Dalmuir Drop Lock – which is one on the ingenious solutions on the canal. Boats arrive in the canal at the same height as the road and then they drop the water level down so that boats are below the level of the road – boats then motor underneath and them reverse the process once across on the other side……..really neat solution.

Exiting the Dalmuir Drop Lock we were asked to take our time getting down to the next bridge, which was one of the Bascule Bridges, and a neat fit for Sun Dog given the height and width of the wheelhouse – however we had been under others previously so no drama.

Onwards from here we had another type of crossing ahead, this time stopping the vehicle traffic as it was a swing bridge – but prior to reaching this we had a our first glimpse of the Erskine bridge which spans the Clyde and proved we were nearing the end of the transit.

Once through the swing bridge we had the penultimate lock before entering Bowling. The barges are not allowed to go any further once through this lock. If you look closely you can see the swing bridge only a few hundred yards astern.

Within another few hundred yards we were at the final lock into Bowling and as the barge was not allowed through this lock it felt quite spacious 🙂

Once through this lock we had only to get under the footbridge and old rail bridge, neither of which needs to be opened – and we were into Bowling Basin where we would get the mast back up and all the rigging adjusted. Incidentally this re-stepping of the mast is included within the transit fee – which makes it even better value.

10th July 2007

Decided on a rest day after getting the mast up the previous evening, but with all the wee jobs that needed doing- it wasn’t too much of a rest day! However we did get the chance to see a small fishing boat coming in through the sea lock, and we went for a walk to look at the wrecks that are in the outer harbour. These are no real navigational issue for entering or leaving the canal, and I guess in the fullness of time they will be removed and this area will be developed.

With the stick back up.

11th July 2007

All jobs done, topped up with water and fuel – the first refuelling since Marcus & I topped her up in Sunderland.

Total fuel 114 ltrs which equated to under 3 ltrs per hour since Sunderland – I reckon in the 16 hours the engine had been running in the canal (albeit barely above tickover) fuel consumption must have been around 1-1.5 ltrs per hour, as the overall fuel consumption when bringing her up from Ipswich was around 5 ltrs per hour at around 1600 revs. It will be interesting to see the consumption figures over the balance of the holiday.

Entered the sea lock at 11.00 in company with another yacht – once again BW staff were on hand to assist and hat’s off to Alex and all the guys from BW who made this transit so enjoyable and trouble free.

When the lock gates opened the skipper of the other yacht opened his trottle as if the Devil himself was trying jump onboard and the poor guy at the stern almost lost the lifebuoy and possibly could have got himself caught up whilst trying to get the line off……………….not good……………but thankfully no one injured and no damage done…that is good. But the Lord himself only knows why this skipper wanted to exit at warp factor 5 !!

Anyhow, out we went exiting the lock and into the harbour then into the River Clyde for the balance of our holiday. A wonderful few days with good weather, excellent company, and exemplary service from British Waterways staff.

Any fellow Rogger owners who are considering this transit through the Forth & Clyde canal can do this happy in the knowledge that at least one (perhaps a lot more) has/have already done so – it could save a fair amount of time if travelling to the West of Scotland /Ireland from Holland etc – an alternative to having to go up to the Caledonian Canal and transit from Inverness to Fort William. Currently the charges are £6.00 per metre for a transit and less than half that price for a return journey, and bear in mind this also includes the re-stepping/dropping of the mast in Bowling. We ourselves had dropped our mast in Port Edgar before setting off for the canal, but my undertanding is there are facilities for dropping/re-stepping the mast around Grangemouth Yacht Club – but if you have any doubts, simply call either Carron or Bowling Sea Locks as the guys are very helpful and a credit to British Waterways.

One final point to end this part of the blog – and as a general observation for anyone planning to transit the canal. My engine overheat alarm went off once when going through the canal, and when I checked the raw water filter basket it had a fair amount of weed restricting the flow of cooling water to the engine. An easy fix and no damage done, but in my honest opinion it would be advisable to check the raw water filter basket at each stop – only takes minutes! Just glad that I had an audible alarm as I might not have noticed the engine temperature climbing on the gauge.

Thursday 21st June

Right to Left: Skipper Marcus, Phil & Me

Return leg to Poole crewing for my good friend Marcus Tettmar onboard his Hanse 371 “Csardas”

On Thursday morning the wind had vanished. A slight puff from the North. So after a lazy morning, filling the tank with diesel and buying a few extra items for the ships stores, we headed out of the harbour just before noon.

This would be Phil’s first passage, his longest trip to date Poole to Lymington and back with Marcus – about 20nm in either direction. He took a few anti-seasickness pills just in case. Probably a good job as there was a bit of a swell left over from the recent strong winds. And with only light winds to begin with the waves would often knock the wind out of the sails. So there was a fair bit of rolling around and crashing and banging of sails to begin with but slowly the wind picked up with Phil taking the helm and staying on it to the point where the back of his hands were sunburnt, whilst his fingers were white!

We were all looking forward to Phil experiencing his first night sail and basic tuition on lights was given fully expecting us to see one or two ships and fishing boats. In the event it must have been the most uneventful night ever. It was also incredibly dark. The cloud cover obscured the stars and moon and we didn’t see one other vessel all night!

