Previously I have crossed the Firth (the largest stretch of open UK water) in 2 separate day's sailing, traveling south first to Whitehills then east to Peterhead negotiating Rattray Head a dangerous headland with shallow reefs causing turbulence in the strong tidal stream particularly when the tide is against the winds. By plotting a course from Wick to Peterhead, southeast one can save 20 miles and approach Peterhead with enough offing not to be exposed to the turbulence of Rattray Head.
We agreed this strategy knowing this would be a strenuous test of endurance. Predicted weather conditions were good with excellent visibility and a force 3 to 4 north east wind, sea state slight to moderate. We had to time our arrival at Rattray Head so as not to arrive before 9,30 pm.
And so it was, a long day in the sea and wind; watching the cliffs of Wick slowly diminish hour upon hour, visible for 30 miles, the huge Highland peaks behind them seemingly never fading, still discernible at 50 miles as the headland ahead agonisingly changed from a smudge to a growing land mass. In such a space with visibility for near on 70 miles ones progress is snail like and painful, seemingly not to change by the minute and barely by the hour.
A journey of 82 miles taking 141/2 hours requires a special endurance, so arriving at 0145 we were elated, cold and exhausted, delayed briefly for a supply ship to enter the harbour ahead of us
Day 23
After a dead like sleep and hot shower, revived we exited the bustling port filled with strange gigantic craft servicing the off shore oil and gas industry. Turning south now hugging the rugged coastline of Aberdeenshire and Angus, easy navigation minding the many lobster pots watching the slowly changing sequence of villages, ruined castles, small harbours and cliffs with speeding east coast rail and road above the mirror like sea.
So to Stonehaven again that delightful harbour and town
Inching our way home.
Well done. You might not have thought about this Lester, and you may not even want to know, but it's been good growing weather, if quite dry, while you have been away. The soft fruit is doing well, as are the roses especially, so you might have lots of lovely gardening to look forward to.
ReplyDeletealso david's beard growing nicely x
ReplyDelete...there's not much nice about those beards.
ReplyDelete