Page 37 - QARANC The Gazette Spring 2023

Balamory). It was an early start to make the most of the tide. The wind was kind to us for the first few hours, but then it dropped off requiring the engine for the remining 10nm into harbour. On arrival we did the required boat jobs and then had some lunch on board. The rest of the day gave the crew opportunity to discover the picture postcard town, prior to treating ourselves to a meal at a local seafood restaurant.
Our journey to Kentallen the next day involved a passage up Loch Linnhe. The views on route were breath-taking and included sights of Ben Nevis. The plan for the evening was to hook up to a mooring buoy of a local hotel and use their facilities prior to watching the Women’s Euro Final.
The passage took slightly longer than planned but as we were close to land Cpl Simpson managed to get a good enough signal on his phone to watch the start of game on deck. Luckily, we were moored up and on dry land to watch the second half.
On our final morning, we had breakfast on deck with Ben Nevis in the background. This was prior to getting the yacht ready for our final sail to the marina near Oban. On route back down Loch Linnhe we had the weather on our side, and we took turns helming whilst practicing ‘overboard drills’ under sail. This is a skill that you need to be aware of but hope that you will never need to put in place for real.
We continued to the marina and moored up for the final time. We got the boat cleaned and ready for handover to the next crew prior to the heavens
Overall, the trip was great for Unit cohesion and pushing people out of their comfort zones. All onboard had a positive experience
opening and the wind picking up. Looking at the forecast this was how it was to stay for the following week, good luck to the next crew!
No sailing trip would be complete without someone having sea sickness. Although there were a few of the crew that did suffer at varying points throughout the trip they did not let that put them off wanting to get more experience on a yacht. Overall, the trip was great for Unit cohesion and pushing people out of their comfort zones. All onboard had a positive experience and would highly recommend others getting experience of offshore sailing.
W01 Caroline Olive JHG(N) Catterick Garrison
The Gazette QARANC Association 37