Anchored in the sound at Mid Yell after what amounted to a very pleasant afternoon's sail. Upon leaving our very secure berth along side Wayne's big, red, steel fishing boat in the Out Skerries harbor we found ourselves hard on the wind headed NW. It was almost possible to lay Mid Yell on one starboard tack. Every time a small, dark rain squall would approach us the wind would increase to 25-30 and push us down to the west. There would be a short light rain shower and the wind would move back to the north. We had to make two extra tacks to pull into this landlocked sound but we never got wet in the pilot house where we stayed relatively warm considering the temperature was 48F with the chill factor somewhat lower. Sailing in the lee of North Unst the water was relatively flat and by feathering the reefed main and staysail during the gusts we had a very pleasant afternoon sail to our most northerly anchorage ever.

This village, Mid Yell, of widely spaced houses on rounded, grassy hills has more happening than the Out Skerries. There are two commercial fish boat piers, a small fishing boat marina, and several commercial fish farms floating around us. There is also reported to be a bar at the top of the hill but we will never know for sure. The plan is to get out of here early tomorrow and get to Balta Sound on North Unst before it begins to blow a gale. Will the north wind never quit? As far as I can see it won't. But John our weather guy says maybe by the 17th we might have a window to make it across to Norway. Thanks for joining us. I will try to put some more photos on from Balta Sound. We should be there for a couple of days.