S k i p p e r ' s   L o g   2008

21st - 27th July 2008, Shetland visit
A taster from Shetland, more pictures to follow soon................

8th - 13th June 2008
This voyage proved to be something of a curate's egg.  The weather, the sailing, the hill walking and the humour were all good in parts.  However the utterly relentless verbal jousting and repartee was a constant feature of the week ensuring a happy boat throughout.  A gentle sail across to Rum on the first evening was followed by a very wet walk along the coastline, a tour of Kinloch Castle and a soggy walk up to the col leading up to Halleval.  Some of the Edwardian madness associated with Kinloch Castle had clearly rubbed off on the crew as during the evening the ‘Rum Trading Company' was formed and a strategic plan for Rum's takeover developed.  It soon had a budget deficit of Olympic proportions as the plans became ever more fantastical and all this from one of the country's leading independent financial advisers apparently approved by the FSA – reassuring isn't it?  The following day saw us bound for Islornsay – we had a good reach up the Sound of Sleat with sightings of  several new species of animal such as the ‘guilleduck'.  We then headed into Loch Hourn and after anchoring off Arnisdale an ascent of Beinn Sgritheall was made as training for an attempt on Ben Nevis after the voyage. The lobster creel was laid that evening full of freshly caught mackerel and some left over smoked mackerel to tempt the local shellfish.  We rowed over to the creel the next morning full of anticipation – one very bloated velvet crab was the result of our efforts.  Clearly the word had got out about the relentless nonsense on Ezra – a boat to be avoided at all costs.  A slow beat out of Loch Hourn followed with one helmsman and five backseat drivers as we tried to pick up each light zephyr.  Eventually we had a good reach into Loch Nevis and tied up alongside the pier at Inverie. The Old Forge provided its usual eclectic mix of late night entertainment and successfully emptied the crew's pockets.  Back to Mallaig the next day and the end of a very enjoyable voyage  - if you see someone wandering around Mallaig with staring eyes and murmuring RTC, RTC, RTC please take pity!

1st - 6th June 2008
Sailing and Mountaineering: Glenmore Lodge 60th Anniversary
A gentle motor from Mallaig to Rum in oily calm waters gave us a wonderful display from a Minke whale off Sleat Point.  As the wind was due to pick up the next day, the climbing party set off for Halleval and Askival in the late afternoon.  Clear skies and wonderful views from the ridge were the reward.  The next day saw us quickly back east to Isleoronsay to shelter from a  forecast SE gale that did not materialise.  We then headed back towards Skye with the Dubh Ridge being the objective.  After spending the night in Soay Harbour we motored around the corner into Loch na Cuilce where the climbers set off for the Dubh Ridge.  A superb climb on a beautiful day saw the happy climbers back on board and Ezra motoring in flat calms back east to Inverie.  Ladhar Beinn was then ascended and a welcome beer at the Old Forge completed a truly memorable celebration of Glenmore Lodge's 60th birthday.

29th - 31st May 2008
This voyage began in Ardfern with a familiar hand returning to Ezra for her delivery to Mallaig, where she would help celebrate the 60th anniversary of Glenmore Lodge with a week of sailing and mountaineering.  Fair weather and time constraints meant motoring to Oban to pick up a Glenmore Lodge instructor joining the crew for the next leg of the journey.  Light winds allowed a sail from Ardnamurchan to Muck, anchoring off the southeast end of the island.   The continuing good weather permitted time for a visit to Inverie at Knoydart with a trip ashore to the Old Forge and a berth for the night alongside the harbour wall.  The next morning saw an early crossing to Mallaig where Ezra was ready for a week of sailing and mountaineering.   A short but satisfying trip to reward a very capable crew.

24th - 27th May 2008
North east winds and high pressure continued to be steady as we sailed to Tayvallich in the sunshine and enjoyed a lively beat up Loch Sween before a gentle walk ashore to explore Carsaig.  A lazy start the following morning to set sail across to the south end of Jura where we were becalmed long enough to enjoy the glorious sunshine and heat and relax on deck in shorts.   The wind stayed in the north east but continued to be variable stretching the afternoon as we slowly beat up the Sound of Islay to anchor in West Loch Tarbert.  Time enough on our last day to watch deer on the shores of Jura as our circumnavigation of the island came to an end with porpoises playing in the Corryvreckan on our return home to Ardfern.  A marvellous Bank Holiday weekend on the West Coast of Scotland in memorable summer conditions.

9th May 2008
A one day corporate event began on a glorious sunny morning, picking up crew in Asknish Bay by Arduaine where Ezra had anchored overnight ready.  Light winds allowed a gentle start to sail south to catch the tide through the Dorus Mor and gave everyone a chance to helm on a broad reach.  Porpoises and seals were spotted before anchoring at Crinan for lunch on deck.  The afternoon breeze offered a leisurely and peaceful sail up Loch Craignish to enjoy the fine scenery and finish a most enjoyable day back in Ardfern.

