2007

2008

Granton to Findochty
How exciting, buying a new (second hand) boat
After dragging my wife up and down the west coast, from Ullapool to Largs, over a long weekend and finding nothing, I finally found one on the east coast, lying in Granton Harbour.
We paddled out to her mooring on a very blustery day, with her owner. She was a bit tatty; tired would be a better description. The engine struggled to start, she needed new sails and the headlining was hanging in all the wrong places, but the hull looked good.
I made an offer, subject to seeing the survey that had been done a couple of months earlier. A 26 feet Westerly Griffin was mine.
I spent a couple of days, the following week with my son, cleaning and checking her over, before sailing her home.
Kerry accompanied me, leaving on a blustery late September Saturday afternoon. Out in the Firth of Forth, a strong westely wind soon pushed us past Inchkeith island and on past the fairway buoy.
We motored into Anstruther and moored on a visitor's berth. It's a lovely Marina but has no facilities. (sounds familiar, Bob) We had to use the public convieniences and they closed at 20.00!!
A couple of old salts, in Granton, told me not to use the smart looking chipper at the front of the marina. They said to walk a couple of hundred yards to the local's chipper, owned by the same person, which is just as good and cheaper. They were certainly excellent. A couple of pints and bed.
We set off at 06.30 with a westerly f2-3. The tide was with us and we were past Arbroath by mid day. We decided to keep going and arrived in Stonehaven at 18.30. We moored on the outer harbour wall and had supper in the local pub.
Andy Morrison joined us on Sunday morning. Kerry went home, as he was going offshore that week and had a few jobs to complete.
We departed Stoney at 08.00 and made our way north, in a north east wind, dodging the numerous pot markers. With the strong tide against us in the afternoon, it was a slow slog into Peterhead Marina. The harbour Master could not be contacted by VHF or phone. Fortunately I had been a member of Peterhead, some years earlier, and I still had a key. The locks had not been changed and we were able to use the excellent facilities.
We walked into town for fish and chips, then back for a couple of beers followed by bed.
Out of Peterhead at 07.00,into a strong north westerly, we were soon past Rattray Head. Andy pointed out places of interest as we passed the Broch. We now had the wind on the nose and motored.
I really enjoyed the scenery along the north coast and marvelled at the Gannets, off Troup Head, with their precision flying and fishing.
We motored into Findochty at 17.45, relieved that the tatty sails and stubborn engine had got us safely home.
Now the work starts.
At least my wife will not be dragged around the countryside anymore with the offer of a weekend away, which just happens to take in a few marinas on the way!!
Thanks to Kerry and Andy for their help and to the many others who offered.
Ed Durkin
(Rhapsody) re-named Wylo Too

In a nutshell

Once there was a wee mouse who lived on a mooring at Gourock.
In a nutshell........ Mouse is fed up with the wet west coast weather and habitual disturbance from the Dunoon ferry.
Armed with an ancient Mariner outboard engine and disposable camera from Tesco, Mouse sets off up the Clyde in a bit of a swell, looking for a bit of adventure.
Because of the size of unexpected waves, Mouse comes very close indeed to Dumbarton Rock. In fact at this point Mouse runs out of steam altogether and has to raise a sail.
While in this predicament someone shouts from a high wall and Mouse is dragged into a huge black hole full of churning water. The gates closed behind Mouse, and as if by magic the waters began to rise.
In a nutshell, Mouse is confused.

Under the bedcovers, Mouse tries to sleep. It is not warm, and in the dark there are noises, which sound like an entire company of mice performing River Dance on tinfoil, with no music. From the wings there is much squeaking from the fenders.

In the morning Mouse sets out to explore this new environment, which mercifully is less fierce than yesterday. But that was Monday, and Mondays are rarely plain sailing.
Down a river which is called a canal, with bulrushes and swans. This will do. Mouse is carried along peacefully for some time in the company of some floating sticks and reeds.

Mouse manages a substantial breakfast at lunchtime and a few nibbles here and there. Later in the afternoon Mouse passes alongside the shopping centre in Clydebank. It is getting dark. Mouse leaps onto the bank and buys luminous red and green sticky labels.
Stuck on each ear. Port and starboard.

Mouse continues down the canal, dazzling the ducks with navigation lights. Mouse approaches Kirkintilloch, and ties up for the night.
On the towpath in the morning Mouse finds a scrap of blue and white fabric. Saltire.

Fishermen on the bank dangle the back end of a fish on a hook. Bait, they tell Mouse. Mouse checks behind and sees a blue and white fender, which has fallen off.
And the Falkirk Wheel.
Above the canal there is a crow's nest in a birch tree. In or out of a nutshell, Mouse could be a nice meal. Time to build up some speed. Downhill all the way to Grangemouth, with a few doglegs here and there.
Nice place for the winter, Grangemouth, in a nutshell.
Tina Harris
Mouse

25th October had a terrible weather forecast. It was also the day the crane was booked to lift out club members boats. We had a very early start. The Crane was just arriving as I arrived at 07.15. It was still dark and I switched on the navigation lights as I moved Destino across to the North Quay, ready to lift out.
The Forecast was for a severe storm later in the day with gusts upwards of 80 mph. At this early hour the winds were still light, so we started the lift.
We had a fishing boat to move along the pier first, as it was getting an engine change over the winter. Once this was done we lifted the first boat on to the quay. The new operating rules were working very well. There was less of a carnival atmosphere and it was clear who was doing what. The fears about problems getting on and off boats during lifting (no riding now being allowed) were without foundation.
Once the first boat was in place others followed in succession, with the line handlers removing the slings and helping sling the next boat, then becoming line handlers again on this boat. We had two teams so, in theory, one boat would be preparing while another was lifting.
We had a barbeque going at the Howff for refreshments, which started serving about 10.00. It's service was short lived though as Craning was aborted about 10.45 when the wind became too high for safety.
The next day we had an extra hour in bed, as the clocks changed to GMT. We started at 07.30 again and as the sun rose on a completely different day we quickly got into the swing of things. The last boat was swung on to it's trailer about 11.30 and the crane moved on to Portknockie to lift boats there.
I spent the afternoon"winterising" Destino. I started by flushing the engine with fresh water. I do this by slowly pouring water from a watering can into the raw water filter. I had a bucket to top up the can, so I had about three gallons of fresh water ready. I also had a litre of antifreeze to pour in after the last of the water.
I started the engine and slowly poured in the water. It took about ten minutes to pour all of the water. I then turned around to get the antifreeze to find I had knocked it over and most of it was flowing out of the scuppers. There was about a quarter left so I poured this in and looked at the exhaust. I was relieved to see antifreeze coming out, so I switched off the engine quickly.
I followed this by pressure washing below the water line. At first sight the bottom was very clean, with a few barnacles between the keels, but as I started washing I realised there was a good coating of fine algae. This easily came off. It is the second season the anti-fouling has been on so lifting out every other year has been well worth it.
I also hung the solar panel,I bought from Maplin's, in the cabin window. I was delighted to see the battery monitor showing a 0.1 amp charge. There is a shunt on the monitor and I suspect this is absorbing some of the output of the panel and I may connect it directly to the battery. I would appreciate it if any electrical wizards out there can put me right.
There are no plans for major work on Destino this winter so I shall be visiting occasionally to check everything is ok and that will be about it until antifoul time.
Bob Chapman
Destino

I had no excuses, as I was O.O.D. so I was going on a cruise. A quick look at the tides and the fact I was working until 12.30 suggested only one destination. Whitehills.
It was the final official cruise of the year but it was a full month earlier than the same cruise last year. E-mails were sent and replies received. It looked like we would have at least five boats taking part.
As Saturday approached the weather forecasts all said the same thing, stay at home in front of the fire! That was not an option for me so straight from work I arrived at Findochty in steady rain. By 13.30 Sandy Baird, in Sea Swallow and myself, in Destino set off eastwards through the murk. Once clear of the harbour we found a steady light northwest breeze. Sandy in the much lighter Sea Swallow was sailing at 4-5 Knots. I was having to motor sail to keep up.
The rain was steady and visibility was less than half a mile. At the Bow Fiddle I couldn't see the far side of Cullen Bay. By the time we were passing Sandend the rain was clearing from the North and I realised, even with the rain, I was enjoying the trip. By the time we reached Whitehills, at 15.45, the sun was shining and all was well with the world. We started looking westwards from the harbour wall to see when other boats would be following us down, but to no avail. At 16.30 we had just decided to go aboard Sea Swallow for an early sundowner and nibbles when we were hit by a squall of monsoon proportions. It was a good time to be tied to a pontoon, even one that was writhing like a snake.
We realised that there would be no other boats joining us, so, when Sandy's wife Jenny arrived I returned to Destino to cook Dinner. An after dinner chat and Glass of red was enjoyed on Sea Swallow before I returned to Destino for an early night rocking in the swell entering the harbour.
By morning the wind had dropped a bit and backed and was now coming off the land, giving the prospect of a beam reach back to Findochty. With spirits high I set full sail and set off at 5 knots. It didn't last long as even before I was a mile from Whitehills, the wind veered to right on the nose and the sails were lowered and engine started. The next three and a half hours were spent slamming into a short chop of up to five feet high. At it's worst, between Sandend and Findlater Castle Just about every wave, combined with a F4-5 wind slowed the boat down to 1 knot through the water. It was only when the tide changed against me, when the waves became less steep fronted, that I managed to lift my speed to the usual 4-5 knots under engine.
Passing Portknockie I could only make out the outlines of buildings, no details. I put this down to looking into the sun, which had made an appearance as I crossed Cullen Bay. It was only when I was tidying Destino, in Findochty, I realised my glasses were almost opaque with dried salt crystals.
The following weekend Destino's mast was lowered, ready for the crane out, so my sailing is over for another year. It's not been the best of years for sailing but there have been some memorable days. The long range forecast for next year is more promising, so roll on the Spring.

