Captain's Log
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Highlands, Hostesses and Hiccups
Sunday 20th June 2010
And so it began. Perhaps it was the way I phrased it or perhaps it was the smile that beamed across my face, I’m not sure, but when I asked locally in Largs for a temporary mate and hostess for a one week charter the twins were inevitably hired. The aptly named Tartan (blue twin Kimberly) and Tan (pink twin Ashleigh) joined us on Thursday morning full of enthusiasm for the week ahead.
Malcolm & charter guests joined us on Friday afternoon to the twins pouring champagne and offering canapés in 25 degrees of heat in Largs Yacht Haven. The deck table was out and after a couple of glasses of the fizzy stuff I did a brief deck walk and comprehensive safety brief leaving them feeling comfortable about the week ahead. A short plan and weather briefing followed and it was then decided that a starter of king scallops, main of simmered duck breast and braised cabbage followed by a dessert of berry nests with orange liquor cream were to be eaten while watching the world go by on the deck table; sumptuously prepared by my partner in crime Amanda. The guitar and songbooks soon followed suit onto the deck, and as the booze flowed we sensed our guests feeling at ease on board.
Saturday was an early start for Tartan and I, as we slipped lines early with guests still asleep and headed for Mountstuart on Bute so that they could awake to the smell of smoked salmon and scrambled egg wafting into their cabins en route. Anchoring off Mountstuart was… Im not sure how to put this… interesting??? In 10m of water, on a sandy bottom, any sailor would put out 30-35m of chain. The call to tartan said just this however I found myself hurtling toward the foredeck at lightening speed to apply the brake to the gypsy… I cant be sure, but it was either an incomprehensable anchor briefing [as if] or the beautiful scenery we found ourselves in that made tartan whiz out 80m of chain in 10m of water! Never mind, and as the guests were ferried ashore we hauled up 50m of chain and flaked it back below the floorboards!
That evening we headed north in torrential rain to the Gareloch, and to RNCYC where the guests were ferried ashore and greeted by a roaring fire in the clubhouse after a sumptuous dinner aboard.
The next morning dawned early, and for us was again an early start this time heading for Holy Loch. After anchoring we put the guests ashore at Sandbank and they spent lunch and the rest of the afternoon pondering over the botanic gardens just 4 miles away. With Malcolm and guests returning at 5pm we had an impressive sail south to Kilchatton bay where we anchored in inspiring scenery overnight. I say inspiring because I seem to remember being woken at 1am by some fairy elephants on deck and the guitar still on fine form! Ewan was still learning the guitar, but nonetheless very good, accompanied by Jeanette’s warm voice, Sunday rolled into Monday tunefully!
As the breeze had freshened overnight it was a chance for Tartan and I to don some oilies and lift the anchor, while Amanda and Tan served yet more artwork breakfast. I now understand the reason I just drive and have nothing to do with the cooking – something to do with my lack of presentation skills, and affinity for the microwave! Lochranza was our midday stop, and as we dropped anchor, then dragged, and moved, and dropped anchor then dragged, and moved………….. you get the picture! Anyway with guests ashore it gave the pink team time to tidy away below and prepare for the evening's dinner, all while Halcyon stood off Arran looking spectacular in dramatic surroundings. Leaving Lochranza we headed for Kilbride Bay and anchored just off the sandy beach and watched as a couple strolled along walking their dog.
The next morning was blustery to say the least, and with just the staysail we bombed up Loch Fyne at over 8kts being looked at in every direction by holidaymakers and sailors alike. Staysail down just before the entry to Loch Gilp, and after a bit of tricky nav in a shallow patch we were in, dropping the hook smack bang on our waypoint in the middle of the loch. To the north was a long sandy beach at Lochgilphead, and to the south was a stunning view down Loch Fyne. Today was a possibility for Malcolm to take the golf clubs ashore for a round, but everyone went walking to Lochgilphead instead. This gave us time to tidy the boat, fix the watermaker, and, perhaps most importantly watch series 2 of Father Ted… Although we work hard to keep the boat looking good, we do like a bit of Mrs. Doyle!
Leaving Loch Gilp the following morning while guests were having breakfast gave Tartan an opportunity to attempt a straight line… it didn’t happen; wiggly is an understatement! Our plan was to head for Millport on Great Cumbrae, so that the opportunity to cycle tandems around the circumference wasn’t missed. However, plans changed slightly as the staysail was dropped and the boat veered off to port 90˚ quickly. No Tartan wasn’t driving again, I was, and the pod of dolphins I’d spotted were coming closer. Minutes later and we had a pod of around 15 playing on the bow. Excitement over and we hoisted more cloth and headed around the south of Bute arriving Millport around 1400hrs, anchoring close in. Pink twin was the designated rib driver for the week and proceeded to scare the merry hell out of everyone ferrying them ashore! And back again to the boat with the clinker hanging over the side, deck table up and champagne on ice. We did have a small treat however, and Claire’s parents had flown in from Perth and Pink Twin had picked them up from Kilchatton bay earlier in the day. Tartan took them back at 1900 and they flew over the boat at around 2030 dipping their wing before heading off back to Perth in a light northeasterly breeze.
Friday dawned and a 0800 start meant Tartan and I upped anchor early and headed into Largs without drama and guests were off by 1000. Amanda and I finished up tidying the boat and had to be away for 1100 to get to a wedding [a story for another time I think!]
Many thanks to Malcolm and guests for a memorable week. A week that wouldn’t have been possible without Kimberly and Ashleigh, and also Gordon who helped endlessly in Largs with cleaning and varnishing. My thanks also go to Largs Yacht Haven for accommodating us and especially to Peter Wright who was my contact for anything and everything.
The last month would not have been possible without the support, generosity and friendship of Colin and Moira Craig… [Colin know worldwide for his Diet Guiness and milkshakes!]
Thankyou everyone.
Simon