Leaving Burravoe

Today’s forecast was much nicer and looked good for a gentle sail to Out Skerries, the most easterly point of Scotland. It wouldn’t put strain on Alison’s elbow if we were careful and I kept her away from ropes.

It’s only 12 nm so we weren’t in a hurry. We got Robinetta and Worm ready to go and popped to the shop and I showered and washed up in the excellent facilities.

Approaching Out Skerries

We warmed up the engine and I untied most of the ropes and Alison let the wind slide Robinetta out of the berth. That wasn’t quite enough and we were in danger of getting blown onto the fence so I took the helm and used the engine to get her head round; luckily the bowsprit had cleared the fishing boat next to us.

We motored into the voe and pottered about getting the sails up and had a lovely beam to fine reach into the bay. Then the wind died.

We didn’t get another decent sailing breeze all the way to Out Skerries.

We came in the recommended North East Channel and tied up on the ferry pier. The spot a yacht is shown in the CCC pilot was full of big ropes, so we slid back to the shore end. There is plenty of depth there by the pier, but not on any approach to it, so sliding back on ropes is the best option.

The visiting yacht facilities and the ferry waiting room are both operated by the council. This means there is a shower and toilets and a lounge with tea and coffee. It’s excellent.

We went for two walks, one in the afternoon along the roads and another in the evening up to the Bruray Wart viewpoint and along to the trig point and back. This walk overlooks the airstrip.

We met a few locals and visitors along the way, but it’s a very quiet place. The sheltered natural harbour in the middle of three islands is unusual, at least in our experience, and very scenic. We like it here.