Sun 2 Aug, Final Northbound Leg

Longhope to Stromness to visit Chrissie and Peter in Kirkwall

Departed Longhope at 0855 for the 11.6M run up to Stromness.
The currents and tidal streams make for very interesting navigation between the islands close by Hoy, especially when passing to the north of Graemsay where the Hoy Sound brings the Atlantic tidal stream into Scapa Flow. One of the occasions where one proceeds sideways toward one’s goal.

Arrived Stromness 1150 to be met by Linda and Keith who embarked for a sail around the Flow. Engine on, out of berth, sails up, quick beam reach out of Stromness, over to Graemsay then turned around and reached back, alongside after about an hour. It was Linda’s first ever trip on a sailing boat and she seemed to really enjoy it. Keith had worked on the boats up on Orkney, so he was put to work on the helm while Steve and Barbara sorted out the sails and things.

Hopped into L&K’s car, ‘nipped’ into Kirkwall (35 minute car ride) and went into a café for a coffee and a bite to eat, only to find that the café had no food available, and the coffee was not very good. Not put off by this, we went into Tesco, picked up a meal deal and then went and sat to have an impromptu picnic, while watching the ferries come and go.

Next stop, Chrissie (Lin and Keith’s daughter) and husband Peter’s house up near the airport. Tea and cake and a long catch up – Barbara and Steve had not seen them since 2023 during our previous visit.

It is surprising how far, by car, it actually is from Kirkwall to Stromness. (By boat it is around 33 miles!) A 35 minute journey put Steve and Barbara back onboard after wishing farewell to Linda and Keith, with heartfelt thanks for a lovely time with them.

Early night ready for an early start tomorrowRead more