'Normal' service has been resumed

Bob says: So, it was never going to remain Med-like indefinitely and today we're very definitely back in British sailing conditions! We ummed and ahhed first thing with the wind NE and gusting to 30kts in our anchorage, but I had the theory that we were in an 'acceleration zone' that I'd read about in my Coastal Skipper course weather book. That meant it could be worse here than out in the open sea. We got a forecast from the coastguard which included a F6 and asked their advice on crossing the Minch. They aren't allowed to give sailors advice. All they can do is give the met office forecast and leave you to make the decision on go/no go. After pressing the guy to speak off the record all he would say is that the Minch can develop big seas in north easterlies. Jean was reluctant to submit ourselves to another 6-8 hour bashing sailing east into a north easterly but was eventually persuaded by me to go an have a look at 'what it's like out there'. So, we upped anchor and set off. As we got into the main channel leading out of East Loch Tarbert, the swell on the port beam increased and the gusts were still in excess of 30kts. There was no way this was going to be comfortable. We also heard Stornaway Coastguard answering a Mayday, which always adds to the dramatic tension. Still I had that look of grim determination, and anyway I'd read Coastal Skipper weather theory and just knew we'd been sitting in an acceleration zone. After a few more minutes to let me get some sense back into my head, Jean saw that my determination was faltering and said 'have we seen enough of what's its like out here?' So, the skipper was right all along (again!) and we turned around without any argument on my part. After a couple of attempts, we got a good hold on the anchor and we are now swinging around in gusts still hitting 25kts, but feeling safe!

We've decided that we won't go over the top. Partly it's the challenging tides, overfalls and rips around Pentland Firth and even through the Orkneys. Added to that are the expected deteriorating weather conditions, but also what we'd miss in the Summer Isles, Loch Alsh and the Caledonian. The Outer Hebrides and the far north of Scotland are bleak and featureless compared to the more sheltered and tree lined hills and mountains south east of here. There are also some good restaurants in those cruising areas! Incidentally a big thanks to Janene and Jules for the tip about Loch Torridon (and to everyone else who've given us ideas and advice on places to go and things to do - always appreciated, so please keep them coming). When the wind relents by the early hours of tomorrow morning and the tide is with the wind, that's where we'll be heading.

View from Bella Rosa of our relatively sheltered anchorage