Day 18 - The day the wind arrived along with an event we had not planned for.

Oban bay with the island of Kerrara and the marina

We were expecting an increase in wind and had planned to visit Loch Spelve on the way to Oban via the Cuan Sound with its interesting tides. We had returned via the Cuan Sound yesterday and once again planned to pass through at the appropriate direction of tide, this time westerly. We followed another yacht sailing through, seemingly along the reverse track of yesterday until we we brought up sharply, having scraped the keel across some rocks. Various attempts with different engine thrust would not free us. We were had become pinned against a rock by the strong westerly tide. This was not a good situation and help was needed; within half an hour the Oban Lifeboat was at our side and we spend another 15 minutes trying to get a line aboard. It's incredible how heavy such a line is when drawn by a strong tide. With the help of a lifeboat crew member we  were just about to secure the line when the boat became free and we were able to motor away.

The magnificent Oban crew at work

After checking all was well we said goodbye to the Lifeboat and made our way to Oban Marina where I had the boat lifted and checked over. We had been very lucky and come away with nothing more than a scrape along the bottom of the keel.

The Mora Edith Macdonald

Soleis having her keel checked

All ok, bar a few scrapes.

During the afternoon the wind had been getting up and mooring in Oban Marina was not easy. As I write we have a North Easterly wind of 25kts gusting 30.  We shall see what tomorrow holds