First sighting - meeting a 12 metre - cameras - the challenge - the sail past.
Thursday, 2nd August 1990 was such a good day for sailing that it would have been a sin to miss it, a strong hot southerly wind that meant a broad reach either east or west along the coast. My friend and I chose to go east. With just the Genoa set on the old Myth of Sandwood we were thundering along at a steady 7kts enjoying every minute.. Off Sandend we noticed another sail to the east near Portsoy. Thinking it was probably a Banff based boat we sailed to meet up with them and went about as we drew near. We then found that it was gaining on us at a fair old lick. As it came near we could make out the sail number, 12 with K17 beneath it, a 12 metre no less. We rapidly snapped off as many pictures as we could without missing the moment of seeing this magnificent vessel. They soon overhauled us, storming past on our starboard side just 10 or 15ft from us. A great hole in the water formed between us, boiling and heaving, reminding me of refuelling at sea in my navy days. All too soon they were past, powering away towards Cullen. During the rush past someone shouted for us to put up our mainsail and make a race of it. We were already on our ear and decided against that idea. As they flew past we saw the name on the transom - Sceptre. Now where had I heard that name before?

The sail home - how we nearly caught them - the meeting - the invitation.
As they stormed off into the distance we were jesting about how concerned they probably were at the prospect of us catching them. Suddenly we realised that they no longer had any heel on but were sailing bolt upright, whereas we were still flying along - we were catching them! For the next ten minutes our excitement grew, the old Myth performing magnificently and we were definitely making up on them. Then someone switched the wind off, and within a 100yds we were becalmed, our moment of glory over.
On the VHF we heard Sceptre calling up Buckie Harbour for a berth for the night. We resolved to call on them once we were tied up ourselves. In Buckie the great yellow mast towered above all. We introduced ourselves and were invited aboard and introduced to the crew, five blokes and six youngsters doing part of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. Our delight was complete when Arthur Wray the Skipper invited us to join them going to Inverness next day.

Gathering gear - harbour manoeuvres - the off - exploring the ship - meeting the crew - presenting the Burgee - heading for Lossie.
Friday started early, gathering gear from Myth, because we had been warned that Sceptre was a wet boat in a blow, then off to Findhorn to gather my friend, and back to Buckie in time to get on board without causing them loss of time. They had to fill their water tanks first. Getting out of the corner berth was a joy to watch - a bow spring, drive ahead letting the prop wash push the stern out then going astern in wee bursts to get the utmost out of the prop wash as she doesn't steer very well going astern, then around into the next basin alongside the Heathery brae for water.
Now we were ready to leave and we puttered out in company with another two yachts into a misty calm. Once settled on course, we explored the boat and got talking to the crew. Arthur Wray was Skipper for this leg and I presented him with a FWSC burgee, which to my delight, he immediately hoisted to the crosstrees with their house flag.
Sceptre was the first Americas Cup contender of the post war years. Built by Robertsons of Sandbank on the Clyde, she was shipped to Newport Rhode Island to present the challenge in 1958. Unlike the defender Colombia, with some forty trial races under her belt, Sceptre had only three or four races with her sister ship Evaine (which was being restored at Caley Marina at this time), and so was relatively untried. Like all previous challengers, she was unsuccessful. Originally 73ft overall, she had eight feet chopped off her counter when she was converted to a luxurious cruiser/racer. So now she is 65ft loa, 12ft beam and 10ft draft. She had been the first yacht to be fitted with `coffee grinders`, these having been made by British Leyland. On close inspection you could see the pedestals were lorry axles and the sheet wnches converted lorry wheels. They were nonetheless very powerful, enabling a young slip of a girl to sheet in a big headsail really hard.
Raising a ton and a half of mainsail - the lunch - first tack for a week - under Kessock Bridge - sail stow - more Harbour manoeuvres - the dinner - goodbyes.
We were soon given the wheel and were thrilled to find how easy she was to steer. Once past Lossie a light N westerly encouraged them to hoist the sails. All the rig was as on our own boats, but massive. The topping lift ran from a huge deck winch and it needed a lot of effort, ie all hands on deck, to lift the boom and one and a half tons of sail out of the crutch. Then everyone on to the main halyard via a mast mounted winch. Initially it was quite easy but the last 20ft or so was a real sweat. They say they can manage with just two hands if they take a lead to the anchor winch. Once up, sheeting in the main was easy as there was a lot of mechanical advantage built into five falls of blocks. The jib was the same as our own, just bigger. The one they were using was their no 5. They actually have eight, but the effort of getting another sail up on deck makes them tend to use whatever is on deck at the time.
Once all set up, even in these light airs, we were chuckling along at 6 or 7 knots and able to sail remarkably close to the wind. Arthur Wray told me the main was the original and still in perfect condition. Over the years various sponsors had donated new sails of Mylar and Kevlar, but whilst they certainly made the old girl go well, they didn`t suit her image, and they tended to use the original just for looks.
Arthur is a remarkable man and truly loves his yacht. He also loves to cook, and after a round of drinks, lunch was served, delicious soup of Arthur's own making followed by bacon and hamburgers, made on board. Arthur and three others of the crew were part of a consortium who now own Sceptre, and during the times she is on charter, they arrange between themselves to crew for the various stages. Cyril was a comedian from Preston, retired from the furniture trade. John, a lecturer in architecture and Bill the navigator seemed not to disclose his background. The other adult member was John, a teacher accompanying the youngsters. And what a good lot they were, full of fun and ready for any task that might be thrown their way.
As we approached Ardersier the wind started heading us, and they suddenly realised they would have to tack, for the first time in a week. I was lucky enough to be on the wheel at this time, and when they were ready it was Lee oh and wind the wheel with a young lass at the coffee grinder sheeting in. Stopping the turn about halfway round, she settled into the new tack nae bother at a`. Another five tacks saw us into the Chanonry Narrows and then round the corner into the deep channel, tacked again at the Fortrose moorings and held a stbd tack all the way to the Kessock Bridge.
Reeds Almanac tells us there is 89ft clearance under the bridge at High water. Sceptre`s mast is 88ft ! But it`s now low water but even so I was glad the responsibilty was Arthur`s and not mine. We passed under the bridge with a slight heel on which further reduced the mast height. Once clear of the bridge sails were lowered with a request for a tiddly stow as it was crew change next day and everything had to be in tip top order.. Everyone helped with the mainsail stow, one guy stamping it into shape with his bare feet as he walked along the boom.
Into Inverness Harbour it seemed impossible that there was enough room to turn round, but Jack managed it, walking her round on the prop till we were alongside. We had been invited to stay for dinner so after nipping ashore to a phone box (no mobiles then) to organise transport home we came back aboard to pre dinner drinks and a delicious Arthur Wray dinner of roast lamb and a glass or two of excellent wine. Arthur proposed a toast to his young crew and wished them all success for the future. I gave the crew a huge thank you from the two of us for giving us such a glorious day, one that will never be forgotten by either of us.
All too soon our transport arrived and we had to say our goodbyes. As we drove away we could see `The Mannie` still fluttering away at the crosstrees of one of the biggest yachts in Scotland.
Ron Billing - Gypsy Maiden

Banff Sailing Club Annual Regatta

The annual Banff Regatta was held over the weekend of 12th September and the event was hailed as a great success for the Banff Club Officials who organised the weekend.
The regatta attracted a mighty total of 18 yachts to Whitehills marina, and 17 of those yachts entered into the racing on Saturday morning. The race entries came from the three main clubs on the Moray coast, which are Banff Sailing Club, Lossie Cruising Club and Findochty Water Sports Club.

The briefing was held at 08.30am and the race officers advised those present that there would be a series of three races that day, commencing at 10.00am. The yachts were divided into 2 Classes, (Class I), yachts with Clyde handicaps of under 20 and (Class 2), yachts with handicaps of 20 and above. The first race was to be a passage race from Whitehills to Banff Harbour, the second, an Olympic course off Banff Harbour with separate starts for Class 1 and Class 2 yachts and the third and final, a race from Banff Harbour, round a seaward mark and back to Whitehills Marina.

Race 1 Started as scheduled and the yachts headed off en mass, towards Banff Harbour, however, there was a slight problem. The RIB had been unable to get out of the harbour at Banff to lay the race mark, due to starter problems, so after a great deal of radio chat between race officials and various yachts (during the racing) it was eventually clarified that there was no mark at sea and that the fleet had to head for a finish line, in transit of Banff Harbour Lighthouse and Macduff Harbour Lighthouse. Conditions were pretty good for race one, as there were about 22 knots of wind but the sea state was still quite lumpy following the recent bad weather offshore. The conditions proved to be quite difficult for many of the yachts and our crew eventually reefed the jib sail on Fusion II as we struggled against the sea state and weather conditions and threatened to be overpowered by both. However, with one reef in the mainsail and a well reefed jib sail we battled on to the end of the race where we had a very keen tussle with a yacht named Aquamarijn, ( of Class 1), from about 200 metres off, to crossing the finish line. Fusion II was first over the line from (Class 2) and won first place in the race on corrected time. Fellow club members Sandy Baird, of Sea Swallow and Fred Murray, of Solan, took second and fourth places in (Class 2). F.W.S.C also took the second place in (Class 1), with James Cowie of Sunrise putting in a superb show and coming a close second to Tony Wright, skipper of "Eh?" a Hunter 707 sports boat - Not quite a floating caravan!

Race 2 Proved to be an even bigger challenge and a battle with the elements ensued! The wind was steadily increasing, although the sea state remained moderate. The (Class 1) yachts started 5 minutes ahead of (Class 2) on this occasion and the majority of the yachts remained pretty well reefed for the conditions, except "Eh?" who flew a spinnaker! on the down wind leg of the race. The wind gusted up to 29 knots on occasions, and the conditions were extremely testing for those yachts who were shorthanded, thus resulting in several yachts retiring during race two and heading back to Whitehills Marina. It was yet another well fought race around the Olympic course though, as sail trim had to be radically altered for each leg of the triangle. In the end, Fusion II crossed the line first in (Class 2), once again, winning the race, with fellow team members, Sandy Baird and Fred Murray taking a well deserved second and third places in the class. (Class 1) was won again by "Eh?" and James Cowie of Sunrise took second place. Race 2 was a great test of seamanship skills and those yachts with shorthanded crews, actually finishing this particular race, deserve special credit.

