Northward Progress proves impossible

 The weather looked problematic, but we thought we had a window to get as far north as Tobermory. Julian rigged a temporary port topping lift using the spare halyard then we went shopping and had lunch before leaving the marina just after 2pm.

Our aim was to get past Lismore and into the Sound of Mull once the tide was in our favour around 3pm.

Unfortunatey we did not get that far. The South West 4-6 in the forecast turned out to be a solid 6, and only 20 minutes after raising the fully reefed main sail we decided to bring it down again. Just after we lowered it, and before Julian could get a sail tie on the boom and gaff dropped lower:- the starboard topping lift had failed in a similar way to the port one yesterday.

Julian's jury rigged topping lift meant that the boom did not drop onto my head. however the laxy jack lines need noth topping lifts in place to work, so the just lowered sail was flopping all over the place. Julian managed to get it under control using sail ties but the swell made it very stressful.

We saw another gaffer coming towards us past Lismore. With sails on 2 masts, and setting 2 jibs she seemed overcanvassed to us, but showed the sea state in the Sound of Mull must be flatter than where we were. We thought this was was likely to be the Brixham trawler Provident, who runs charters in the area, but could not be sure. After passing us she went head to wind to lower her sails close in to Kerrera, but that island could not provide any shelter and she had problems staying head to wind while her sails were lowered, just like Robinetta!

Consulting our chart plotter we saw that we were making under 2 knots, and would be in the rough seas for at least another hour before reaching Lismore. Given the gear failure and the swell conditions we decided to turn back to Oban.

Our speed doubled immediately, and 40 minutes later we were moored up on the fuel dock at Kerrera Marina, We took 16 litres of fuel, then went to berth C11, being told we would need to move in the morning. Luckily the marina soon found us a berth we could stay in for longer and we moved Robinetta and Worm there there before heading up to the bar for a drink.

We met Douglas Cook on the pontoon and learnt that he is now employed there full time. Later, in the bar, we discovered that he is the nephew of an old University friend of ours. It is a small world.

We retired to Robinetta for dinner after our drink, and discussed what to do next. The sea state does not look like it will get better for several days, and we need to be at home by Wednesday ready to attend my Father's funeral on Thursday. The only sensible thing to do is head home, so we decided to leave Robinetta here for a week.