Again set off early to catch the tide through the Sound of Islay with the intention of reaching Port Ellen towards the south of Islay. We set off in no wind steering through the rocks and then the wind annoyingly came up from directly ahead as we we entered the Sound of Islay. In fairness the forecast was for variable cyclonic conditions so it was impossible to predict where the wind might come from. Then it started to pour with rain and the visibility reduced to a quarter of a mile or so. We took the mainsail down as it wasn’t helping and once caught by the tide there was no going back!! At one time we were doing 10.1 knots over the ground and less than 5 knots through the water, so over 5 knots of current. We passed lots of famous distilleries that we could just about make out on the Islay shore, but it was a bit of a scary ride, the visibility being so bad.
As the Sound of Isaly opened out into the Sound of Jura there were big standing waves like in the Alderney Race, so it was not definitely not very nice. Anne suggested we bail out and, although it would be against the tide, head 5 miles north to Craighouse, the main town on Jura. No disagreement from Richard as it would have been a long hard slog against the wind to Port Ellen. As it was with the genoa pulling us along and the engine ticking over we made good time to Craighouse and soon picked up a mooring buoy. The magic boat hook again coming in useful.
After a cleaning all the mud off the foredeck after retrieving the anchor this morning, we inflated the dinghy and had a run ashore. Visited the art gallery and did some shopping. Had tea and cake and retired back to the boat for a nice supper. The forecast is not good for tomorrow, so we will probably stay another day.
