Full mail sail and jib were set in the river and passed through the piers at 12.45.
With a South East wind force 2/3 on a clear sunny day with a slight sea, set a northerly course for Amble arriving at 17.30.
The very popular fish and chip cafe was closed so further down the take away chippie was used then onto the 'Schooner' pub for good beer and a televised football match.
Amble - 4th May 2011
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| Inner Farne Lighthouse |
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| Bamburgh Castle |
Call at 05.00 witnessed a beautiful sunrise with a frost on deck and left Amble marina at 06.30, to take advantage of a favourable tide through the Farne Islands, reaching the Inner Farne lighthouse at 10.00 with little wind and calm sea the coastline was idyllic. The local seals popping up to see what was passing as we meandering our way past the local fishermen's lobster pots. After passing the entrance to Holy Island at 10.30 the wind freshened and mainsail set with one reef and furling jib 1/2 out and sailing again, the autohelm engaged and a pleasant sail past Berwick where the Scottish border cliffs become more impressive. Called Eyemouth Harbour Master for permission to enter and there is a tricky passage in past the North Cardinal mark with surrounding rocks as you find your way through the canyon and into the harbour where we were directed to a river pontoon arriving at 16.00. Unfortunately, the two pubs would not serve a meal as it was too late 20.00 so it was a take way, of course haggis and chips.
Eyemouth - Thursday 5th May 2011
Left Eyemouth at 07.00 with wind SSE force 4/5 with a one metre swell. Two reefs in the main and 1/2 jib.
The crossing of the Firth of Forth was uneventful with little shipping and the AIS (automatic identification system) which informs of the ships within a five radius of their name, call signs, speed, direction and the distance and at what time they will pass you by is very gratifying information which is shown on the chart plotter. The DSC (digital selective calling) radio is also linked into the plotter with easy latitude and logitude reference for transferring data onto paper charts.
Attempts to raise Arbroath harbour received no response, so an anchorage was sort in St Andrew's Bay. There was shelter from the wind but the swell was too much in the bay for a comfortable night so after seeing where the famous golf course is situated a new course was set for Dundee.
The tide was wrong for entering the River Tay and approaching from the South with a fresh South Easterly wind made it even more hazardous running along the Abertay Sands towards the Fairway buoy which was reached 18.00 then the hard slog up the river began. There was a heavy swell running up river with wind over tide and the 8 mile passage took 4 hours before attaching ourselves at 22.00 to a visitors mooring buoy at the Royal Tay Yacht Club. A long 15 hours day with a very scary end.
The tide was wrong for entering the River Tay and approaching from the South with a fresh South Easterly wind made it even more hazardous running along the Abertay Sands towards the Fairway buoy which was reached 18.00 then the hard slog up the river began. There was a heavy swell running up river with wind over tide and the 8 mile passage took 4 hours before attaching ourselves at 22.00 to a visitors mooring buoy at the Royal Tay Yacht Club. A long 15 hours day with a very scary end.
