In overcast weather, we left Tobermory after a leisurely breakfast and set sail for the Isle Of Skye. The wind soon picked up to a Force 4 to 5 from the south west giving a fast passage down wind with GeorgeW steering most of the way. Mid afternoon, a front came through clamping down visibility and increasing the wind, accompanied by rain. Hence, rather than continue on to other anchorages, it was decided to make Armadale the overnight stop. For much of the way, Alcyone had sailed with one reef in the main but later the main was dropped and we ran under just genoa.
Coming up past Muck and Eigg with the mountains of Rum behind with a ring of cloud around them was most spectacular; we saw little of Skye as it was lost in the mist and rain. The sense of spectacle was enhanced when a pair of sharks appeared and later a sea lion. It had become a sort of initiation right to get to Skye as the most northerly part of the western islands possible within the time limits of the round Britain cruise. The scenery differs from the more sheltered islands and certainly from the Firth of Clyde. All we have managed to do is have a small taster of the area but has wetted the appetite for more – maybe!!
We are moored in Armadale Bay alongside another Contessa 32 “Lady G”. She looks to be the same age as Alcyone (i.e. she also does not have the CO logo moulded in the bow).
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