The Hebrides, Scotland

John Neal promised us “dynamic” weather and “vigorous” sailing. Day 1 of or journey delivered with gusto!

Gale force winds scrapped our plans to sail west toward Stornoway. So we sailed east in a tiny window of strong breezes, tracing around the Orkney Islands with westerly winds of 18-27 knots.

Sometimes pounded the by the North Sea’s 6-foot waves, we skirted by the Pentland Firth, where a 10–mile wall of tide is so ominous virtually no boat can cross against it.

Our s/v Could Nine, an Elan 43, then spirited us south east to Wick, on the Scottish mainland.

Land ho! We experienced the unique joy of a £2 marina shower and summer pasta salad down below. Tomorrow to Inverness. Ahoy mates!🐋⚓️💕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