On our way to St Kilda

24 August 2018

The first day started with light winds, but the forecast said there would be a lot more. So, we started sailing with reefs in our sails from Ullapool to Tarbert. In the afternoon the wind increased and with a strong 30 knots wind we entered the East Loch Tarbert at night fall. 
It was a lovely sheltered spot for the night and the next morning we visited the distillery. Then we sailed north to Stornoway where the guests went to visit the Calanish standing stones. These standing stones are even older than Stonehenge, which makes it very impressive. Then we went to a Blackhouse to see how the people lived in the early days. 
After dinner we cast off into the night towards the Sound of Harris. We did not go in the right direction, but it was lovely sailing! After we passed by the Shiant Islands on the eastern side we took the sails away and proceeded under engine. 
Of course, we want to visit St Kilda during this trip too, but we have to find the right window of opportunity. This will be tomorrow so that’s why we went through the Sound of Harris last night and we are anchoring behind the island Taransay at the westside of Harris. This morning we will spend exploring the island, after lunch we will move a bit north for an evening walk. Tonight, we will sail to St Kilda, to visit the gannet colony at Stack Lee and Boreray tomorrow morning before we anchor at the largest island of the St Kilda archipelago, Horta.