Race 3 Began in near perfect racing conditions with reasonably calm seas and a good strong southerly wind blowing. The horn blast came over the radio and it was off to a flying mass start this time - with two separate classes still in force for the racing. The crew shook out the reefs from Fusion's sails prior to the start and decided to "just go for it" and this turned out to be the right decision, albeit the skippers' decision!!! The pack set off on the first leg of a two leg course and most of the yachts were goose-winging, or rather, trying to goose wing, in the now lumpy sea state. Many of the fleet's jib sails were crashing between port and starboard tacks and occasionally luffing due to the lumpy seastate. Then, on reaching the first mark, we rounded it to port and headed at full speed back to Whitehills Harbour and to the finish line. The race was closely fought with a big mixture of (Class 1) and (Class 2) yachts intermingled and vying for position for the bulk of the passage. To the utter jubilation of the crew and skipper, Fusion II crossed the line first in (Class 2) for the third time that day and took first place again on corrected time. Sandy Baird of Sea Swallow, took second place and Fred Murray, of Solan, took third place. Again, "Eh?" won (Class 1) and James Cowie, of Sunrise, took second place.

On return to Whitehills Marina, we tidied up Fusion II (nothing broken this time - well, not much anyway) before sitting down to some spicy lobster and dressed crab, purchased that same morning from Downies' fish shop in Whitehills Harbour, it was exquisite! Speaking of breakages, poor Fred from Solan broke some of his china dishes whilst sailing in the challenging seas, at least it was someone else who broke something for a change. Later that evening, the crews were driven round to Banff Sailing Club where a meal was provided and the prize giving took place. Prizes were awarded to the overall first, second and third in each class and I am absolutely delighted to say that F.W.S.C brought home four of those six prizes. Needless to say, I am "chuffed to bits" to have crewed on my own yacht and to have won three first places on the same day at an away event but I am also very pleased to see my fellow club members, Sandy taking overall second, (single handed) and Fred taking overall third in (Class 2). James Cowie took overall second in (Class 1). What a Result for Findochty Water Sports Club, it is certainly the best haul of prizes I have ever seen for the club at an away event.

Early afternoon on Sunday, the Findochty yachts departed Whitehills, in a convoy, homeward bound and the weather was just superb for early to mid September. The combination of glorious sunshine, southerly winds and a flat calm sea surface resulted in the most perfect sail back along the coast to our Findochty homeport. There was still just one more wee surprise in store for us though. Just as Fusion II rounded the Scar Nose Rock to the western edge of Cullen Bay, we were met by Robert Morrice, a fellow F.W.S.C. club member, who was sailing east from Findochty on his yacht, Lolita and at the same time playing his bagpipes for the fleet of returning yachts, he provided us with an excellent medley of tunes. A friend of Roberts', also armed with a set of bagpipes, accompanied him and whilst one helmed, the other played and so on. Many photos were taken of the "salty pipers" and I even attempted to do a wee hielan' fling in the cockpit of my boat!!! The boys piped us all into the harbour where they continued with their ceiledh, on their pontoon, attracting quite an audience, from locals, tourists and sailors alike!!!

A befitting finish to a great weekend of cruising and racing. Lets make next year an even better attended event.

Mairi Innes, (crew of Fusion II)

By Heather Baillache

Published: 15/09/2008 (Press & Journal)

The crew of a Moray yacht which rescued four kayakers yesterday described how they pulled them to safety in a six-foot swell.

The unnamed kayakers - one woman, two men and a six-year-old boy - had got into difficulty while paddling near Portknockie around 1pm on Saturday afternoon.

They had been equipped with a distress beacon and flares, which they set off to attract attention when they were swept out to sea.

The crew aboard the yacht Lolita were on their way back to Findochty harbour from a day's sailing at Whitehills Regatta when they spotted the flare.

Skipper Robert Morrice , 48, of Buckie, acted quickly to turn his boat and head towards where the kayakers were drifting, about two miles from the rocky shore. On his way to their rescue, crew member John Fraser, 48, from Edinburgh, alerted the coastguard and the Buckie lifeboat on the yacht's radio.

Aberdeen Coastguard called in a rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth, which searched the coastline for another kayaker who was initially thought to be missing. It was later revealed that the man had made it safely to Portknockie harbour where he had also raised the alarm.

Mr Morrice, a project engineer from Mackenzie Road in Buckie, said at a distance the group looked like crew from a small upturned boat. Although he is an experienced sailor, Mr Morrice said if the swell had
been any bigger he would not have taken his boat out at all. When the Lolita had pulled up alongside, the crew saw that the group had tied the three kayaks together along with the inflatable kayak
being used by the young boy. Mr Fraser, a police constable with Lothian and Borders Police, said this action alone would have saved them from further danger. He said: "They had probably been taught this during training, because
it prevents them from becoming separated. "They were experienced kayakers. The woman had capsized and righted
herself twice by the time we reached them."
The yacht crew had difficulty pulling the group aboard, before tying the kayaks to the boat and heading for shore.

Mr Morrice said: "The young boy was very distressed and was comforted by Kenny Webb the third member of the crew, a School Janitor from Merseyside. He was crying and was seasick, as was one of the men. They all kept saying thank you for rescuing them."

Mr Morrice is a former member of Fraserburgh lifeboat crew, and has taken part in many rescues over the years. "The Buckie lifeboat was right behind us so if we hadn't got to them first they would have rescued them. But it's still good to have been in the right place to do so." Mr Morrice described the group as Scottish holidaymakers who were in their 30s. When they reached Portknockie none of the group required medical attention.

Aberdeen Coastguard watch manager Fiona Hastie praised the efforts of the kayakers for assisting their own rescue by carrying the right equipment. She said: "We hope others will note their fine example in being properly prepared before setting out."

Gael Force Lossiemouth Regatta
I was not taking part in the races, but that was no reason not to enjoy a cruise. Club boats that were racing headed off for Lossiemouth at various times on the Friday. I had no early deadlines so I planned to arrive at Lossiemouth as the racing was ending. Saturday morning was bright and sunny, one of the better days of 2008. The winds were light and just west of south. I loitered around the harbour area as I waited for the tide to rise enough for departure, which I made at 13.00.
As I departed the Southerly wind was overpowered by a developing sea breeze, from the north. There was enough breeze to push us along at 2-3 knots and I settled on Destino's new cockpit cushions for a pleasant cruise across Spey Bay.
As I approached Findochty from the Cullen direction by car I had seen a mass of sails off Lossiemouth, but at water level it was only when I was North of Portgordon that I could see sails appearing over the horizon. I was a few miles from shore by this time and the sea breeze was loosing effect so I motor sailed the rest of the way.
As I approached the fleet I dropped all sail so I could get some photos. Various methods were being employed to extract the last of the breeze, including using the leeward shrouds like a trapeze in the case of Sea Swallow. I motored around the fleet for a while then headed into Lossiemouth where the harbour master directed me to raft up to a nice old wooden sloop. The owners were aboard and told me they had been restoring it for a while.
The fleet returned and we all prepared for the barbeque and prize giving in the Steamboat.
The food was delayed but was well worth the wait. This was followed by the handing out of trophies after which I returned to Destino for a relaxing read and an excellent nights sleep.
During the night the wind returned and blew up to F5-6. By the morning it had abated a bit but was still gusting around the west basin.
The planned departure time was 12.00, which would give us enough water in Findochty when we arrived. This was almost low water (neaps) so there was a bit of debate about how much water would be in the entrance to the basin. I was asked to report on the depth as I departed on channel 8 and I found almost 2 meters at the shallowest, which gave me a good margin with Destino's 1-meter draft. As the wind was S.W. I was also asked to report back on conditions outside the harbour. I found a rippled sea with a steady S.W. F4 off the land. So it was set all sail and off we went at almost hull speed. The next ten minutes became a bit of a nightmare as I sailed through dozens of small pot markers, each one with about thirty feet of polypropylene rope floating on the surface before the weight of the pot dragged it below the surface. There was such a length of excess rope that even at high water it would have been a hazard. I tried to sail to leeward of the floats but there were so many, so close together that this was impossible and three or four times I watched as we passed over a rope just as it disappeared into the depths. More by luck than judgement I managed to get through without snagging and it was with much relief I set a course for Findochty.
I was thoroughly enjoying my sleigh ride. Occasional radio traffic informed me of the progress of those departing as they asked for conditions outside and what those outside were doing about sail set. The last message I heard was a one sided report to a boat out of my range, which I assume was about me, which reported, "He's got everything up but his shorts!" I did have and I was flying.
The wind was due to drop, so I was keen to make the most of it. As forecast the wind did drop away to almost nothing as I was off shore Buckie. From here to Findochty took almost as long as the trip from Lossiemouth, but it was a nice day and I was in no hurry.
I had taken the direct route but some boats followed the shoreline around the bay another boat, from Lossiemouth, sailed the direct route, before turning off Findochty and returning to Lossiemouth. Another Lossie boat sailed into Findochty for the night before returning the next day.
It was an enjoyable cruise and a good social occasion with the Lossiemouth and Banff clubs. I am told the racing could have done with a bit more breeze, but was enjoyable.
The two inter club race/musters which have taken place have had something for everyone. Here's to them continuing for many a year.
Bob Chapman
Destino

