EASTER CRUISE 2016
Some 22 Penguins made the journey up to the wonderful Island of Skye for our customary Easter cruise. Julie had organised some four yachts to charter and coerced commodore, skippers and someone “high up” to provide a truly memorable week in the Hebrides.
The weather was fabulous - champagne sailing - no rain (some hail and snow - as it was April in the far North of Scotland!) - the fleet managed to reach Loch Maddy in the Outer Hebrides as the furthermost point North (North Uist) and enjoyed stunning scenery (Loch Scavaig to name one location). Winds were mainly North-Easterly F4-7.
The yachts rafted up in Loch Hourn on the penultimate night for a Burn’s Night supper and virtuoso guitar serenades - courtesy of one of Julie’s sponsored crew - Josh. Last night was spent in windy Mallaig (new marina - whose showers only opened on the day after the Penguins left!) where all crew went to the Chlachain Inn and managed to scoff the pub’s entire supply of scallops!
The fleet in Canna Harbour
It was not all “plain sailing” however - one yacht (who shall remain nameless) was known as the plague ship - 4 out of the 5 crew succumbing to a nasty stomach bug that took a good 24 hours to clear . . .
The inevitable challenges of sailing were overcome whilst enjoying some 260 nautical miles of travel: anchor winch failure, throttle controls going faulty, roller reefing of a genoa jamming and a few sundry items “leaping overboard” all by themselves!
Some of the crew’s comments:
“The day out of Canna was the best day of sailing that I have ever had.”
“My first outing to the Western Isles was certainly one to remember.”
“Many thanks for such a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable week aboard with you all, visiting magical places and seemingly always with the majestic backdrop of the Cuillins"
“Just the best adventure! What a fantastic week - so many contrasts and the full majesty of mother nature all in a few days!”
 Finn off Rum |
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Janet McArthur off Loch Slapin |
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Josh entertains the cruise |
