Through the Sound of Harris

14 August 2018

A lot has happened over the past few days. We have visited Port Mòr, on the island of Muck, where we enjoyed a nice hike. We had a very exciting anchor watch due to the small space in the harbour, and it was questionable whether we would be able to turn if the current shifted. Luckily, we managed to fit exactly in the small space. After breakfast we hoisted the sails for a lovely day of sailing. Seals here, dolphins there.. in short a nice day.
Eventually we dropped anchor in Loch Harport, right before the distillery of Talisker. Guess what our plan is for tomorrow… After we enjoyed some good whiskey, we lifted the anchor to sail towards the highlight of this trip: St Kilda! But first, we have to cross the Sound of Harris, where there are many rocks in the water between Harris and Uist. We have to be extra careful here!
Just outside, on the ocean, we sailed into the night. In the morning we arrived at St Kilda and made a tour through the ‘village’. Afterwards we walked across the isle. After the lunch we visited Stac Lee, Stac an Armin and Boreray. It is said that about 25% of the world population of Gannets live on this island. We see, hear and smell the birds everywhere!
Then we hoisted the sails for our return trip. And we had to get back through the Sound of Harris. But this time in the dark. With fog. The current against us. And the wind decreasing. The first part went well, but after a while the current was stronger than the wind and we were going backwards. So, we had to turn on the engine.
Currently, we are anchored in Dunvegan and this morning we will watch the colony of seals, we will pay a visit to the castle and make a hike. This afternoon we will set sail to the next Loch.