Photo is of Emerald in the Rona anchorage, the lodge in the foreground.

The day started sunny but windier than we'd expected. We did our usual worry all the way there when going into a marina or harbour as to whether there would be space for us. Gairloch says it has 60m of pontoon for visiting yachts but in reality there is only really about 30m. We motor-sailed up the Sound of Raasay, the wind up our stern, a point of sail Emerald doesn't do very well at without poling out the yankee. Off the top of Rona we got the engine off and genny out, but with the waves that had built up from the F5/6 the wind kept being spilled from the genny so we went for main-sail only. We managed an average of 5kts so not too shabby.

As usual, the wind was gusting F6 as we approached Gairloch harbour - we could see only 1 mast over the top of the pier but didn't want to count our chickens too soon.... Rounding the pier we were delighted to see a piece of pontoon perfectly sized for Emerald. Colin got her turned around, I jumped off the bow (a technique perfected in the box moorings in the Baltic last year) and we were on.

The forecast isn't looking great for the next few days so we'll probably stay here until maybe Monday. There's loads to do - I've already planned us a walk and bike ride! Colin is groaning  (Beer!! Pubs, beer!!skip)