A loch is basically a corridor between more or less high mountains. Inside this corridor, the wind can be accelerated or diminished. In addition, its direction can be changed. It felt completely erratic at first. After learning how to manage longer passages, we now had to anticipate frequent changes and constantly make adjustments to sail settings.
Lochranza
Taking advantage of a sunny day, we paid Arran Island a second visit: we picked up a mooring in Lochranza, a U shaped loch located on the island’s north side. We took a walk and appreciated the scenic mountains as well as the ruins of the castle. Red deer live in this area and we could see them from the boat.
There was an additional reason to visit Lochranza: the distillery of Arran. It produces an award winning light and aromatic single malt whisky that we appreciated a lot.
Loch Fyne – Portavadie
On the following day, we had a sporty sail up loch Fyne to Portavadie. The winds were light and completely disppeared after entering the loch. We started the engine to finish the journey, when we felt that the wind was picking up. The exhilarating feeling of making good speed is just one minute away from needing to reduce sails because we were overpowered. Wind gusts at 25-30 knots were not ideal for maneuvering in a marina. Fortunately, the access to the visitor pontoon was straightforward in Portavadie.
For the next 3 days, strong winds were forecasted and we decided to stay in the protected marina. Portavadie is a resort in the beautiful countryside of Argyll. It has a spa with heated exterior infinity pool which we had to try out: very relaxing. Despite wind and rain showers, we geared up and went for a walk along the coast.
Near Portavadie, we noticed one of the sites of the Scottish Salmon Company which produces high quality Atlantic salmon.
Tarbert
On the other side of Loch Fyne lies the fishing village of Tarbert. Our friends Elaine and Fred from ScentStone were docked there. While the winds were still gusting at 30 knots, we took the ferry to visit this charming town and take a walk on a green carpet path.
Cumbrae Island – Millport
Next week, our daughter Romaine arrives in Glasgow to join us. We are looking forward to having her on board and sharing the journey with her. On our way, we stopped on Cumbrae Island and anchored in Millport. The sunset, which is now close to 10 pm, offered spectacular views.
4 replies on “Figuring out sailing in lochs”
Tellement contente de savoir que Romaine va aller vous rejoindre! Les paysages en Ecosse sont fabuleux!
De magnifiques images de votre périple. Et faites un gros bisou à Fifille de notre part ! Nos paysages sont moins verdoyants ici à Tenerife, mais nous avons aussi notre part d’océan 😍
Profitez bien et bonne réception de Romaine 😘😘😘
Excellent, le voyage continue de bien belle façon.
Santé au capitaine.
Et bonnes retrouvailles avec Fifille, profitez de ces moments précieux en famille !
Merci Laurent. Notre capitaine doit maintenant faire preuve d’agilité pour négocier les écluses du canal calédonien lorsque le vent s’amuse à pousser le bateau.