Page 36 - QARANC Vol 20 No 3 2023

36 The Gazette QARANC Association
JHG(N):
‘Breakfast on deck with a view of Ben Nevis’
After the success of two legs of Ex HIGHLAND EXPRESS in 2021 the unit secured another leg in 2022. Our sailing officer, Lt Porthouse, worked her magic and secured an appropriately qualified skipper and first mate from external units. There was no shortage of volunteers to fill the four spaces available for Unit personnel.
The crew were Cpl S Green (RAMC), Cpl R Holder, Cpl D Simpson and myself (all QARANC). Although I have logged many miles previously this was my first sailing on tidal water for years and my first time sailing in Scotland. The other three were total novices and until the day of arrival in Oban had not stepped foot on a yacht.
Following a briefing with the skipper and mate, tasks were assigned which included victualing the yacht for the week, getting the kit prepared and the yacht ready for setting sail. Once the skipper was content, we slipped the lines set off toward our first destination, Lochaline. Sails were hoisted and the passage was a smooth one, which meant it was a great opportunity for the crew to start to learn the skills required to sail the yacht safely.
The next morning the crew were up and had time for personal admin/PT prior to being ready for a long passage in two legs. From Lochaline we headed to Eileanmor (Isle of Coll), the 30 nautical mile(nm) sail gave crew opportunity to try out the skills they had learnt the previous day. From never stepping foot on a yacht to helming it within 24 hours, shows not only how good the skipper and mates coaching was, but also the dedication of the crew to go out of their comfort zone and try new things.
Eileanmor was a beautiful cove where we dropped anchor while we waited for the wind and tide to be in our favour for an overnight passage. After lunch at anchor and an opportunity for swimming, we inflated
From never stepping foot on a yacht
to helming
it within 24 hours, shows not only
how good the skipper and mates coaching was, but also the dedication of the crew to go out of their comfort zone and try new things
the dingy and took the opportunity to explore the golden beach in the cove. Once the tide was right, we lifted the anchor and set sail to Castlebay (Isle of Barra).
Although the tide was in our favour the wind was not, to the point where we needed to use the engine for the whole passage. As it was to be an overnight passage the plan was to split into watches, meaning one watch would be on deck whilst the other was down below resting. With clear dark skies and not much sign of other nautical traffic there was little to use to navigate from. That said, the views at sunset and sunrise were amazing, this was also the first of several occasions that dolphins came and swam alongside us.
Shortly after sunrise we arrived off Vatersay and dropped anchor in the cove, whilst we waited for the tide to be right for us to get into Castlebay Marina. Once there we had the day to re-victual the supplies needed for the next leg and do any personal admin, sightseeing and PT.
The next day was an early start where we headed to the Isle of Canna. The wind was in our favour, we had a good sail and the crew worked well together to ensure we continued in the right direction despite the gusts as we rounded the island.
At Canna we picked up a mooring buoy and that was to be our home for the evening. Once the yacht was squared away, we inflated the dingy and we had the opportunity to go ashore and visit the tiny island, which is believed to have a population of just 15. On the island they have an honesty shop with essentials, which also has local produce! There is a very pretty chapel on the island, which serves the needs of the small community.
Our passage the following day was to Tobermory (best known for the BBC children’s TV programme