Friday 22nd June

The wind had picked up on Friday morning and we began to make up for our slow progress. We even managed to fly the spinnaker for a while but took it down when the clouds we had been watching towering up into the sky behind us began to get closer. We weren’t quite sure what it meant but it looked ominous. As it happened the wind picked up only a little and we avoided any rain. We ended up with the genoa poled out instead.

We caught sight of the Isles of Scilly by about lunch time and decided to make use of this wind and get further East. We skirted the northern, rocky shores of the islands …..

…and then headed across the shipping lanes towards Wolf Rock and on towards the Lizard. Crossing the traffic separation scheme gave us plenty to do as we dodged the ships.

Later on, somewhere near The Lizard we noticed a dolphin break a wave on our starboard side. Then more. Phil was down below making tea or something so Marcus shouted for him to drop what he was doing and get on deck. You never tire of seeing dolphins around the boat, and apparently it’s not a daily occurence in the channel as it is further south, so this was special. For about half an hour we had a large pod of dolphins playing on our bow wave and swimming around the boat. What a treat.

The following night was much more pleasant. The stars were visible. We saw several shooting stars and even a couple of satellites and the phosphorescence sparkled in our wake. In the morning, with the wind dead aft we poled out the genoa to stop it flapping around and picked up our pace.

Saturday 23rd June

Marcus had decided to head to Dartmouth as neither Phil nor I had been to Dartmouth before and it is his favourite port on the South coast. So he wanted us to see it and experience the grand river entrance.

We arrived just before Noon. We could see rain lashing down on the land. It was dry out at sea. It was strange to have to put our wet weather gear on because we were heading into a harbour rather than out of it! We got soaking wet as we motored into the river, but we were all impressed at the car ferry. Look carefully and you will see it is only a raft being controlled by a small tug !!

Then, just to give us a bit of a tour Marcus motored up to Ditisham and back before mooring at the marina in Kingswear.

With dripping overalls hanging up in the boat we tried to time our trips to the shower block with breaks in the weather and then went over to Dartmouth on the ferry for a late lunch. Back on the boat the weather began to improve and we were soon sitting outside sipping a beer.

A wooden 50 foot Sparkman and Stephens designed yacht of around 20-30 years old was tied up outside the pontoon and it turned out was being handed over to it’s new owners, a young Belgian couple. They were left by the old owner with just their dog as crew and asked us if we would help them take it to their fore-and-aft mooring in the river.

However, what wind there was was, plus an ebbing tide, was pushing them on to the pontoon and boats of this design and age are notoriously uncooperative under power. A power boat was moored, unattended in front and a boats length behind were moored boats and the boat hoist dock. At first we just assumed the usual role as crew and stood around waiting to be told what to do. But it soon became apparent just how inexperienced this pair was.

The young lady on the helm appeared to want to go full power ahead and hope for the best. Marcus and I both knew that the power boat in front would become a heap of fibres if we tried that tactic. We saw three options – one was to spring off, another was to use a long line across to the next trot of boats and pull the bow off, and the other was to move the powerboat.

We suggested springing off to begin with as that involved less rope and messing about. This presented two options – springing forward and moving out astern, or springing back and moving out forwards. The first would get us further off the pontoon but then we would be putting our faith in the ability of the boat to steer backwards under power, and we all knew that a boat like this would probably make it’s own mind up as to which way it would go when motoring astern, so we decided not to risk that method.

Springing aft would be safest, but wouldn’t get us as far off the pontoon due to the shape of the boat. Sure enough the ebb tide, the wind, the long keel, the shape of the aft section of the boat and no doubt the offset engine all contrived against us. We just couldn’t get the bow to come round far enough. Oh, and the fact that the owners had clearly never sprung off before and the young girl just wouldn’t leave the engine in gear. She finally insisted that we tied the stern line tight and she put the engine in full ahead. We had no idea how that would do anything other than keep the boat on the pontoon, or pull a cleat out of it, but she seemed to think it would pull the bow out. Marcus was beginning to lose patience, albeit he is to much of a gent to show it !!

As he put it – we were here to help not give instruction to unwilling students. Finally the most sensible decision was made – to leave it until tomorrow, get the marina to stand by with a rib and try again with the tide and/or wind hopefully pushing the other way.

Sunday 24th June

On Sunday morning after a trip to the chandlery for some necessary and some unnecessary items, including a bit of “practise rope” that we bought as a bit of fun for Phil, we were again accosted to help move this enormous yacht.

This time the wind was blowing lightly off the pontoon and the marina guy had quite happily obliged with a dory. At the end of the day faced with the option of attending with a launch or the potential for several squashed yachts it is an easy decision for the marina to make.

Of course with the wind now helping the boat left the pontoon easily and safely. We then motored up to the trot of moorings to which the boat should be tied. It then transpired that the new owners didn’t actually know which mooring it was and got on the blower to the old owner.

Finally they discovered that we were to tie alongside a ketch and that lazy lines had been left for us to pick up. Unfortunately the new owners appeared to be in a bit of a hurry and rather than motor around and reconnoiter the situation they made a decision to go port alongside.

