Thursday 28 July 2011

Inverness to Hartlepool

We are pleased to say that Tenacity is back on track in her “around Britain venture”, despite the days of northerly gales that slowed her down. We left the Caledonian canal on Monday morning and motored out in the sunshine but no wind. It will come outside the firth we thought but as we got out the only weather change was that we lost the sunshine. After 15 miles the NW5 kicked in but so did the big rolling seas. After a full day we decided to pull into Fraser burgh at 22.30 for an overnight kip. We were the only yacht amongst the fishing fleet and commercial coasters but everyone was most helpful and friendly. Off again early in the morning the seas were still up but not as ferocious as the day before and as the day wore on the waves subsided. A good northerly wind meant we made good progress but the wind also eased and by 3am we were down to 1 knot and the “iron topsail” was deployed. The engine remained on until 4pm the next day before the wind filled in from the east giving us a great close hauled sail into Hartlepool where we arrived at midnight.


We have seen very large seals in Fraserburgh and have had dolphins swimming alongside the boat. After an enjoyable passage the crew of Liz, Ed, Craig and Ian are all smiling. Now for a few odd jobs before we set off again with a new crew on Saturday.













Above afternoon tea of scones and below right Craig takes it easy in the afternoon sun.


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