Lossiemouth to Oban Sailing Trip 2

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Up at 0500 ready to depart by 0600 whilst we still have enough water under the keel. Bright sunny morning, no wind.....we were not expecting this. motor sailing to keep to 6.0 knots so we achieve our correct time at John o Groats to meet the tide which will push us through to Pentland Firth. We split into two watches, Im on the second watch so its off back to my bunk for a nap. On watch 1000 till 1300, a bit of a chop building but quite uneventful. Back to my bunk after our watch, not too sure about seasickness so I took a pill to be on the safe side. Woke up an hour later being bounced around, it was like being in a washing machine! Didnt get any more sleep but not feeling sick which is a bonus....a big bonus. Sandwiches for lunch as its too rough to have hot stuff on the go. When we turned into the Pentland Firth it got really rough - we need to punch on until the tide turns, we will then get progress as the tide pushes us through. Wind speeds generally 50 to 55 knots with gusts showing on the instruments reaching 60 knots. Unbelievable seas, we are bobbing about like a cork, boat seems to be handling the conditions OK. We have a very experienced skipper so its more exhilarating than frightening. two reefs in the main, no jib and the motor on helping us. Disaster!!!!! we have blown out the main, reefing line has snapped, sail flapped then ripped. Sail tied in and we are now on engine only.
As we get into the Orkney Isles the seas are not as big but the wind strength is increasing, now 55 to 60 knots and gusts recorded at 69 knots which is storm force 11. Finally got into Stromness at 2030 a bit cold and very wet - one hell of a trip. 106 miles in 14.5 hours. Rigged the lines in preparation for the coming storm, doubling up on lines and springs as its due to get a bit worse. Facilities in Stromness are excellent, showers, washing machine and tumble dryer in the new terminal building. Put my clothes in the tumble dryer for 10 minutes so now Im warm and damp. A quick meal of chicken, pasta and pesto to warm us up and now off to the pub before it closes. The boat is bobbing up and down a bit even tied to the pontoon. I hope Im not seasick while still tied up! Slept well........