Marica goes clockwise

The tides meant not setting off before noon today, with one o'clock looking favourable. I spent an hour in the cafe spinning out a coffee while trying to get some access to the Internet, as I had no phone coverage. I spoke to another Centaur owner, Roddy, who was planning a similar route to Oban then Fort William and to the top of Neptune's staircase on the Caledonian Canal, where they keep their boat, Katra. I also caught up with the Norwegian boat, Sailing the Farm. It transpired that they (a collective) had constructed the aluminium boat themselves. They were heading home to put another engine in and to lengthen the vessel.

The three boats crammed into the sea lock together. One of the big boat crew swung on a halyard to rejoin them from the quayside. Then we were off. The other Centaur led and I was happy to follow a local, although my planned route was identical. Wind on the nose to start with but then we were able to get the headsails out on all three boats. There were some disturbed patches of water between the islands. I had full wet gear on again. As we entered the Gulf of Corryvrecken area the tide was taking us quickly. Patches of water just spun the Westerlys round. I didn't look back at Sailing the Farm. I gave George the day off as he was too slow to respond to the changing forces on Marica. The speed over the ground climbed to 11.4 knots. As the hull speed is around 6, that meant around 5.5 knots of magic carpet underneath us. I wouldn't want to battle against it as the skipper of the Norwegian boat had tried (unsuccessfully) to in the spring.

Approaching Oban I was looking to go into Oban Marina, that is on the island of Kerrera. The Norwegians were all looking through binoculars at something on the mainland and indicated they were going that way.

I went and looked at the pontoon berths. Nothing was labelled visitors so I called them on the radio. The man who answered was clearly watching as he said you look to be about 31 feet. No 26 I replied. A Centaur he exclaimed, the first time anyone has seemed excited to see one of these sailing caravans!

I moored up and checked in. Robin and Sandra were effectively running the place this weekend, the managers were all away. They used to have a Centaur. It developed engine trouble when they arrived in Oban and they have stayed there working since. They now have a Westerly Renown, a 31 foot ketch that they are living on.

I was tempted to take the free ferry over to the mainland, but instead opted for the food and comfort of the marina bar. I was drinking bottles of Belhaven 80 Shilling at £3.50, that's a 10 bob discount.

The photo is of Sailing the Farm.