A day that it didn't rain.
As cruises go this one was one of wettest and stormiest I have ever known, but just one day will remain in the memory cells for a long time to come. We had fought our way down Loch Ness against a gusty westerly and finally chickened out and went into the little refuge belonging to Caley Marina near Drumnadrochit, getting into the peace and quiet and away from the roar going down the Loch. Mary flashed up a delicious stew and with a glass or three of good malt, life became very mellow.
Poking the head out of the hatch about 0700 it was a completely different world to that of the previous evening. A flat and sensuous calm just begged to be taken advantage of and whilst Mary was still bedded I wound up the little donkey and gently puttered out on to the Loch. Just a merest puff to fill the sails saw us take an hour to go the mile to Urquhart Castle and the bacon and eggs eaten whilst sat in the cockpit never tasted so good. What is it about bacon and eggs when you're sailing. All thoughts about any diets go out window and you begin to feel you could take on the world.
Out on the Loch past Urquhart Castle a favourable Easterly picked up and soon had us goose winged and the old adage about gentlemen only sail downwind, came to mind. All the years I've sailed through the canal system I have never had an easterly wind and this was pure magic. The sun warming our old bones and the auto helm doing the steering graft, the world was our lobster. We even chose to go over to the southern shore to avoid the roar of the traffic on the A82. About half mile out of Fort Augustus, dropped and stowed the sails, lines ready for tying up and gently wafted in to a vacant berth. Up at the Lock Inn the Barman remembered me and what I drank, Calders 80/-. It all felt so good it was almost like coming home.
My old father used to say, a day given…………………..
Ron Billing
Gipsy Maiden

Neil and Mairi of Fusion II decided to join the flotilla from Lossiemouth Cruising Club on their annual trip to Orkney this year. The intention was to hold a race from Lossiemouth up to Wick, however, the race had to be abandoned because the event organisers took the decision that all yachts should depart early and get to Wick as soon as possible, as a Force 8 was forecast for Later. Hard to believe when we were sitting in Lossiemouth with zero knots of wind!!

We motor sailed from Lossie on a heading of 018deg, passing to the west side of the Beatrice Oilfield Platform exclusion zone. Soon after passing the field a large, ocean liner started to appear out of the dusk from astern. On went the navigation lights and the radar to ensure she picked us up but we had no worries there. The liner saw Fusion II and the two yachts behind us, Flying Finn and Stravaig and altered her course widely and came round the stern of Stravaig. It was quite a sight to see from behind and I'm glad I was not on Stravaig that night I can tell you. Fusion II arrived at Wick at 10.45 pm where we were welcomed by Norman, the Coastguard and the members of the Wick Lifeboat. We were treated extremely well by everyone and they made us so welcome by going out of their way to assist us in any way possible.

The following day the wind was doing exactly what was forecast, it was blowing a hooley and some of the gusts in the harbour were reading 35knots on the wind instruments. As a result, the 16 strong fleet spent an extra day in Wick, weather bound and sampled the delights of the Alexander Bain, which is a JD Weatherspoon's pub. There were a few sair heidies!!!!

The yachts finally set sail for Orkney, bound for Longhope on the Island of Hoy and the Isabella Fortuna, which berths in Wick Harbour, escorted us on our way. We timed ourselves to be off Duncansby Head for 14.30hrs that day to get the benefit of the pull of tide which would assist us across the Pentland Firth. Fusion II sailed a total of 18.9 miles, on the same tack, towards the eastern edge of the Pentland Skerries, by which time we noticed that many of the yachts behind us had rolled away their gibs and were motor sailing. It was a great comfort to have the safety in numbers factor and to be with 15 other yachts. The weather was fantastic, beautiful and sunny, but the seas, however, were like nothing I have ever seen before. There were whirlpools and eddies all over the place, one minute you were sailing along at 6 knots and the next you were almost stopped in the confused water. We entered the Islands to the east side of Swona, at which point we saw 3 killer whales just yards off our port bow, it was a beautiful sight to see. We passed by Cantick Head and to the west of the Island of Switha before altering to the west towards the North Bay, which lies beyond Longhope.

The Lifeboat Crew, headed by Kevin the Coxwain, opened their station for our use once again and catered for a superb barbeque for the flotilla. We spent a couple of nights rafted up in the small harbour at Longhope against the Lifeboat pontoon, enjoying the ambiance and exploring the island. We visited the Lyness Naval Museum and the Longhope Lifeboat Museum, both of which were well worth a look. We also visited the coast at Rackwick, which lies south of The Old Man of Hoy. The scenery here is absolutely stunning. You can see the photos by logging onto Lossie Cruising Club website. We made firm friends with the Lifeboat crew and vowed to come back and see them sometime (in our boat, not theirs).

Day four and the fleet left in a huge convoy bound for Stromness via Scapa Flow. Having refreshed our Buckie High School History lessons on the tragic history of Scapa Flow during our visit to the Lyness Naval Museum, the passage seemed so much more meaningful and interesting to us. Sailing over cleared wrecks and then seeing the remaining wreck markers gave you goosepimples. The sun shone very brightly that day and several of us hoisted spinnakers for the trip to Stromness. We passed between Flotta and Farra and we travelled up the west side of Cava. I had no idea there was an island named after my favourite tipple!!!!!! Cava.

Stromness is a beautiful town and the views from the seaward approaches are very pretty indeed, the town has a rich maritime history, visible by the multitude of historic slipways and the huge natural bay that houses the harbour and ultra modern marina. We berthed in the marina for a couple of days, taking trips to the Stromness Museum and partaking in Shopping Week, which is the annual gala in Orkney. We even took a trip by car to Kirkwall, which is a more significant shopping centre, but in my opinion, not as pretty as Stromness. There was quite a bit of eating out and meeting up with fellow sailors for socialising and one evening there was a parade where the local men dressed up as Vikings. They paraded a longship through the narrow, cobbled streets and then set fire to it, out by the point, similar to the festival on the Shetland Islands, which I will not attempt to spell.

The holiday was drawing to a close and the yachts left Stromness with a goal to be past Cantick Head on Hoy for 12.30hrs and to skirt round to Airth Hope to catch the full tide and get the pull back across the Pentland Firth and head down to Wick once more. The yachts were sailing for part of the way, then we started motor sailing. We tend to Hold Fusion II at about 6 knots when motor sailing and with the full flood tide, I saw a speed of 10.20 knots over the ground register on the instruments. Shame she doesn't do that speed in the Club Races.
We soon reached Duncansby Head and several of us were just a bit too far in for comfort. The waves were smashing off the headland and bouncing back at us, throwing us around like corks, but the motion soon died down and we got the jib back out and had a sunny, tranquil sail back to Wick. At this point we parted company with several yachts from our fleet, some headed for Wick, some for Helmsdale and for those on a schedule it was homeward bound.

Wick Gala Week - Super to see, floats paraded the streets, brightly decorated, containing individuals in fancy dress, all in aid of charity. Again the lifeboat crew, the harbour staff, coastguard and the locals treated us like royalty. I cannot speak highly enough of them.

The following day Fusion II and three other yachts set off in thick fog for Helmsdale. The journey was pretty scary to begin with as we were all a bit disorientated by the fog. However we all stuck close by and we crept our way down to Helmsdale, using our plotter and radar as backup. The fog burned up just before Helmsdale making the entrance quite easy. You must adhere to the port and starboard can buoys when entering Helmsdale harbour approaches, as there are rocks to be avoided. We moored on the modern, visitor's pontoon for the night. Helmsdale is a quiet, pretty village where once again the harbour staff and villagers were so friendly. There were about three hotels, eateries, to choose from and a chippy. I will certainly return for a weekend sometime soon.

Every story has an ending and eventually it was time to go home to Findochty. We set off in light fog, Findochty bound, and the light fog soon became thick fog. On went the plotter and the radar once again. It is an eerie feeling being all alone out there on flat clam water, unable to see anything around you, but we always felt pretty safe. Exactly half way across the firth on a dead heading for home, the wind freshened to 16 knots, as if by magic and the sun burst through the fog and shone brightly all the way home. We had a superb sail and we romped back home in a very short time.

Later, one of the locals passed me on the pontoon at Finechty and asked, "Have you been far?" Big sniggers when I replied, "Orkney".

I had my misgivings about what to expect from the trip, but I needn't have worried. The trip to Orkney was an extremely well organised event. Hats off to the officials of Lossiemouth Cruising Club for their excellent planning and hard work.

Neil and I were included in everything and we were made to feel very welcome by all of the other crews. We made loads of new friends amongst the sailors and amongst locals in Wick and Orkney and we have decided that we will definitely do the trip again, hopefully in 2009, when I hope some of you readers will be encouraged to join us on the flotilla or otherwise.

Mairi Innes
Fusion II

Laugh ? I had to or I would have cried. All the effort gone into making the first davit and there it was opened up like a withered bunch of flowers. Maybe this isn't such a good idea after all.
Several people (well two anyway), have commented on the Davits recently installed on Gipsy Maiden. I blame it all on old Don Scott a good friend who died a few years ago. Don was a hoarder of the first degree and when he returned from Rhodesia and came to Findochty he brought home just about everything he possessed including some quality pieces of timber such as teak, mahogany and various other types as yet unidentified. I fell heir to this treasure trove and over the years have made many little fittings and pieces for my old Myth of Sandwood and now Gipsy Maiden. Because I'm so bloody useless at getting it right first time I tend to make things twice, the first in rough wood and then when I think it`s right, do it again in good stuff. That way I get it wrong twice! I even made a sea chest or `kist` which turned out so heavy that it took three of us to get it upstairs. It's never been moved again.
Dinghies are always a problem to stow on a smaller boat and whilst they can be folded and left on deck they are always in the way. Nice to have one aboard though if only to escape from a mutinous crew. Davits were the obvious answer, and I even borrowed a set from Angus to crib the design. But somehow stainless steel would be too easy. This had to be really difficult to make otherwise where was the challenge. It had to be of wood and curved and open to a large margin for errors and at the same time, incorporating a degree of suggested elegance. Laminating. Yes that was it, laminating was the way to go. Lots of things to go wrong there. Years ago I'd laminated the coach roof on Myth of Sandwood and it never leaked and you could stand on it and I often wondered why this was so. With a misplaced confidence of old age, I marched determinedly down the lamination road.
I finally bit the bullet and got Bert Reid to slice up a piece of teak which was about 8" X 3" X 6ft into ten ¼" slices to bend into shape. The coach roof job used GRP resin and it worked well. So I thought I'd nothing more to do than repeat that idea. I fixed blocks to the garage floor and did a couple of trial bends and it looked as though it might work. About 20 clamps were mustered and the resin mixed and off we went. About 20 minutes later the first one was all clamped up and looking good. I then spent a week itching to test this sculpture I'd created and then the great moment came. Undoing the clamps one by one it was looking good till right at the end the whole lot flew apart! "Oh bother!" I must have said. After much head scratching and thinking into a dram, I remembered Cascamite. A white powder made from the liquid excretions of piggies, mixed with the slightest amount of water, forms a paste which when cured is stronger than the wood itself. So at the 2nd attempt Cascamite was king. Back to the original attempt I cleaned up the GRP mess and tried again with Cascamite. This time it didn't work and in fact it not only flew apart the laminations broke as well! Now I had no more teak left so I had to go cap in hand to Bert to see if he had anything suitable. He found some larch, which was a fine substitute. A bit lighter in colour and weight but a blind man would be pleased to see it.
I know a man in Craigellachie who is an artist in stainless steel so had him make up some end fittings to carry a little block and tackle system, if you want to be posh they are called falls, and on the first test run it has worked well. In fact when one of the falls slipped all the weight of the dinghy was taken on one davit and it held it OK. The dinghy is only a little two-man size but sits there ready for action when we hit the canal with grandchildren aboard.
Ron Billing

