Finally left Eyemouth,though many thanks to all the townspeople we met for their hospitality and the harbour staff of course!Alan and I had a beautiful broach reach sail up to Arbroath, until a squall came over and took all our wind, with only a couple of hours before our landing.Arbroath,narrow and rocky/drying either side of entrance made itwith pilotage from Alan following leading marks! then greeted by the HMaster's assistant and the RNLI crew heade by Al the mechanic,who took a quick look at all my leaks and agreed that as she was an old girl to just keep her well oiled!Bought smokies and had them with boiled tatties for tea.Scrummy!Then met the lifeboat crew and went for a drink.A great night, thanks for that guys.I just wish I could come up for Michael's 40th,though I'm sure to hear about it!
Weather looking good for us to keep going up North.Bound for stonehaven,with a S/SW 4-5 6later forecast. No thanks to the coastguard who keep coming on the VHF radio to tell us they're on strike and there'll be no forecast.Al got us the forecast today and typical of RNLI crew he's also got a full house of school kids to entertain.This harbour like many others on my trip has a decimated fisherman population.So sad, as this was once a thriving fishing community and now the sfamous smokies although made her bring the fish from further North.
Aye,loving Scotland so far. |
