We woke to teaming rain, which we didnt mind so much as Polly, having been our overnight guest in the cockpit left us lots of little presents along her way – a lovely way to pay us for shelter, food and water! Ah well, she isnt boat trained I suppose!
By the time we left Stonehaven, the sun was shining, and it looked beautiful as we departed
Pretty Stonehaven
and having brought us in, it was John’s job to steer the boat off the wall and out of the harbour – well done John!
Coastline from Stonehaven to Arbroath
A lovely trip today heading down to Arbroath, a little frustrating with the wind which seems determined once again to sit right on our nose. It can’t be headwind Rick as he left at Scrabster – so it must be the Varty effect after all!
I’m getting more relaxed at the helm, and now comfortably sitting side saddle to have a comfy ride and had a lovely couple of hours sat there with my gorgeous blanket to keep me warm!
The marina at Arbraoth is entered via a lock which is only open at certain times of the day, so our passage planning had to take this into account as it was important we arrived at the right time – imagine getting there and the lock had just shut, with no other options but to carry on sailing – and with the gale warning in force, we wouldn’t be smiling!
Hence, once we calculated our overall speed accounting for the tacks we put in, we realised we had to put the donkey on and motor sail to Arbroath – a shame, but something which was definitely needed!
We reached Arbroath, it was Mikes turn to take the helm and bring the girl in, and mine to give him instructions having studied the pilotage. Another school day yet again – using churches can be tricky it seems – and I used the wrong church when deciding when to turn towards the gap in the harbour walls. A quick eyed Tank saw my error, ta mate – another lesson learned!
Meanwhile, John, who had sweated the halyard was now busy climbing up the mast bringing the sail down. He is becoming quite athletic!
"John The Hooligan" transforms into "John The Gymnast"!!
Mike brought us beautifully onto the pontoon (really he did!)
The Lock at Arbroath
and we secured the lines and settled down for the evening.
Arbroath Marina early evening
Mike cooked tonight – “Spaghetti Arbroathnaise” with garlic bread – beautiful!
A quiet evening spent watching a DVD and studying – yes – studying, well, just a little bit anyway!
We have “a storm a brewing” (say that in a Scottish accent please) so we will be sitting tight in Arbroath while it blows itself out – a force 8 forecast – my blog followers will realise thats a gale, not as bad as when we were in Stromness undoubtedly, but not one we would poke out nose out of our sanctuary for!
A day of study planned for tomorrow – yawn – goodnight!