Race 4 - the view from the rear
It looked like being a scorcher. Sunday 3rd August was the date for race 4 but in the conditions it was likely to be a very long race or a short course or both. It was bright and sunny with a whisper of a breeze from the east.
A triangle course was laid with about 200 yards between markers giving us our short course. Three circuits were required to finish.
I crossed the start line doing about 1 knot and was passed by Phil Brown in Boomerang who was making 3-4 knots. From the start line it was a broad reach to the first mark. The second mark was reached in 1 tack by which time I was at the back of the field.
Another reach brought me back towards the third mark. On this reach I started to overhaul the two boats ahead of me, not quite catching up by the time they rounded the mark.
I reached this mark with a time of about 30 minutes. This is where my troubles started.
As I turned downwind I goose winged the sails and looked forward to an easy run to mark 1. Five minutes later Boomerang lapped me and I was still by the mark. I was moving through the water but I only equalled the tide going in the opposite direction!!
I tried various sail adjustments but I could only make progress by a couple of feet a minute. While this was going on the whole fleet came past and then came past again as I settled back and enjoyed the sun and hoped the tide would change soon.
After about forty minutes of this most of the field had finished the race and a call was made to ask if the number two mark should be lifted as I passed it on my third lap?
In reply, I owned up to the fact that I was actually still trying to complete my first lap and consequently withdrew from the race to allow the committee boat to get home before midnight. This put a downer on the crew of Gypsy Maiden as I deprived them of the pleasure of lapping me, as they were only about twenty yards behind me at the time.
As it happened they may not have been able to lap me as just after this I rounded the 1st mark and decided to continue unofficially, and was soon reaching for mark 2 at 2-3 knots, having broken the hold of the tide. The wind had veered slightly so I managed to sail directly to the mark, in about 5 minutes. Rounding the mark I then went on to mark 3 where I discovered the tide was as strong as ever, so it was down with the sails and on with the engine after a very pleasant, if slow, sail in glorious summer sunshine.
Bob Chapman
Destino

Kentra Moray Firth cruise 8th-24 th June
Alex and I delayed our departure to allow us to participate in the Varis Spey Bay Regatta, a good decision as that was such an enjoyable event. We finally left Buckie harbour at 11 on the Sunday in the company of many Lossiemouth boats heading home. Our destination was Lybster, the weather was fine and the wind Southerly force 4 allowing a good run passing just west of the Beatrice field and reaching the Caithness coast at 7 pm. The sun had been out all day and was now slowly setting behind the coast. I had entered a waypoint from the Clyde Cruising Club Sailing directions to find it was wrong and brought us up to the light at Clythness. We found the waypoint in Martin Lawrence book to be correct. I have been to Lybster before by land and passed it and identified it form sea but it shows that pilotage on this coast can be awkward even if you think you know where you are going! We tied up outside a fishing boat and ate aboard, leaving the long walk up to the village for the morning. By then the wind was south westerly and blowing force 5 , forecast 5-7.Our destination was Helmsdale and the tide meant leaving after lunch. We had a good look round the village, had a coffee at the Portland Arms, saw the golf course, chatted to the interesting lady in the old fashioned shop on Main Street. Reports that there has been no new blood in the village since the age of the Vikings are greatly exaggerated. Finally we had lunch at the visitor centre where a ridiculously wee sign said berthing fees were £ 15 per night (no such signs anywhere in the harbour) but included use of showers and toilets. As it turned out there's some sort of ongoing local dispute amongst the harbour trustees and we didn't have to pay as it turned out.
The departure from Lybster was uneventful although the wind was now onshore force 6.The wind slowly strengthened and eventually was blowing parallel to the shore at a steady 32-34 knots with occasional gusts to 35,remaining so for about 2 hours .We had a full reef in the main and small genoa but found windward progress slow. We were shipping large amounts of water in the cockpit and were pleased to eventually make the protected harbour entrance in the lee of the Sutherland hills. Alex the harbour master was his usual very pleasant and accommodating self and we were especially grateful of the drying facilities in the toilet and shower block.
A combination of the weather, winds slowly veering NW and lessening and Alex's 2 nights for the price of 1 deal, saw us spend another day. When we enjoyed a round of golf, including club hire, in Helmsdale followed by a bus trip and swim/bar meal at the excellent Royal Marine Hotel in nearby Brora.
We left Helmsdale in bright sunshine on the Wednesday morning, the wind North Westerly f 4,our destination Findhorn. We had an excellent run down the coast, past Portmahomack and the Dornoch Firth. At one stage we were exactly on the Tornado approach line to the bombing range at Tain a noisy if interesting experience. We had phoned ahead to Findhorn and were advised that with our draught of 1.1 meters we would be ok to cross the bar as early as 3.5 hours before High water. As it turned out we touched the bottom at the outer starboard approach buoy and had little or no water in the channel, not a pleasant experience in a strong onshore wind (now force 5). We were glad to tie up on the pontoon at the boatyard and make for the Kimberly where we both met a number of acquaintances, confirming our arrival back safely to Moray. The forecast for the next day was not good with force 5-6 North Westerly and we were already slightly apprehensive after our days adventure. As we left our friends in the pub we jokingly said by Thursday night we were sure to be somewhere beginning with F (Findhorn, Finechty or F%$£&%^ !)
As it transpired the weather and conditions were even worse than expected, we left Kentra at Findhorn and returned home. The weather didn't improve till Monday when I was back at work so Fred and I got the bus up toFindhorn and made a night passage to Buckie, crossing the Findhorn bar at 10 pm, rounding Lossiemouth in the dark to arrive in Buckie with the very first signs of sunrise at 3 am. Back to bed and up for work at 7.30 am. A bit of a slog but probably easier than sailing continuously day and night!
Angus Gallacher
Kentra

Cruise to "The House of Trousers"

John Barclay Fred Murray and myself drove to Loch Aline (Sound of Mull) on Friday afternoon where we keep "Harmony" on her summer mooring. Arrived at 8 pm to a beautiful warm quiet evening. So beers and drams in the cockpit in shorts and tee shirts.
Not for long though as a heavy rain shower swept down the Loch. So up with the cockpit awning to continue our social entertainment. Bed at 11.30pm and up at 7 am for a sail to Dunstaffnage.
A very misty morning greeted us as we sailed down the Sound of Mull.
The mist lifted as we cleared Lismore light on the end of Lismore Island. A lovely broad reach in a warm force 2 to 3 southerly took us to Dunstaffnage bay north of Oban. We picked up a vacant mooring and made the traditional brunch of bacon, sausage and beans. We watched the comings and goings for an hour or so then sailed to Oban.
We motored gently around Oban bay checking the sights when we heard a shout from the promenade. It was Ian Morrison with Craig Hardy on a boat-buying mission. It appeared that Craig was in the process of buying a Contessa 32 from Ardorran Marine in Loch Feochan.
We then sailed lazily down through the Sound of Kerrara, through all the moorings and tacked south down to Seil Island where we anchored in a sheltered inlet called Puldobrain ("pool of the otter"). There were 6 boats anchored there when we arrived on a beautiful hot late afternoon.
The pub over the hill at the back of the anchorage was calling so we pumped up the dinghy, rowed ashore and strolled up the well-worn track.
We ordered pints of cask ale at the "Tigh na Truish" ("The House of Trousers" where islanders changed from kilts to trousers, before crossing to the mainland, during the time when the Kilt was banned) and sat out on the grass overlooking Clachan Sound and the well known "Bridge over the Atlantic" in the brilliant sunshine. Surprise - surprise, who do we spy standing of the bridge? but the two worthies from Oban Bay.
After downing a few we wended our way back over the hill accompanied by Ian and Craig who wished to see the anchorage. Once aboard Harmony again we put our chilli con carne supper on to heat whilst we sat in the
cockpit watching the sun go down over the island of Mull. By this time there were 21 boats in the anchorage and a couple outside. Red wine and chilli consumed and it was almost dark and time for bed.
We awoke at 7.30am to a very still and misty morning. Quick breakfast of tea and toast saw us on our way by 8am. Motoring at a gentle 5 knots over a glassy sea we saw the sea mist descend on us with
visibility down to about 150 metres just as we were about to pass between Bach Island (at the south end of Lismore) and Lismore. The passage here is only about 200 metres across so we were glad of our trusty laptop and digital charts as we passed through safely.
Shortly after the mist lifted and we motored gently across to Duart Castle at the entrance the Sound of Mull. Here we cutback the engine and had our traditional brunch as we drifted past the castle. The Oban to Mull ferry chose this moment to come charging out of the mist between Lismore Light and Lady Rock to disturb us as we held onto our plates until her considerable wake had faded.
From here we sailed gently back up the Sound to our Loch Aline mooring for 1200 hrs.
Another good weekend especially as most of it was spent in shorts and tee shirts.

