We sailed South back down Loch Sween and then continued North in the main Northern Channel on the east sid eof Jura. This trip was to take us past the mouth of   Corryvreckan and then up towards the marina Craobh Haven.  The weather was terrible and we reefed down to the Strom Jib and third reef.  The wind gusted to force 8 and the wind instrument packed up. We tacked back and forward until we managed with some relief to get into the marina where we stayed 2 nights.  We enjoyed a day off and walked over the peninsula to Ardfern and back - about 8 miles.

Unfortunately on leaving we were caught in a sharp gust and we pranged another boats davits. No damge to us but definately an insurance claim in the offing. My first in 30 yrs sailing.  Luckily no damage to us and we sailed across the loch to a samll island called Torsa. This island hid a small gap between Seil Island and Luing.  Its only a narrow channel and we had to anchor to wait for the right moment in the tide to go through between a number of rocks. very similar to the Swellies in the Menai Straits.

The short cut saved us a couple of hours getting round to Oban and it also gave us our best sail of the trip so far up to Kerrera marina.  The sailing was great and made up for my embarrasment at pranging someone elses boat. 

A number of things came out of this leg: The generosity of people who helped us with advice on pilotage - Colin , and donations - particularly Ian at Croabh Haven; the understanding that accidents do happen (Jim) - even to experienced yachtsmen; and the sheer beauty of Scotland ( and its national drink).

I am looking forward to the next leg up to Tobermory . Tims time with me is nearly up so we're going up to Loch Sunnart and then back to Fort William when James Castle should be joining me for the next leg up to Skye.   But first we need to fix :- the topping lift, the main halyard; the ind instruments etc , etc......  Sailing is realy fun!  But we did get Fish and Chips in Oban tonight so another treat.

Just a reminder to keep a track on the guy kayaking round and anothe rinteresting blog "Fandancer" a couple escaping to the med through the French canals.