(route http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/105359)
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| Across the Moray Firth |
Friday was a magical day. Few people can be lucky enough to sail across the Moray Firth from Whitehills to Wick in such perfect conditions: broad reaching in F4 over a deserted sea (just a glimpse of Beatrice Field oil rigs softened in the mist), sparkling waves in bright sunshine and a warm welcome in Wick from fellow Scottish sailors - 50 miles in just over 8 hours, 'Misty' at her best.
Yesterday morning, Saturday, passed quickly. It included Wick's Heritage Museum (highly recommended; and I've seen a lot of local museums!), before heading north again.
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| South of Duncansby Head |
If you read too much about sailing in the Pentland Firth, it's quite scary! Almanac and charts paint the picture, "...potentially dangerous...tidal flows reach 12 knots...18knots reported...strong eddies and violent seas should be avoided by yachts at all costs...". I followed instructions, had quite a calm sea and more-or-less correct timing. Even so, the eddies, swirls, turbulence and overfalls are impressive and unnerving. It's not a place for 'messing about in boats'. Entering Scapa Flow, you feel calm and order returning; after all, this was the base for huge fleets of warships in the two World Wars.
Now, at anchor off St Margaret's Hope (big name for such a wee place!) in the shelter of a bay in Scapa Flow, it is so intensely tranquil that you'd want to whisper rather than disturb the peace.
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| Hoxa Head, Scapa Flow |
The Orkney Islands is an area unknown to me until I looked at the chart., but I can see I'll stay a while. it's extensive and proudly beautiful in the morning sun. There are lots of islands and sheltered anchorages, plus it's time for walking, naval history lessons and boat work. The islands have lovely names: now between South Ronaldsay and Burray, then there's Hoy, Mainland, Rousay, Shapinsay and more!
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| St Margaret's Hope |
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