Set off from Tobermory for Armadale Bay on Skye at 08.30 in hazy sunshine and a light sailing breeze. The main was hoisted on the mooring and we sailed off heading out to round the infamous Ardnamurchan point.

Ardnamurchan Point

The wind angle and speed were just right for the Cruising Shute – which until now Joe has been sharing a bunk with – so out it came and was soon hosted. Our speed improved and all looked well. Ten minutes later the wind went forward and we had to use the jib instead.

The wind did return but we were now close hauled so the Shute retired back to Joe’s bunk. A further hour of sailing was had and after that we had to motor sail. There was still 25nm to go and a tide turning against us at 14:00.

The islands of Muck and Eigg appeared out of the haze and as we approached there was a fine view of Eigg with An Sgurr, a very distinctive mountain formed by a volcanic plug, which makes Eigg so recognisable.

Eigg with the distinctive An Sgurr

Behind Eigg is Rhum, a much bigger island, but it was enveloped in sea fog. The fog followed us for the rest of the trip but did not catch us up.

As we approached our destination – Armandale Bay on the south east side of the Isle of Skye – a large school dolphins appeared and performed for about 20 minutes. Leaping clear of the water as they fed.

We are now in Armadale Bay on a mooring buoy. The ferry from Mallaig runs back and forth providing entertainment as it turns around not far from where we are moored.

Tomorrow we plan to be off through the Kyle Rhea, under the Skye bridge and then to Plockton – a picturesque little town on the mainland.

Todays Passage details

Tobermory to Armadale Bay: 35nm / 7 hrs

Sailed 2 hrs / motored 5 hrs

Total distance run since start: 691nm

 

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