Phil Brown

Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival
The forecast for the weekend wasn't bad as I monitored it for the week before the boat festival. There would be a west wind Saturday which would veer to an east wind Sunday, so it should be a soldiers wind both ways.
On Friday morning this was still the case, although wind speeds were on the high side of the comfort zone, with F5-6 gusting F7 now forecast. Oh well better have a look before we decide what to do. After collecting my crew, John, we headed for Findochty. As we approached Portgordon we could see white horses from a couple of miles inland, never a good sign. As we waited for the tide to rise we watched the sea. There were plenty of white horses but the sea state didn't look too bad, so at 11.00 we left. We set a half rolled genoa, leaving the main down and were moving at the hull speed of 6 knots. The waves were steep and averaging 8-10feet but were regular and all from the same direction, so the sleigh ride was begun. It was exhilarating and felt safe as we surfed down the occasional bigger wave. The log was reading above the theoretical hull speed hovering around 8 knots, the highest I saw on the plotter was 9.2 knots!! We may have gone even faster, but while surfing down the bigger waves I was occupied with avoiding broaching.
Off Sandend we furled the genoa and started the engine. We were now running directly downwind and the sail was collapsing in the wave troughs and filling with a bang as we climbed the wave face, so it had to be stowed.
I had been thinking I may have to go on to Banff if the harbour approach to Portsoy was too rough, so I was scanning the sea ahead for clues as we neared Portsoy. The seas never worsened as we approached and the only difference was large reflected waves off the wall. As these were only creating up and down movement of the water we entered Portsoy new harbour without difficulty. Inside however was a different story. The strong winds meant that without the help of club members already in port we would have found it very difficult to come alongside. The trip had only taken ninety minutes, but what a ninety minutes it was. To some of the salty sea dogs in the club it may have been nothing, but it was the next level on my personal learning curve.I thoroughly enjoyed it although I wouldn't want every trip to be like that. We had just secured the boat when the festival harbourmaster came along and said that the boat inside of me had to move, as it did not match his berthing plan. He could not be made to see the dangers of moving boats in that wind so with the aid of a rib the boat was moved, with some difficulty. Boats arriving over the next couple of hours all berthed with difficulty, one boat almost being blown onto the rocks at eastern end as the "rescue boat" sat un-attended. Disaster was averted by the great efforts of the other boat crews. The skipper must have had a premonition as he had a doctor and the local lifeboat coxswain as his crew, all bases covered there then.
On arrival I found I was absolutely famished so we had a huge picnic lunch to replace calories burned.
As we finished lunch The Reaper arrived. I had seen it at Portsoy before but never thought about how it was berthed. The answer to that question is "expertly", involving warps and lots of engine power to turn it's 70 feet 270 degrees to port, in an area of water only a little wider and longer.
Boats continued to arrive throughout the afternoon, we spent the time checking in and wandering around the harbour area until it was time for an excellent chicken Tikka Marsala to be produced from the galley.
We attended the concert, in the evening, at the Wally Green. As usual the performers were excellent. We were glad to see the return of the Norwegian Shantie singers, Slogmaakane (the fat sea gulls), whose charisma changes mundane songs into works of art. The evening was ended by the Irish band , The Raparees.
The next morning revealed bright sunshine and a light north wind. The Skippers briefing at 10.00 was followed by the opening of the Salmon Bothy by Alex Salmond, who made a very entertaining job of it. As the V.I.P's toured the restored building Slogmaakane burst into spontaneous song, as they did throughout the weekend. They make Ken Dodd look like a reticent performer and we were very happy to listen to them.
A slow wander around the harbour area was followed by an excellent kipper lunch.
By now the crowds were building. The wind was veering to the east and thinks were looking good. This soon changed as the new forecast for the next day was "severe gales and heavy rain", so an instant decision was made to return to Findochty straight away.
The wind was now a F3-4 easterly and I enjoyed an excellent down wind sail back to Findochty.
On arrival in Findochty the wind was starting to rise and the right decision had been made as the next day was exactly as forecast.
Here's hoping for more settled weather next year.
Bob Chapman
Destino

Fusion II and Sparkle left Findochty at 2pm on Friday afternoon of 20th June, bound for Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival. The wind was blowing at 15 to 20 knots from the northwest and the sail down was pretty quick. Both yachts chose to sail down with just the jib out and no mainsail. Entering the harbour was pretty scary as the berthing plan had changed yet again and the wind was gusting and blowing the boats anywhere other than their intended mooring. Everyone got moored up safely and a really good night of socialising with singing and dancing ensued. Saturday turned out to be a glorious, sunny morning and the crews checked out the side stalls and attractions on the harbour front. The racing was split into two separate events this year with the small traditional drascombe/dinghy boats sailing in the first race and the larger, cruiser yachts taking part in the second race.
The racing was well attended and the cruiser race turned out to be a pretty long distance passage race (triangular course) from Portsoy harbour to the quarry east of Portsoy, then a mile north to seaward, round mark 2, then back to Portsoy and through the start gate. Fusion II and Sarah Bheag got off to a flying start but unfortunately it wasn't the start, it was the five minute warning gun…………Both yachts retuned and restarted the race. Fusion II soon took the lead and held it all the way, passing the second mark as the other yachts rounded the first mark. We launched the spinnaker for leg 3 but just like Kentra at Varis, she wrapped herself around the forestay and we ended up dumping it down the fore hatch. We went to open the jib again and found the roller reefing to be stuck………we could not fathom this one so we just sailed the entire last leg 3, with only a mainsail.

Fusion II finished first, on corrected time, Bramble finished second and Solan third in the event. Findochty Water Sports Club 1,2 and 3. The skippers prize giving on Saturday evening was well attended and we were given lovely helpings of Cullen Skink and trifle, courtesy of Downies Fish Co. of Whitehills. The fish soup was fantastic, almost as good as my own!!!!!!Ha ha.

When we awoke on Sunday morning the weather was terrible, it was bucketing rain and blowing a hooley. Nothing deters the Finechty yachters though; we trickled out of the harbour, one by one. Solan, Sparkle and Bramble departed at about 12 noon. Fusion II left at about 12.30. And the rain by this time was torrential. The sea state was rather scary too and we were blown home with only the jib sail up (Mairi let the whole thing out by accident - oops) We did intend to reef it. Anyway we did some serious surfing down big waves at a steady speed of 7.5 knots, over the ground in 20 to 25 knots of wind, all the way back to Findochty harbour. When we approached Sterlochy we rolled away the jib and suddenly wind battered us, rain and waves from every direction, I thought we were going to be shipwrecked. All of the fleet made it home intact. We lived to tell the tales and we will no doubt be there next year.

Mairi Innes (Fusion II)

Varis Regatta - the lifeboat tale
I was approached by the committee to act as photographer for the Findochty/Buckie Varis Regatta, to be held on Saturday 7th June 2008. This was to be the first of a series of three regattas, with those following being hosted by Lossiemouth and Banff/Whitehills.
Boats started arriving at Buckie throughout the Friday evening and by 9pm the number 2 basin was looking very "Yottie". Buckie was being used as the muster point as Findochty would struggle to find wall space for those fin keelboats that could take the ground. Those that cannot would not be able to berth in Findochty, so we all assembled in Buckie.
While the boats arrived the Lifeboat laid the race marks for the next morning, off Findochty and Portknockie. Sandy Baird doesn't mind rafting up on a muster but he got more than he bargained for when the lifeboat returned, when the Severn Class lifeboat William Blannin came alongside to drop off members of the race committee. An impressive manoeuvre expertly carried out by the Coxswain and crew.
We were invited to the Lifeboat station for a barbeque, which was expertly done, the collection buckets being well filled with the folding stuff.
While this was going on, much hard work was going on establishing handicaps for the racing. Handicaps established the race briefing was given before socialising was resumed.
Saturday arrived overcast with little wind, I was unable to follow the action in my own boat as it was stuck in Findochty, high and dry, so I was invited to join the lifeboat for the morning. We duly left harbour and whizzed out to the start line to fire a maroon to start the first race, a passage race to Findochty. Once the boats were on the way we headed for Portgordon, to lift a race marker, which was not now being used due to the lack of wind. We then moved markers off Findochty and Portknockie. On returning to the committee boat, now off Findochty, we discovered it disabled by a fouled propeller and drifting towards the rocks. An offer of help was accepted and the lifeboat soon had the committee boat in tow. The youngest crew member asked his mentor if this was "a shout". He had been with the lifeboat only three months and hadn't had a shout yet. He was told no, as we had come across the casualty and were not called out. His disappointment vanished a couple of minutes later when everyone's pager went off. It was now his first shout!!
We recovered the casualty to Buckie, where the lifeboat arranged for a diver to sort out the propeller. I had to leave at this point to head for Findochty to photograph the finish of the passage race. It was another hour before I could get my boat out and photograph the rest of the racing. The wind increased as the day went on ending up quite lively. The third race was changed to an Olympic course, before the boats returned to Buckie, where a bus was waiting to take the competitors back to the prize giving and an excellent Buffet in the Admirals.

