June 9 – Lochinver to Kinlochbervie
By Joe Barrett | June 9, 2012
A still morning saw us leaving Lochinver for Kinlochbervie at 09:00. We were catching the tide up and around the The Point of Stoer and the famous ‘Old man of Stoer’ sea-stack.
The forecast was again NE F5/6 but with no sign of it then. As we sailed up towards Stoerhead the wind picked up and we were cracking along under full main at 7knots.
Bella Rosa alongside just before The Point of Stoer
Bella Rosa ( a HR37) who we have met a number of times during the trip – was fast coming up behind us. We decide a race was on so we trimmed the sails and all sat on the rail. Great fun if not exactly cruising!
Andrew and David hiking it out
After rounding the The Point of Stoer the sea built up and the wind increased. Moving further out to sea and then tacking back into the land soon has us in a more comfortable sea.
We then tacked up the coast passed the big sea cliffs of Handa island and then on into Loch Inchard. Kinlochbervie is tucked up on the top left hand side of the loch and provides complete shelter. We were told to expect a crowded pontoon but as it happened there were few yachts there; they must have all rounded Cape Wrath earlier today.
The weather forecast (NE F3/4) is good tomorrow for rounding Cape Wrath and going on to either Scrabster (mainland) or the Orkanys. We are leaving at 06:00 tomorrow morning.
Progress report tomorrow ( Sunday) evening. Bedtime now!
Today’s passage stats
Lochinver to Kinlochbervie: 30 nm / 7 hours
Sailed 5 hours
2 Comments
Dick and Jean on June 10, 2012 at 11:21 am.
Hi Joe (and crew). Good to see you are still managing to make it along the Scottish coast. Looking at the pictures I am glad that it’s you out there and not me. I like a pint of beer to stay where it is on the table – not to be chasing it around the cabin. Let’s hope you get a pleasant F3-ish when you round the northern tip of Scotland. Best wishes to all, Jean and Dick
joebarrett on June 10, 2012 at 11:12 pm.
Just arrived in Sromness in the Orkanys after a 14 hours passage. Saw a whale and lots of dolphins. This is the most northerly point. On our way home after this.
Joe