2024 June 20th Day 83, Loch Aline to Eilean Dubh

As noted in the previous post there were two options, both of which were going to need the engine due to headwinds, initially light but increasing. I decided to try for the Sound of Jura as the strong tides through there would get me furthest and potentially set up an earlier crossing of the north channel but, even starting at 03:20, with my speed reduced from 6 to 5 knots by all of the crud on the hull, it was still tight to get through the strongest currents before they turned adverse.

It was all daylight sailing, even with overcast skies I could easily see the length of the Loch, it being Scotland on the longest day, a day early this year.

Duart Castle at 05:15.

However there was a good fall back if early progress was slow with the unpredictable tides of the area, If I was not at a way point NW of Insh Island by 07:15 I could revert to "plan B" and carry on down the Firth to Loch Tarbert.

I made it with 25 minutes in hand after cutting a few corners in the good visibility and went down the Sound of Jura.

The tide changed a bit early (not unusual) and had not been as strong as hoped for, so I gave up on Gigha and went to the good anchorage as Eilean Dubh, the last sensible anchorage before Gigha, at yet another place called Sandaig Bay, that I had used in 2021.

Approaching over falls with escort.

Making 10 knots over the ground with the help of 5.5

knots of tide, occasionally more.

Playful Dolphin

With southerly winds sometime light and sometimes strong it was unclear what to do next, most likely a couple of nights at anchor or perhaps a dash to Gigha next day to get another 20 miles under my belt. I decided to not set an alarm to catch up on some sleep and to make the decision in the morning.

Eilean Dubh anchorage.

37 miles in seven and a half hours.

Lots of videos, most with dolphins.

Click here for Gigha.