Ullapool Harbour 21-10-2024 12:01
We have been in Ullapool for the past week, although we were only planned for a 4 day stay.. Luckily the harbour is very friendly and is happy for us to stay alongside to wait out the succession of low pressure area’s hitting Ireland and Scotland. The full force of Storm Ashley hit Ullapool between 23:00 to 01:00, with winds up to 64knots (33m/s or 120km/h or force 12bf)!! The BBC reports this morning that wind speeds were measured up to 80 miles per hours, which is around 129 km/h.
In Ullapool harbour the shelter from the West and South West wind is pretty good. What made it even better was the big ferry to Stornoway was in the harbour for the night and was sheltering us from the strongest gusts. Winds were hitting the ferry full force, throwing up a sea that was hard to distinguish from the rain that was filling the air. Water that was half salted sprayed in the faces of our crew as they did their rounds on the deck during the night. We set up harbor watches, 2 hours per person to make sure the lines did not break. This way at least those not on watch get a few solid hours of sleep.
We have a complete fresh crew on board since 5 days. Gijs and his crew are on a well deserved holiday, some still in Scotland or UK other straight home. This next leg will consist of me (Jet), Joel, Soete, Jasmijn and Floris.
Joel made an amazing video introducing himself a little bit as he was working in the top of the mast, getting us ready to head south, we will post that on our social media later today. Joel will be our first mate sailing South, after he sailed with us North from April to June this year. Together with a team of 3 old School at Sea students, we will pick up our guests on Tenerife, as soon as we get a break from all these low pressure area’s!
The atmosphere on board is good though. When it rains, work on charts is done and our galley gets an extra scrub, if its dry and windy, they are all out on deck working on the rigging a little, preparing our safety-nets with some new bolt ropes. Getting stuff done!
Possibly we set sail tomorrow morning, otherwise we will leave on the Thursday morning earliest, as wednesday a new low comes in, for which we may shelter on the North of Skye if we get a chance.. Otherwise, beautiful Ullapool for another few days.
All is well on board,
Jet