26th - 29th April 2008
A beat down Loch Craignish gave a gentle introduction to Ezra before a drink on deck in the lagoon to relax and marvel at an evening spectacle of lit balloons in the distance.  An early start the next morning to catch the tide through the Dorus Mor and Corryvreckan before setting the sails and sailing to the Garvellachs to explore ashore and bask in the sunshine.  Light winds allowed some gentle sailing before finally motoring to the evening anchorage in Loch Spelve.  Sailing off the anchorage in the morning, Ezra headed south again making the most of light winds and a chance to practise some easy helming.   The warmth of the sun was an added bonus at lunchtime anchoring off Scarba.  Crinan was the destination for the final evening to enjoy another drink on deck before we sailed back to Ardfern the following morning.  A dry weekend and relaxing sailing  making the most of the beauty of the West Coast produced a happy and satisfied crew.

18th - 24th April 2008
High pressure to the north of Scotland and low pressure to the south gave us a good week of fresh easterly breezes and clear skies - perfect sailing weather for Ezra.  Our first day saw us under topsail reaching into Tobermory for a pint in the Mishnish. Having rounded Ardnamurchan Point bound for Mallaig we soon found the wind right on the nose and so we eased the sheets and had a fast reach down to the Bull Hole on Iona Sound.  The puffins were back as we sailed past the Treshnish Isles and Staffa.  After a  breezy visit to Iona we motorsailed along the Ross of Mull and then laid course to the north of Colonsay and into West Loch Tarbert, Jura under sail alone.  A very lively sail close hauled down the Sound of Islay in a steady Force 7 with far too much sail aloft gave the crew a good showing of what Ezra can do.  It was a tired but happy crew that dropped anchor in Tayvallich that night.  A final night in the Crinan Basin completed a very rewarding week with the West Coast at its best.

12th - 15th April 2008
Fairweather allowed a gentle sail to Crinan for our first evening, anchoring off Duntrune Castle.  A motorsail to Tayvallich the next day where walking and exploring ashore was the order of the day.  A beat back up the Sound of Jura gave the crew some more work the next day and experience at setting the sails and helming before going into the sea lock at Crinan for the final night of the voyage.  Sunshine and light winds made for a gentle weekend and a mellow time for the crew.

3rd - 9th April 2008
Another week of fresh north winds were forecast for this voyage so we made the most of the first day at sea by beating up to Tobermory from Ardfern while there was still a hint of west in the wind.  We then spent a day alongside and walked in the local area while northerly gales beat down on to Ardnamurchan.   Sunday morning brought still stronger winds with an uncomfortable swell in the harbour so we got our anchor and after a very lively motor clear of Calve Island we set sail and roared down the Sound of Mull amid snow flurries and sunshine to get shelter in Loch Aline.  After a more peaceful night we had another good reach down to the entrance of Oban Bay where the wind died and the sun shone strongly as we took our lunch on deck.  Shortly afterwards the strong north winds reappeared and after practising heaving to we ran for Puilladobhrain and some good Loch Fyne ales in the Tigh an Truish.  A motor sail to Crinan for more walking and a final sail with all sails set to Ardfern marked the end of an excellent week of four seasons and great crewing.

28th - 31st March 2008
Northerly winds and snow showers continued for this voyage as winter keeps its grip on Scotland.  A short beat down Loch Craignish saw us spend the first night in the lagoon which we followed with another good sail to wind up to Puilladobhrain.  Plenty of logs and a few drams were burnt that night.  With the wind still in the north we were rewarded with a great reach down to Carsaig with a final anchorage for the night in Crinan harbour.  Another good early season voyage.

21st - 24th March 2008
A stormy start to our season as winter weather continued to hit us staying alongside at the beginning of the Easter weekend.   After breakfast the next day we caught a lull in the wind to get out to a mooring and set two reefs in the main then we headed north.  A lively but dry sail through the Dorus Mor then we tacked up the Sound where we arrived in Loch Melfort late afternoon and spent some time exploring ashore.  An early start the next day to catch the tide gave us a cracking sail down to Crinan, enjoying more sunshine through the bitter winds.  An Easter Egg hunt on deck rounded off the afternoon in Crinan Basin before warming ourselves by the stove and learning the art of splicing.  Back home to Ardfern on Monday morning where we sailed up the loch taking in the glorious scenery in between snow showers and sunshine.  A wonderful first charter in good company.

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Ezra is a classic, wooden sailing ship, based on the Craignish Peninsula, near Oban, Scotland, available for skippered charter voyage holidays around the west coast Scottish islands & highlands, the Isle of Man and Ireland. The boat is also available to corporate groups. Voyages include traditional sailing trips for beginners, experts, families and children, to specialist voyages including walking, climbing, wildlife, creative writing, RYA sailing courses and The Classic Malts.