Having been smug about how well the passage through Corryvrechan had gone, and the excursion to Top Loch Tarbert, I was due for some humbling. So the next day I planned to go through the Sound of Islay back to the east coast of Jura, and moor in Craighouse to visit the Jura distillery.

I’m still not quite sure what I did wrong, but I got into the Sound of Islay just as the tide began to flow against me, instead of an hour before. So what should have been a fairly quick and easy motor turned into a long slog, against a tide that at its worst was 4.5kts against me. Good job I have a reliable engine and plenty of fuel! Once in, there’s nowhere to anchor and wait as both Islay and Jura have pretty sheer sides. The few shallow bays are littered with rocks - or local fishing boat moorings. So I gritted my teeth, and took it on the chin.

Arriving into Craighouse rather later than planned, I was very surprised to find no visitor mooring buoys. Not none free, just none. Apparently they’ve not been laid this year. So boat hook and rope away, anchor pin out, and splash. The water was so clear I could easily see the anchor on the bottom. Then once I’d reversed hard, all I could see was the hoop over its top - set beautifully.

Once all was sorted and I got ashore, the visitor centre at the distillery was closed. No matter, I’ll have a drink at the pub and see about having supper there. Nice drink, but fully booked. Oh well. Off for a walk, and then back aboard.

Log of this passage