4 August, 2009 - Stonehaven to Arbroath
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29 July, 2009 - Stonehaven, Simon and "The Carron"
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Arbroath to Hartlepool via Dunbar, Eyemouth and Amble
- Stonehaven to Arbroath
We left Stonehaven relatively early in the morning of the 30th and Richard (the Lion who, it turned out, is also a sailor) was there to see us off. We had to use the Land Rover winch to get me into the boat and he made himself very useful. We sailed to Arbroath in good weather, but with the wind freshening as a low pressure system started to move in, Huw must have put reefs in and shaken them out about 15 times, which at least kept him busy! Towards the end we entered a lobster pot minefield, but the fishermen here mark them really well on the whole. We were on the edge of what is sailable up wind with just my weight in the boat.
Richard was soon very good at approaching Arty without soaking me - quite a challenge in itself, even in calm seas and for someone who has been driving the RIB for some time. We had short chop, which makes it much more difficult. It was great to have someone who helped to get me sailing in the first place along with us. Although we had all hoped we would manage to sail to Dunbar the following day, the weather forecast at 5 AM was not encouraging. It turned out to be quite a nice day and, although the wind did get up in the afternoon the sail would probably have been possible. It turned out well for Richard, however, as he was able to pay a rare visit to his youngest brother. We all hope you got home safely and you certainly hold the record for the only person ever to get our 1.5 tonne RIB airborne!
More goodbyes were said yesterday when Malcolm, our cameraman for a month, switched with Justin. I'd just like to let him know that at least Toby fell for your prank - basically a note saying that the RIB was going to be impounded!
We have been storm bound here for five days now and have been a RIB driver down, but yesterday Rory Murphy, a friend from Ardglass, turned up to help us out for the week. It's lovely to see him again and I am only sorry that the weather has just stopped us sailing today, but we should be off tomorrow. Lotti at least will miss the fish market as it is a source of endless fascinating smells. We will miss the people who have been so kind to us, particularly George the harbourmaster and his helper, Ron. On behalf of Malcolm and now Justin I'd also like to thank MacKay, the boat builders, who have let them park in their backyard.
Since we couldn't sail today I suggested that the wet crew go for a much needed fun run in the RIB, just to "check conditions". They've just got back, soaking wet but wreathed in smiles so I'm just waiting to hear if anyone managed to live up to Richard's record! Let's see... no, apparently it was "too wet", which from guys in dry suits is saying something!
Page last updated on 11 August 2009 at 09:51