Cruises of 2022 - and maybe time to move on!

My first trip to sea this season had been intended to be a cruise of three weeks beginning 6^th May. I had planned to launch at Arisaig Marine before sailing out to Loch Scavaig on the south coast of Skye, to meet up with a group of friends for a few days rock climbing in the remote and magnificent Cuillin. Unfortunately this initial part of the plan had to be aborted because of an appalling weather forecast, gale force winds and heavy sea’s swept over the region forcing all medium to smaller sized vessels to seek shelter. After the storms had abated a full week later, I trailered Bunty B the long drive north to the West coast of Scotland. The next two weeks also proved to be very unsettled which seriously curtailed my cruising ambitions, although I did manage a couple of solo passages which, included a sleepless overnight anchorage in Loch Moidart, due to the boat swinging around violently in strong winds and tide. The following day also proved to be a rough ride back to my rented mooring at Arisaig Marine in Loch nan Ceall. My time most days was confined to the boat due to the poor weather and, on one particular stormy evening I was unable to paddle ashore in the dinghy because of the high winds and rough water conditions. My second and final week faired a little better, being able to enjoy a couple of fine day sails with a friend who had travelled up to Arisaig for the week.

Launching at the Arisaig Marine slipway into
Loch nan Ceall (on a good day!)

 

Perfect conditions for lunch at anchor behind Eilean nan Gobhar (Goat Island)
at the entrance to Loch Ailort.

Later in the year 25^th August, I was back at Arisaig with two friends for a circumnavigation of the Small Isles. On this occasion we were very lucky and enjoyed ten days of superb weather. We went ashore to explore the islands of Rum, Canna and Eigg, circumnavigating the group in an anticlockwise direction, the lads were camping whilst I slept on board. I used the drying out legs for the first time on both Rum and Eigg, allowing Bunty B to dry out on the sand, a wonderfully liberating experience.

By the old jetty on the beach of Loch Scresort, Rum. I placed a stern anchor

 and two lines aft to prevent her swinging into the wall.

Dried out on the beautiful beach opposite the Yacht Wall at Galmisdale, Eigg. 
My friends camped on the grass right next to the beach.

Canna Harbour - Bunty B is the smallest yacht to the right of the bay.

Bunty B is a small but beautiful sailing boat that turns heads wherever she goes. I have fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition to build my own boat and since having done so she has carried me safely over 1000 miles, however my horizons are widening considerably to an extent that is above and beyond what my small boat is capable of. I have therefore decided to search for a larger vessel, perhaps a Contessa 32, Nicholson 31 or similar, that I can restore/improve and fit out to make ocean passages. To enable me to fulfil these ambitions I will reluctantly have to sell Bunty B. It’s going to be a wrench and break my heart but, it’s something that will be necessary to continue on my journey of discovery. I have already been in conversation with a broker who has agreed to market her and will likely be taking that route in the New Year. 

I will keep you posted.