As forecast, not a lot of wind so we set off motor sailing North, a leisurely departure at 1000 to catch the tide, which was such that we were swept along at over 6 knots with the engine hardly trying and the sails just filling....no stress, thats the way to do it!

Once we cleared Rathlin and got into the North Channel (crossing the shipping lanes at right angles because we are good children) we were clear of the lee of the land and the swell picked up considerably. A large aluminium French yacht (Ca'ol Ila!) flying a Breton ensign slowly overhauled us and we sailed together into Port Ellen and the new pontoons. We visited them later to hand over the photos Chris took as they passed in the swell (see picture). Lovely yacht - nice folk - frequent visitors to the Western Isles and the distilleries - hence the boats name, and a convivial time was had by all.
We had got alongside in time to catch the last tour of the day round Lagavulin where we tasted some very nice whisky and were given a free tasting glass. A short wander back into the village and dinner at the White Hart (average meal, reasonable price but the cost of a pint is eye watering)
The evening with the Bretons saw us late to bed and slightly fuzzy but happy....