The marina guy moored his dory the other side and helped with lines and we were eventually tied up to this ketch after a bit of tug of war against an overzealous helms person. We then discovered that the lazy lines to the buoys were on the other side of the ketch. So we had to cast off and start again, this time the other way round.

Again a simple case of helping out turned into a bit of a chore and we all got covered in seaweed and wet from the lines. Eventually the marina guy, eyes rolling, ferried Marcus and I back to the marina. We were left wondering if this couple had bought the right boat for sailing two handed. These boats were built with no engine in mind, when marinas were scarce and designed to be sailed by 12 crew. But I’m sure they’ll learn about the boat’s idiosyncrasies in time.

Our plan was to leave the Dart that Sunday evening and catch the tide round Portland Bill at 1am.

We motored out of the river in a light drizzle at 1830 into a flat calm with ominous clouds once again looming.

The engine stayed on for about 4 hours until the wind started to fill in. The forecast was for NWly gales later. Later means 12 hours. We should be in Poole by then, but hopefully we’d get the beginnings of the gale and get a fair breeze behind us. We certainly did and were soon charging along at 6-7 knots. Phil seemed to be enjoying helming and ended up helming almost all the way, right through the night, and did a great job, keeping us bang on course and at a good pace. The low cloud cover at night meant we could see Portland Bill lighthouse earlier than expected, and we could even see the light from the RACON buoy marking the TSS mid channel. It was a great night sail and as the sun came up we could see Anvil point ahead.

Monday 25th June

We pretty much sailed the rest of the way by eye, back in familiar waters, hanging a left at Anvil point and rounding Old Harry to head North up to Poole Harbour against the wind, with Marcus enjoying a fast beat into the harbour.

A superb sail back, and what a first passage for Phil, logging 340 nautical miles. We pointed out that many yachts in the marina probably do less than that in a season.

Shame about the weather as Marcus Ange & Ben didn’t get to see much of Ireland due to the poor weather.

But the passages there and back were for me, great fun, in great company. Cheers Marcus.

We departed Scilly yesterday morning at 10:00 but not before going alongside the Island Packet and asking what sounded like a bizarre question to ask anyone – however I heard myself ask -“do you happen to have a Bob Johnston on board” – amazingly – “yes” came the reply and up popped Bob from below – nice to see him again. Bob runs Maritime Connection (see link on home page) out of Troon in Scotland, and after a brief chat we motored around to the north side of the islands into a gentle Atlantic swell and a light North Easterly. Once clear of the islands on our course to Ireland we hoisted sail and settled onto a close reach, gliding along at 3-4 knots in only 7 knots of breeze, the water rippling hypnotically past the hull of the boat.

We were in no rush. Ange (& Ben) don’t fly out until Friday, so we saw no reason to burn diesel and quicken the pace on this 135 mile leg. As it was the wind picked up a little and we were soon seeing speeds of 6-7 knots on the log.

It was a clear day and the sailing was easy. The sun didn’t set until almost 10pm and the stars shone brightly until the moon lit up the sky. Over night we passed the Kinsale oil fields. Night was short lived and the sky began to turn blue at 3am – but Marcus eventually saw his first satellite.

Soon we were in sight of the Head of old Kinsale, By 7.30 we were in the harbour gliding past the magnificant Charles Fort, no way would anyone in the past want to enter the harbour as a foe with that fort so strategically placed and cannon lined up across the bay.

Great to be here, especially after such great sailing. I’m heading back on an earlier flight to catch up on business whilst Marcus is very much looking forward to seeing Ange and Ben on Friday and exploring this part of Ireland.

After quick trip to Chandlery for some essential items we slipped lines and headed out of Falmouth. Wind blowing f3-4 from forecast NW. Sailing down to the lizard with the wind abeam we managed to air the spinnaker for a short while. I was a bit nervous when Marcus suggested the spinnaker but was relieved when it went up without any hitch.

Coming up astern of us was this beaut of a boat, to get some idea of scale look at the person at the foot of the main mast! Certainly a world girdling boat.

The forecast suggested the wind would go round to the north and continue on to the East sometime over the next 24 hours giving us ideal conditions for our passage north to Ireland.

As we slipped past the Lizard and turned west the wind blew stronger from the NW. We swapped the spinnaker for the genoa and gathered speed as the wind strengthened. Before long we were romping along at 7 to 8 knots, 9 over the ground.

What an amazing sail. Big grins on both our faces. We made Scilly in 9 hours averaging over 7 knots. A good blast. A great day.

Now on swinging mooring in St Mary’s Pool ( after I cocked up three times trying to get the line on the mooring) which has moorings with no pick up buoys all rather close to each other and there was a fair breeze – well that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!

Marcus and I changed roles and he picked up the mooring first time – don’t you just hate smart b*****ds ? Once secured we noticed that one of the boats on a mooring in front was the same Island Packet we saw when it was exiting Falmouth…..couldn’t see them clearly enough to check out if Bob was actually on board. Wind appears to be gradually turning east. So could be set to leave for Cork tomorrow some time. Time now for another hot bowl of Chilli and a good night sleep.