Team Kentra - Skipper - Angus Gallacher
Crew - Alex Mitchell
Crew - Mairi Innes
Crew - Councillor Gordon Macdonald (SNP)

Kentra left Buckie harbour with her crew honed to perfection for the impending Regatta. The weather was warm and sunny but unfortunately there was hardly a puff of wind and the arrival of the Buckie Lifeboat at the race start line caused a bit of a surge, which resulted in Kentra struggling to get over the start line. The bulk of the competitors crossed the line and headed north in search of wind to assist them to Findochty but our skipper and team decided to try something different in order to salvage something from a bad start so we set off for Strathlene, via the inshore route, with the assistance of the tide. We made good ground on the others and we cut between the East Muck and Portessie (secretly hoping the rest of the fleet would follow us and get wrecked on the rocks) However, only a couple of boats cottoned on to what we were up to and tagged along with us. The passage seemed to take forever but we eventually crossed the finish line hard on the heels of Joker, a larger, higher handicap, yacht than Kentra and Kentra won the race in class 2.
Race 2 was an Olympic race around the triangle/sausage, marks and Kentra did quite well once again, the sailing was more testing this time and the wind had freshened significantly to 17 knots for the race start and sea state became a bit lumpy. On leg 3 we went to hoist the cruising chute and basically made a mess of things so we hauled it down again but we had lost ground and valuable time against a lot of very serious competitive racers so, no medals this time. At one point Kentra was approaching a mark on a starboard tack and an unnamed yacht almost rammed us - closest I have ever been to another sailing vessel at speed!!!!!
Race 3 - cant really remember it all, but it was a fabulous start with all 16 yachts from all 3 classes crossing the start line at the same time and heading in a North Easterly direction before tacking for the first mark. The view must have been pretty spectacular from the shore. In the beginning…………. Kentra was very close to the start line and after the race the committee boat said that we were over the line at the start gun (so were 4 other yachts allegedly) but I reckon they need to buy a decent watch because in my opinion, Kentra was not over the line - like I said we were a racing team, honed to perfection!!!! A racing team…… Kentra is a beautiful yacht to sail on and she certainly held her own against the more serious, racing, fin keelers from Lossie and Banff. At the prize giving, Angus was presented with the third overall cup for yachts in class 2, which was an excellent result for Findochty Water Sports Club. I really enjoyed my weekend and I was very proud to be a small part of Kentra's crew.
I must take this opportunity to congratulate Sandy of Bramble who came second in his class, Bill and Fiona of Vivari, first in their class and Fred, of Solan, third in his class - very well done Findochty Water Sports Club Skippers and Crews overall.

Mairi Innes (usually Fusion II but will crew for Kenta anytime)

Findochty Water Sports Club - On Tour - Turkey 2008
Eight Club members headed for Bodrum Airport in Turkey on Sunday, 18th May 2008. Mairi & Neil Innes of Fusion II, Peter & Vi Rankine of Lady Vi, Walter & Maggie Watson of Ambition and Jim & Brenda Sutherland of Janet. Mairi & Neil chartered a Dufour 325 Grande Large, named Fantastique (same yacht as last year) and the others chartered a Beneteau Oceanis 411 named Dougie T.

We were picked up at the airport by an air conditioned minibus and whisked us off to Port Bodrum Yalikavak Marina which lies to the North West of Bodrum airport on the Ionian coast at location 37degrees 06'. 42N 27degrees 16'. 92E where we met Merina, of Aura Yachting and were shown around our yachts. We unpacked and chilled out for a while then after showering, headed for the Windmill restaurant at Yalikavak fishing harbour where we had an excellent dinner and discussed our plans for the week ahead.

Monday. An early start and both yachts set off, destination Bodrum, to the southeast in the Carian Sea. We anchored on an isthmus at Catalada Island. Easy to see why there are so many wrecks there because ships would think from the distance that you could pass through between the islands. We had some lunch that consisted of bread, goats cheese, salad veg, olives, as is the norm when I do the shopping. After lunch we went swimming before weighing anchor and we sailed down to Bodrum Milta Marina where we berthed for the night.
It is practice to call up the marinas on channel 72 and the yachts are met by a rigid inflatable who will escort you to a berth and assist you moor on an anchor buoy to the bow and with two stern lines to the pontoon (then you drop your gangway/plank). We later discovered that not only adults used this gangway to gain access to the yachts, however this part of the tale will remain a closely guarded secret.

Tuesday. Set sail from Bodrum Marina headed for Pubus, a beautiful bay sheltered from the Meltimi winds, approximately 8 miles south east of Bodrum where once again we anchored for lunch using the electric windlass and had some lunch and went swimming. The bay was quite peaceful and very pretty and a couple of tourist/day trip boats came and went as we pottered round in our dinghies, which soon became the popular way to communicate between the two anchored yachts. We then headed back up the coast, north of Bodrum and continued North to the beautiful town of Turgetreis, which we nicknamed Hollywood because the name of the town is spelled out on the hill in white stones. I was informed that a brother and sister created the marina development that includes a yacht club, a supermarket, banks and several designer shops, helipad etc. The marina is the best laid out, modern, chic development I have ever seen! That night we ate in a restaurant looking out at Catalada Island anchorage, where we anchored that same afternoon.

Wednesday. Set sail in good winds prevailing from the North east and headed all the way across the Gulf of Gokova Korfezi (about 20 miles), passing very close to the Greek Island of Kos, in fact, so close that a Greek Coastguard boat passed between us and the island, perhaps as a little reminder!!! We anchored at a cove known as Mersinick, en route to Kormen fishing harbour. Mersinick is an enclosed bay lying under the cape, south of Akcali Adasi, where we had the usual fayre for lunch and did some swimming. In my opinion this was the most beautiful anchorage and the most idyllic location of the holiday. Huge rocky cliffs that appeared to give good shelter from the Meltimi encircled the cove, but after a few hours we were hit by some huge gusts of wind that seemed to come from nowhere and the boats swung on their anchor chains. We suspected that Fantastique had dragged slightly but it was about time to leave anyway so we weighed anchors and departed, under motor, for Kormen fishing harbour, which lies about 3 miles to the east of the anchorage. Again we moored with the anchor at the bow and two stern lines ashore to the old pier. This time it was Dougie T who dragged anchor and had to have a second anchoring. There was nothing at Kormen except a restaurant so we decided to call it the "Captive Audience Restaurant" after we saw the prices that is!!! It turned out to be pretty expensive but the food was very enjoyable.

Thursday. We headed on a course of 33degrees North east, back across the Gulf of Gokova Korfezi, on a heading for Cockertme Koyu but then the crews had a change of plan and we altered west for the anchorage of Pubus, once again. The sailing conditions were perfect and Fantastique had a fabulous display of dolphins on the way across and we even managed to get some dolphin photos. They were very large dolphins compared to those in the Moray Firth and they kept giving the boat a tap as if to say "catch me if you can". No chance!!! We were the first two boats to arrive at Pubus and to drop anchor then a beautiful, big, private hire, gullet called "Papa Joe" came in behind us and anchored. We declined to join them at their loud Turkish disco which they were holding on board or on the jet ski that appeared as if by magic. We set sail for Bodrum once more and had a cracking sail up the coast.

Fantastique had a pretty good race with a French crewed Oceanis 411 and we held him off as long as we could but eventually he got past us. It was good fun all the same but at times like this, when you fancy a race, you wonder why you are towing your dingy behind the boat? We moored up in Bodrum Milta Marina for the evening.

Friday. Departed Bodrum, destination Gumsuluk, which lies 4 miles south of Port Bodrum Yalikavak Marina. We took great care on the approaches as the pilot book advises that there was a submerged reef at the entrance on the port side and that you could not see the bay until you were level with the entrance. We entered the bay and anchored in the southern end for lunch and swimming. Some of the party went ashore to check out the pretty town but it consisted of little more than restaurants along the beachfront and some small shops. It was, however, very picturesque and typically Turkish. There were several gullets at anchor along the shores and a handful of foreign yachts at anchor in the bay. That evening we headed back to Turgetreis Marina, my favourite, and moored up for the night. We ate out at La Villa restaurant where we had the best and biggest meal of the holiday. We had pizzas; curries, meatballs and everyone agreed that the food at La Villa was great.

Saturday. Market day in Turgetreis - so we headed for the market which lay behind the mosque with the two spires which looked like space rockets. This was our last day so we decided to do some serious shopping at Versace, Dolce and Gabanna, Radley, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren etc. In Turkey, these exquisite designer retail outlets can all be found on the busy back street stalls where you hear shouts of "five for a tenner" and "cheap as chips". I am sure that Neil's five designer t-shirts which he got for a tenner are all genuine fake designer goods though. After the market we stashed our purchases onboard the yachts and watched the waterlines go down, then we set sail in a northwesterly direction, destined for Bahce Koyu (Yalikavak Liman) that lies directly across the bay from Yalikavak Marina. We anchored on the north side of the bay, immediately behind the partly submerged wreck of a gullet, which had struck the rocks. Here we enjoyed our last day of chilling out by sunbathing and swimming. The crews met both in the Ionian Sea and onboard Dougie T, where much merriment was held and where a new dance was invented to the song "Loch Lomand".

Later, we topped the boats up with fuel at Yalikavak marina and berthed out our mother port where the staff of Aura Yachting met us for a debriefing, so to speak. Later that evening we all set off for our last supper at the Windmill Restaurant, where once again the food was excellent and the waiters were such good crack, before departing for Bodrum Airport and the flight back home.

I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday and in my opinion these were the best sailing conditions of my three sailing holidays in Turkey so far. I really hope that the crew of Dougie T enjoyed their sailing holiday, as this was the first holiday in Turkey for all of them. Maybe some of our club members will be tempted to try a sunny sailing holiday after reading my story………….Just remember to invite me along.

