A Week of Friends, Ferries, BBQs… and Finally, Sun

A Week of Friends, Ferries, BBQs… and Finally, Some Sunshine

Wow — what a week we’ve had, and for once I can say that in a good way.

As we left Kerrera, we made our way across the Firth of Lorn towards the Sound of Mull. It was lumpy — very lumpy — until we reached just beyond Lismore Lighthouse. The rain was relentless, Pepper was still shaking, and it was an uncomfortable crossing. But as we slipped between Lady’s Rock and Lismore, everything calmed down. The Sound of Mull has a way of soothing the nerves after a rough start.

We arrived in Lochaline to find plenty of space on the pontoons. Even though our usual berth was free, we decided that since we’d be spending the week here, we’d berth on the opposite side for a better view up the loch — and hopefully a little less noise from the sand mine when it was operating.

Around 8pm, a wet and tired Barbara and Steve on Wight Mistress arrived and berthed next door. They’re friends and fellow members of Fareham Sailing & Motorboat Club, and we all agree we were equally instrumental in encouraging each other to do our around‑the‑UK circumnavigations. We welcomed them aboard with hot tea and a quick meal. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, they were heading back to their boat at 2am after an evening of catching up, comparing adventures, and discussing plans for the week ahead. As RNSA members, they’d also been invited to the Royal Highland Yacht Club Summer Muster, so they too had decided to spend the week in Lochaline.

Tuesday arrived with yet more rain — dismal, dreary, and thoroughly disheartening. But Barbara and Steve came up with a brilliant idea: catch the Lochaline–Fishnish ferry to Mull, then take the bus from Fishnish to Tobermory. They’d already spoken to the office, obtained timetables, and shared them with us. A plan for Wednesday was formed. We all needed shopping for the upcoming muster BBQ anyway, so it seemed perfect.

Wednesday arrived — and with it, sunshine. Glorious, warm sunshine. We set off from the harbour with our granny shopping trolleys and walked the short distance to the ferry terminal. From the top deck of the ferry, the Sound of Mull looked completely different — wider, grander, and far more dramatic than it does from sea level.

At Fishnish we had a 30‑minute wait for the bus, so we grabbed breakfast rolls and soaked up the sunshine. The bus ride to Tobermory was beautiful — winding roads, sweeping views, and scenery we’d never seen from that angle. We’ve been to Tobermory many times, but it was Steve and Barbara’s first visit, and seeing it through their eyes brought back so many memories.

We visited the Mishnish, had lunch, and peeked into a few of the little shops we’d planned to explore on the way back. But when Barbara checked the timetable, we realised we had only ten minutes to catch the bus. Cue a mad dash — which turned out to be unnecessary, because when we reached the bus stop the queue was so long we weren’t sure we’d get on anyway. Various backup plans were discussed, but in the end we all squeezed aboard.

Back at Fishnish, we treated ourselves to ice creams while waiting for the ferry. Our granny trolleys came home empty except for our coats — yes, we actually managed to take them off — but we’d had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

BBQs, Otters, Pimms… and Tequila Rose

Thursday brought more arrivals for the muster. An impromptu “practice BBQ before the practice BBQ” was organised across the other side of the loch. We’d never been over there before, so we loaded the Cobb, chairs, food, and drink into the dinghy and headed across. There were twelve of us — plus Pepper — and we had a fabulous evening, even spotting an otter playing in the water a little way off the shoreline.

After returning to the marina, we headed aboard Wight Mistress for drinks. It was one of those relaxed, easy evenings full of laughter and stories — the perfect warm‑up before the busy muster weekend ahead.

By Friday, Lochaline was buzzing. The pontoons were full, the mooring buoys were full, and the head of the loch was dotted with masts like a floating forest. We’d decided to host a pre‑BBQ Pimms party, and after three jugs we were all feeling rather merry.

The practice BBQ was in full swing, and it was wonderful catching up with friends we hadn’t seen in ages. Afterwards, Barbara sensibly called it a night and headed to bed — while Nick introduced Steve to the delights (or dangers) of Tequila Rose and Limoncello. They sat aboard Halcyon Sea, sampling, comparing, and laughing their way through the bottles whilst spinning dits. It was one of those evenings that starts quietly and ends with everyone slightly more cheerful than planned.

The weather was improving daily. Still a little overcast, but warm — and crucially, not raining.

Muster Day: Hog Roast, Dinghies, and 140 Sailors

Saturday was Muster Day. A hog roast awaited us at the slip at the head of the loch, so off we all went in our dinghies. It was a fabulous event — our second time attending — with around 140 people there. Over £725 in cash was raised for Children in Need, supporting a member who is sailing around the UK aiming to raise £70,000. The final total will be higher, as many donated via the QR code.

After the hog roast, we returned to Halcyon Sea and had a few friends aboard for drinks. Another late night — but no one minded. It had been a brilliant day.

A Quiet Sunday and New Plans Ahead

We stayed one more day, spending Sunday saying goodbye to friends old and new. We watched as the pontoons slowly emptied and the head of the loch quietened as boats departed throughout the day. Summer had finally arrived — at least for today — and we were grateful not to be moving. We spent some time prepping the boat for departure tomorrow.

We would have loved to join the Cruise in Company that follows the muster, but we’ve decided to make our way home while the coming week’s weather looks pleasant.

The current plan is to spend a night in Craobh and then head through the Crinan Canal. But as we’ve learned many times, sailing plans are only ever pencilled in — everything can change.Read more