This is the 'blog' page for Doucier.

Saturday 18th July

Our last day, we set of about 9:30. There was a little tide (0.5knots) against us and with a forecast of force 7 winds we put two reefs in the main only to shake these out shortly as the winds were more like a force 4. With the winds from the North West it was an easy fine reach to Largs and the end of our holiday though we did round the day off with some excellent scallops in the Bosun's Table restaurant at Largs.

Friday 17th July

The forecast was for 5 to 7 from the North which we though would be good for going round the Mull of Kintyre. The winds were less than predicted initially nad we had to motor sail most of the way from Islay to the Mull but once round the Mull the winds increased from the North North West giving us a good sail from Sanda over to Array then close hauled heading North up the coast of Arran towards Lamlash where we picked up a mooring buoy for our last night away from Largs.

Thursday 16th July

We left about 10 to catch a good tde through the Sound of Islay heading for Ardbeg or Lagavulin. Very little wind so had to motor sail all the way. We approached the entrance to Lagavulin then turned towards Ardbeg. Lots of rathjer fierce looking rocks in this area so we took it very slowly but eventually made it to the Ardbeg anchorage. This anchorage seemed very shallow (less than 3m at low water) and the mooring buoys mentioned in one of the pilots were not to be seen. So having notice a free mooring buoy at Lagavulin we retraced our steps and entered Lagavulin which has a very narrow entrance between the rocks. Went ashore to visit Distillary, bough bottle of very nice whisky, spent evening on boat drinking said whisky.

The figure below shows our track as we entered Ardbeg and Lagavulin. As can be seen there a one or two rock to be avoided but it was well worth the effort.

Thursday 16th July

Took the dinghy in to the inner loch though the narrow passage that leads almost through to the East side of Jura.

Tuesday 14th July

Went for a walk on the beach.

Monday 13th July

Early start from Pulldobhrain we initially motored and then sailed to the Garvellachs. There was still a slight swell but we managed to anchor in Eileach na Naoimh and to go ashore to visit the monastic remains and in particular the 7th century Beehive hut that is still partially standing. It is amazing to consider that this dwelling dates from the time of St Columba. We then set off for West Loch Tarbert. The winds gradually built from the South and we had a excellent close hauled sail down the North Western side of Jura with over a knot of tide with us for most of the trip and some excellent sights of the raised beaches so common on Jura. after tacking in to Loch Tarbert we dropped the sails by Glenbatrick Bay then motored in following the leading marks to anchor in Cuan Mor Bay.

Sunday 12th July

The strong winds forecast 8 & 9 either did not materialise or we slept through them on Saturday night so on Sunday we set off from Tobermory at 12:30 heading down the Sound of Mull for Pulladobhrain. After some variable winds we had a good sail down the sound and a slight beat to gain Pulladobhrain.

Saturday 11th July

Hired car for the day and toured around Mull, in the afternoon we met up with the forest ranger who took us to see the Sea Eagle. We were rewarded with a superb sighting of it soaring around it's nest.

Friday 10th July

Finally left Arisaig heading for Tobermory as there are some strong winds forecast. Managed to sail most of the way except for the last part approaching Tobermory where we managed to berth along side.

Wed/Thu 8th and 9th July

Stayed in Arisaig and sorted out problem with bateries (by buying new ones).

Tuesday 7th July

After some debate we decided to stay another day on Arisaig and probably just as well as the winds steadly increased to between 25 and 30 knots. The holding is excellent at Arisaig so we have had no problem with the anchore.

Monday 6th July

Decided to stay at Arisaig today and hire a car for a bit of sightseeing. Went into Fort William for our shopping, saw the Fort William to Mallaig steam train and finished the day off with a seafood meal at the Cornerstone restaurant in Mallaig. Between us we had Langostines, Scallops and Lobster.

Sunday 5th July 2009

Left Canna in the morning and headed for Arisaig. Sailed most of the way and as usual on this hoilday the wind seems to die in the afternoons so we had to motor the last hour, but we were treated to a sight of 2 whales, one of which was only about 20 metres from the boat. It was a wonderful sight.

Anchored in Arisaig where there seems to be no weed and lots of thick mud so very secure. As we were anchoring the wind changed direction from a SSE to North in the space of a few minutes!

Saturday 4th July 2009

Stayed in anchored in Canna Harbour for the day. Went for a walk around the bay. it was very hot but the scenery is magnificent.

Friday 3rd July 2009

Soay to Canna. Except for the last 30 minutes we had to motor most of the way. Canna was very busy with about 15 yachts anchored in Canna harbour. As is usual in Canna the holding there is very poor with the seabed mostly covered in weed but we managed to dig the anchor in and stay secure for two nights with a max wind speed of 20knots. When we pulled the anchor up it was covered in weed, mud and what looked like fishing netting.

Thursday 2nd July 2009

Conditions are still very settled with forecasts of variable 3 or 4 we opted for a short trip from Scavaig to Soay Harbour. We entered about 1.5 hours before high water with about 0.4m below the keel. The following morning we took the dinghy ashore and found the path that passes through the woods to the South side of Soay. We tried this the previous afternoon but were beaten back by the flies (the type that bite), this morning they weren't too bad but we still were bitten and suffered for the next couple of days.

Wednesday 1st July

Loch Scavaig is a fantastic anchorage set amongst the Coolins which tower high above over the anchorage. In the morning we took the dinghy ashore and walked to Loch Coruisk, a fresh water loch with a fast flowing outlet to the sea.

Tuesday 30th June

After a bit of shopping and washing we set off at about 15:00 for Loch Scavaig on the southern side of Skye, about 20miles away. Initially the wind was steady 12 to 15 knots inside Arisaig so we were looking forward to a good sail. However as soon as we were clear of the entrance to Adrisaig and hosted our sails the wind dropped to 5 knots and stayed there for the remainder of the day, so we motored all the way. On the way we saw some Dolphins in the distance leaping out of the water.

We arrived at Scavaig about 19:30.

Monday 29th June

Today we departed Soriby Bay on Ulva heading North round Ardnamurchan to Arisaig where we plan to re-fuel, re water and re stock with provisions.We had a great sail but the wind backed to the North East as we rounded Ardnamurchan so we had a long series of tacks to gain the entrance to Arisaig Harbour.

Sunday 28th June

Stayed at Soriby Bay for the day and went round in out dinghy to the ferry between Ulva and Mull where there is a small restaurant on the Ulva side called the Boathouse Visitor centre. After a short walk on Ulva we had lunch of fresh scallops.

Up to Saturday 27th June 2009

We are at the end of our first week of a four week sailing trip around the West Coast of Scotland. We started from our home port of Largs to Lamlash and on from there to Campbeltown. On both days we had winds from the direction we wanted to go spennding two days beating against the wind but the weather was fine and we both enjoyed an excellent sail. By chance we passed close by 'Fascinating Rythm' between Lamlash and Campbeltown.

From Campbeltown we went round the Mull, in thick fog, to the Ardmore Islands on Islay where we had a most peacful night. West Loch Tarbert on Jura was the next stop then on to Bunessan on Mull. finally to Soriby bay on Ulva for Saturday night.

Picture below shows our track foir Saturday.