Mairi Innes
Fusion II

Myself, John Barclay and Fred Murray left Buckie at 11pm on the Thursday after the crane-in. The timing of this departure was to allow Fred to play tennis in Elgin that evening, so consequently we
had to buck the tide most of the way. The wind was light s/westerly and we motored all the way to Inverness arriving at 9.30 am, our slowest passage so far in 22 years. Normally it takes us 8 hours
though we once did it in 6 1/2 hours on the tale of a northerly 4/5.
The Thursday/Friday shipping forecast was giving 6 to 7 between SE and SW but other forecasts such as GB Windmap and pressure charts we checked before departure gave only light south to south- easterlies. We have found the shipping forecasts to be very unreliable for the last few years, often forecasting far stronger winds that in fact occur.
We arrived in the inner Moray Firth in a flat calm and had light head winds down Loch Ness whilst we lunched on pizzas. Friday night was spent at the top of Fort Augustus locks. Hot showers, chicken casserole and an early night to catch up with lost sleep the night before.
Up at 7am Saturday, muesli and toast and off into a very cold strong headwind. We had 30 to 35 knots on our head going down Loch Oich. With much the same down Loch Lochy where our decks were given a real good washing! We did however manage a cooked brunch of bacon, sausage, beans, eggs and toast whilst the autohelm steered straight down the middle of the Loch. Fred and I had our meal at the saloon table whilst John had his under the shelter of the sprayhood.
On arrival at Neptunes Staircase, Fort William, we had a fast ride down being the only boat and were in time to lock out of the canal before closing time if we had wished. We did not however fancy another night passage of approx 36 miles to our mooring and it was also rather bumpy looking at the pontoon outside the sea lock. The lock keeper, as a favour, let us stay in the sealock basin on the promise that we would lock out in the morning. He also gave us a print out of the latest
forecast, which was for light and variable wind. Wine, beer and whisky in reverse order was consumed as we waited for our shepherds pie to heat up in the oven. Another hot shower, a few more drams and off to bed on a beautiful evening with the sun shining off the snow on Ben Nevis.
Sunday dawned sunny and still and we locked out at 9.30am with the whole of the ebb tide under our keel. We were through the Corran Narrows in under 2 hours, meeting the cruise ship "Lord of the Glens" coming the opposite way. We touched 10 knots over the ground as we popped through Corran and out into Loch Linnhe. Our big red buoy fenders we use for the canal were deflated as we motored along and stored in the forepeak under the bunks. The sea was like glass as we enjoyed a brunch of bacon sarnies on the way. We lazed around the cockpit and saloon, reading and chatting as the autohelm did the work. Eagle eye Fred spotted a large red round buoy washed up on the shore
beyond the Glen Sanda Quarry and we motored inshore before launching the dinghy and recovering it. Strangely we recovered another buoy from the same spot 2 years ago. As we turned into the Sound of Mull the ebb tide, which had been with us, then headed us as it poured into Loch Linnhe. The Sound was quiet and sunny as we continued up to Loch Aline entering against the last of the ebb at about 3pm. It took about 2 hours to reset our mooring, which we drop to the seabed at the end of the season, and secured "Harmony" for the summer.

Robert Morrice had volunteered to pick us up and arrived about 5.30pm. It was a beautiful evening for a run home, which was enlivened by a very, very close encounter/near, miss with a deer and also a speed camera north of Aviemore. Thanks for the run Robert and thanks Fred
for your good company.
Phil Brown

Fusion II Cruise to Banff Marina

It was Friday 24th April and the motley crew of Fusion II set sail for Banff Marina. Banff Sailing Club was celebrating the anniversary of the opening of their new marina and we were invited along by Gordon Maitland to join in with the fun. We motored down on the Friday afternoon, as there was hardly a breath of wind, so the passage took us 2 hours. On arrival, we called Jim Henderson, the new harbourmaster, on the radio and he came along and assisted us to moor up and filled us in with the domestics.
That evening it started raining and it forgot to stop so we didn't venture far. In fact we ran up the hill to the Railway pub where we bumped into an old friend from Banff whom we first met 20 years ago in Tenerife, it was great to catch up!
On Saturday morning we were advised that the "cruise" we were initially invited to join, in Banff Bay, had turned into an official race so we filled up our entry form and paid our fiver (could not possibly grudge this as the berthing was free). Then we set off to the Spotty Bag shop for a slimfast breakfast of burger and chips for me, and mixed grill for Neil. Just the thing before a race!!!!!
The weather was beautiful and the sun was shining, then just about five minutes before the start of the race the wind really blew up and the showery squalls came howling in, some of the gusts were hitting 33 knots of wind and we noticed that several yachts had too much sail up - but for once, Fusion II was not guilty, we had the mainsail reefed and were flying along nicely. We reached the first marker ahead of the others, stealing Aquamarine's wind as we overtook her on the start line, then made off in hot pursuit of the second which was near Tarlair as Gordon's drawing said it would be. About half way there we looked behind and saw some of the other boats making a change in direction. We then realized that the marker was away out to sea so we came about and headed for it. It turned out that I had been making for a creel stowie and everyone was following me. Ooops! The 31foot, fin keel boat, Aquamarine, just got to the second marker before us, owing to our little detour and we followed her round and quickly overtook her for a second time. It was a great race back to Banff harbour and Fusion II finished the course in 36 minutes, in first place, 2 minutes ahead of Aquamarine, who took second.
There are always casualties in Mairi's seafaring stories and this day was no exception. During one of the gusts of wind one of the Banff yachts tore his mainsail in two and a friend of mine later told me that he was racing his yacht "Elise" at Lossie at the same time, on the same day, and he tore his sunstrip off his jib when he was caught in a gust which overpowered the yacht and blew her over on her side.
After the race we headed back to the marina and the sun came out and the wind dropped, then we had a surprise visit from Bob and Jackie Lawton who came down by car for a look around. Banff Sailing Club opened their clubhouse that evening and they put on a lovely buffet for the sailors. They really do put in such an effort into their social calendar and they are very welcoming indeed to visitors, the hospitality was second to none and I sure that Findochty Water Sports Club will manage to direct a cruise or two towards Banff this summer.
We sailed home on Sunday in the beautiful warm sunshine with just the mainsail and the spinnaker up - bliss. I got really sore hands and I was also rather bored when it was my turn to fly the spinnaker for what seemed like an eternity. Neil could not believe it when he came up on deck and found me sunbathing with the spinnaker cleated off and the autopilot on. You just canna get the crew nowadays!!!!!!
For the record, I would like to point out that Findochty Water Sports Club had nothing whatsoever to do with the Banff Marina Wall collapsing last year, following Neil's cruise, just minutes after the last Findochty yacht set sail for home!!!! The Banff Club advised me that they would remember the event forever……………..
Mairi
Fusion II

First Sail
Saturday 17th May was designated as the "first sail". Numbers were down as a number of "boats" were cruising the Turkish coast.
There were three boats that ventured out into a lumpy sea, on a bright sunny morning, Solan, Sarah Bheag and Destino. The wind was north east and chilly. I left Findochty with the first reef in the main and a couple of rolls on the foresail. Passing Sterlochy I realised that there was not as much wind as I thought so the foresail was fully unfurled. I left the main sail reef in as we were doing almost hull speed, any extra sail would make little difference.
The tidal stream (west to east) and the northeast swell was producing steep fronted waves. The average height was 4-5 feet but occasionally a black-faced monster of 8-9 feet bore down on us. At one point I could only see Solan and Sarah Bheag's masts, above the crosstrees, when all three boats were in troughs. The wind was not that strong though so the waves were not breaking and the sailing was enjoyable. Surprisingly, with these steep waves, we only received a soaking a couple of times after slapping into the face of a wave.
After about 90 minutes we returned to Findochty and put a pizza in the oven as we put Destino to bed.
A number of other "boats" had arrived as we sailed although no more boats ventured out. The day was ended with an informal barbeque at the Howff. Here's to a vintage sailing season.

Restoration of the Howff
We had been planning a major overhaul of the Howff for some time. The weekend of 29-30th April 2008 saw the start of work. I had often wondered where the name "Howff" came from. A long time Findochty resident enlightened me. It is an acronym from it's days as a fisherman's meeting shelter. I was told it stands for "Home of weary Findochty Fisherman" .

(Re FWSC newsletter.
I think the definition of HOWFF is not quite as has been suggested.
HOWFF when used as a verb is indeed an abode, familiar shelter or resort.
When used as a noun is to reside or visit a familiar haunt.
However in relation to Finechty it is was something quite different. It was originally the village mortuary. This is from good authority of one Mrs Mary Billing who is native of Findochty having been born there at a very early age.
Keep up the good work, Cheers Ron.)

By the time I arrived, work was well under way. Inside the plaster board had been replaced around the chimney and an emptying of surplus furnishings was taking place. These were carried down to a bonfire below the high tide mark.
The main job of the weekend was the erecting of a fence and laying of a large area of paving. While one group dug post holes, another cleared the area of weeds and surplus hardcore. The first line of paving slabs was laid by mid-day. The cement mixer was shared between wet mix for posts and dry mix for paving. While this was going on, the ladies were busy with paint brushes, creosoting the shed, and emulsioning the harbour office and finishing with a very nautical Oxford(R.N.L.I.) Blue for the door.
Energy ran out mid afternoon, so, it was Sunday morning when the fence and paving was completed.
A new window was fitted.

There is still a lot of work to be done. The paving needs completing and the edges need tidying and planting with suitable plants. Later the real transformation will take place, with a proposed kitchen, shower room and toilet.

The start has been made, when we eventually finish we should have a facility to be proud of.

Craning Day
We used to have a crane in day and a crane out day, but things have changed. The mild winters, of recent years, have encouraged more owners to keep their boats afloat over winter.
Myself, I have been lifting out every other winter. Although I did not leave the pontoon more than three times, this winter, I benefited by having my mast up, which allowed me to completely change the running rigging.
On Saturday 20th April the crane was booked and the lifts commenced. We have got the job down to a fine art over the years. Strops were readied and hands held lines. Hooks were connected and the banks man signalled the driver. A rhythm soon established and gaps appeared on the quayside.
There were as many boats lifting out as lifting in, so these gaps were soon filled again.
By the end of the day thirty-two lifts were made, comprising 28 boats and 4 masts. The quay appears to have more boats on it now than before. Most of these boats will be craned in on the May Day Saturday, after a couple of week's hard graft. This may be the way of the future afloat for most of the year and a short lift out for annual refit.
With our colder northern waters, osmosis is less of a problem than in the warm south, so why not.