Grey Ghost off the Coast of Skye 

Day Seven  Oban to Stornoway

Bluewater Raven left early to get ahead. The rest of the fleet briefed at 1000 and slipped mooring very soon afterwards, heading to Tobemory for fuel.

Mike Doyles, whole family from aged 3 up, join Skellig of Sark for the day.

Five boats stopped at Tobemory, this took much longer than expected with a wait for needed fuel.  But the weather was still sunny and warm in this sheltered harbour.

The fleet did not get away till after 1300hrs with Trinity and Grey Ghost bringing up the rear with the photographers on board.

Once in open water it was clear the wind was increasing from the North, just the direction we did not want.

The whole fleet except Bluewater Raven met up in Kylie of Lochalsh for lunch.   The Harbourmaster warned of force 7 and two days of bad weather.

The fleet left at about 1500 hours and posed for a team run under Skye Bridge (see below).

Once under the bridge the full force of the wind hit us.  Skellig tried it for a bit, but with children on board very rightly decided to return to Kyle.  The rest of the fleet pushed on to have a look at the Minch and the crossing to Lewis. 

Running into growing seas on the East Coast of Skye the fleet decided to divert from planned route and returned to Portree on Skye for the night.

Once in we received a message from Bluewater Raven they had made it to Stornoway - what a tough bunch.

We wait in Portree watching the forecast - it is meant to improve but we are all happy to have diverted.

Patrick Byrne Stromness Hotel Sunday

 The Fleet in formation pass under Skye Bridge

 Evolution on the West side of Skye Bridge, the change in the wind strength is apparent on the water. 

Mike Doyle and Family on Skellig of Sark