Sailing and Submarines



(Secret) Submarine Base



The day started with a very uneventful morning with zero-point-zero knots of wind and once again we found ourselves motoring, down from the Burnt Isles in the Kyles of Bute. On the way out we learnt about the rules of the road (how to not get run down) and about the cardinal buoys that told us where the safe water was (East, North, West, and South). We then waited for our second breakfast of hash browns and bacon. It was eventually served fairly late (we ended up eating it at 13:00) so we turned it into lunch, and at about 16:00 we converted our would-be lunch into an afternoon snack (David-made scones with a jam and butter filling). Fortunately, the wind had picked up in the meantime, so we started sailing just after midday and headed up Loch Long. This took us past a (Secret) Military Submarine base, where we were eyed-up by a police boat, and then approached by policemen on a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). They gave us stern orders not to sail along the right hand side of the channel in the exclusion area next to the base. However this was extremely difficult for Avraneel at the helm, as the remaining section of the channel was very narrow, and he occasionally needed assistance from Ian to make sure we didn’t irritate the policemen (they had guns). Unfortunately, we didn’t see any submarines.



Whilst all this was happening Peter and Sid were making a Beef Pie which tasted delicious, and a separate cheese and potato pasty for Avraneel (despite the hard work at the helm, he could not finish the pasty which was larger than his plate). Cleaning was a slightly easier job compared to Saturday night as there was a lot less to wash. After the hearty meal, Jack, Sid, Ian and Peter went ashore (we had anchored near Carrick Castle) for a walk to try and let the Beef Wellington settle. On shore we walked between two national-speed-limit signs, used the toilets, read a notice board, and were inspected by a goose (he found us satisfactory). On the way back to the boat, Ian let Jack drive the dingy, who immediately opened the throttle and attempted to perform a handbrake turn. Ian returned with soaked trousers.



Sid, Peter and Jack at Carrick Castle



We are now waiting for our pancakes and ice cream, hoping for a little more travelling tomorrow as we only managed to do 28 miles today, which was less than a third of what we did yesterday.



South Cardinal Buoy

Inspector Goose



Read more about Sail Training on board Tenacity of Bolton at http://www.tenacityofbolton.org/