Our ports of call northbound to Orkney were Helmsdale and Wick. We had a fine sail in good weather through Inverness Firth, past the Cromarty and Dornoch firths, and up to Helmsdale. This attractive little town has a small, sheltered harbour with a visitors’ pontoon and good shoreside facilities. We arrived in Wick on the best day of the summer so far, lacking only a sailing breeze. The town, much maligned, is indeed rather grey with mostly stone buildings, and somewhat lacking in character. However, the harbour area is extensive, and has a new yacht pontoon in the outer harbour (photo), and there are plans for a full-scale marina in the inner harbour for next season. The general improvement in marine leisure activities is the silver lining in the black cloud of the sad decline of the fishing industry. We are waiting an extra day in Wick before crossing to Orkney, as a favourable wind is forecast for tomorrow.