Back to Holy Loch

We rowed out to Robinetta at 14:25, 2 hours before high water. Any earlier on the tide means a longer carry to get Worm to the water down the pebbly beach, which I like to avoid if possible. Once aboard it took us half an hour to get Robinetta ready to cast off her mooring. This is only our second trip out this year and we are not in practice yet. The wind was strong enough to feel cold, but we had sunshine, and the cabin felt snug and warm as I stowed our bags.

We bent on the no.1 jib, and once we were through the Rhu narrows Julian raised the main sail. I almost immediately asked for a small reef, which duly went in and we sailed off as close to the wind as we could get. This took us out of the Gareloch towards the Sugar Boat.

We were well heeled over, and I noticed that the diesel tank vent began to leak diesel. Once I shut off the diesel valve the leak stopped. I put the kettle on for a much needed cup of tea, while Julian helmed.

By the time we had drunk our tea we were close to the Sugar Boat, so we tacked and set off down the Clyde. There were dark clouds ahead, so I went below and put on my salopettes and sailing jacket. When I took the helm to let Julian do the same Robinetta’s helm felt heavy, and I asked |Julian for a little more reef. We did not need to tack again before reaching Holy Loch, but we shortened sail a few times, ending up with a fully reefed main and staysail as we passed Kilcreggan. The waves were building, but we were sailing across them, not into them, so Robinetta took them in her stride This sail configuration was giving us a steady 3 knots, with no stress even in the gusts.

By the time we were crossing the entrance to Loch Long Julian wanted the jib out again, and we had an exhilarating sail above 5 knots into Holy Loch, rolling across the short chop.

As we reached the shelter of Holy Loch the waves flattened, and the wind moved round and fell lighter, so we were very broad reaching towards our destination. We shook out all the reef, and sailed on for another ten minutes until it was time to get the sails down and stowed. We were tied up at Holy Loch Marina by 18:20 after a lovely sail.

We had come to Holy Loch to let Julian walk to his Gaelic conversation class tomorrow. Not the fastest way to get there, but definitely the most fun.