The regatta comprised four sailing dinghies and six rowing boats -
hardly the stuff of Cowes Week – but great fun was had by all. In the
evening, entertainment was provided by “The Wherries”, a three man
outfit who were big on audience participation. The ensuing dance with
“Skerryvore” started at 0145 (!!), and their six-man full-on
amplification in the small hall was so overpowering that we left after a
couple of sets. The next day we caught the tide through the Sound of
Islay and went into Loch Tarbert, Jura and spent the rest of the day
aboard in intermittent rain. The morning proved brighter, encouraging
the Skipper to don his boots for the three-Marilyn round of Scrinadle,
Corra Bheinn and Beinn Bhreac. At 10pm we spotted Seol na Mara going in
to anchor at the narrows, spoke on the VHF, and joined her in the
morning for a wee refreshment. We then sailed in company down through
the Sound of Islay to the Ardmore Islands, a favourite anchorage of both
skippers, where we enjoyed a joint dinner followed by a ceilidh. Today
we left together in thick drizzle for Port Ellen, where we are berthed
in the neat marina, restocking with food and drink.