Sunday, 12 May, Ornsay to Mallaig

Gwynne and Tracy have a train booked from Mallaig at 06:00 on Monday morning but as we were only 10 miles or so from Mallaig, it was not too far to go. The wind was pretty much blowing up the Sound so we tacked towards Mallaig and then under a squall had a great lift on port tack that allowed us to nearly head directly to our waypoint. The wind was so strong at times, we put a reef in the mainsail but we were still doing nearly 7 knots through the water. It didn’t last unfortunately and as we approached Mallaig the wind died away to nothing. We then motored the last 2 miles. Anne called ahead and Kenny, one of the harbourmasters, was waiting on the pontoons to take our lines when we arrived and we soon had everything tidied away.

Then it was time for a walk into town to show Gwynne and Tracy that the station was not far away. The Jacobite Steam Train was in the station and Richard had already been told off by the lady in the harbourmaster’s office for calling it the Harry Potter train. However, judging by the people dressed up as Harry Potter this was probably a more accurate description!!!

Jacobite Steam Train in Mallaig

After a bit of an explore in town and a great lunch at one of the bars, we decided a walk was in order. A circular route was recommended and we set off in darkening skies. It did rain and it was cold and windy at times but it was a great hike, if a little more strenuous than anticipated!!

Intrepid hikers

After showers we were invited by Jerry and Sue onto the yacht next door, a very nice Oyster 45. Then Gwynne and Tracy finished their packing and we ate supper onboard reflecting on some great sailing and places visited over the last week.

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