Weather forecast what can you do… Southerly´s the whole week long. In this case we couldn’t find a better one. 3000 ltr of diesel was going to help us out. Poor Vladimir was in for a long ride. Luckily he has a great sense of humour and took it in his stride
We left Ullapool after saying our goodbyes and thanked the harbourmaster for all his help. It is a great place to hail from, with the Hebrides and St Kilda with in a day’s sailing. Kevin told us we would be welcome again next year and this is exactly what we are planning to do. Thank you Ullapool see you soon!
There was no way around it, 40 miles a day under engine. Better make the best of it! First stop was Baddachro, a lovely little place just North of the Sound of Raasay. We dropped anchor for the night and enjoyed the view. Next morning we caught the tide south and made for the Skye Bridge. The Southerly´s did not stop us but slowed us down considerably!!! No honour to be gained tacking down the sound, just full ahead on the Scania. Approaching the bridge we could bear of a few points. After checking the height one last time we turned off the engine and sailed under it and past it. Ahead lay Kyle Rhea, a narrow passage that separates Skye from the main land. Currents are known to reach 7 knots at spring tide. We were early and head no current at all… This did not spoil the views of the slopes and hills on port and starboard side! Awesome! That night we anchored at Isleornsay Harbour. A nice gem hidden away in the Sound of Sleat.
Next stop Tobermory. Departing early we left the Small Isles to starboard at noon and creeped around Ardnamurchan point after lunch. We dropped anchor at Tobermory Bay and had a good look at the picturesque and colourful village. Next morning we left for Oban with the wind on the nose… The scenic passage through the sound of Mull brought us at the bay of Oban where we dropped anchor in the lee of Kerrera Island. 
All these head winds did not put a dent in our mood. How could it in such a place. There´s mountains to look at and wild life to spot! The food is terrific especially the sea food. And of course the many types of whiskeys, for every tast one.
Next stop Jurra, through the Sound of Luing. 10 knots in the narrows, nice. We needed that because we had some miles to make. We passed Lunga and Scarba and flew into the Golf of Corryvreckan. Close under the lee of Jura we spotted deer grazing. A beautiful and rough place. Soon we were stopped by the current and a nasty chop. We pulled into Craighouse and had the luxury of a berth in front of the Jurra Hotel and Distillery.
Next morning departure at 0300… 65 miles ahead and we needed to make the tide at the Mull of Kintyre! No wind is better than head winds. We made the tide and reached 11 knots. We past the Maidens with a favourable current and soon made it to Belfast Lough. Good memories of 2009 when Belfast hosted the Tall Ships as the end port of the Trans-Atlantic. And here we are in York dock waiting for the festival to kick off. A great summer ahead of us with new ports to visit with new and old friends!
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