The Cumbrae Blog

Whale of a Time

Our two yachts, "Santa Vey" and "Somerled" are now running extended cruising courses in the Hebrides. These courses start and finish from Dunstaffnage Marina outside Oban. It was here that David and Angus delivered the boats last weekend. Sometimes the trips to and from Dunstaffnage are less popular than the tempting islands of the Hebrides themselves, but  we literally had a whale of a time on the trip up. Although there was very little wind we went non stop from Largs round the Mull to Gigha on the first day then made our way up the Sound of Jura to Oban on the second day.

Sometimes things just fall into place; in perfect sunshine, wind and tide we arrived at the mouth of the Corryvrekan, the infamous tidal race that runs between the North end Jura and Scarba. Although most sailors would normally give this passage a wide berth and the pilot books generally try to put you off going through, we hardened in our sails to tack through the gulf at the turn of the tide.

The noise form the blow hole as the whale surfaced only 40 ft from us spun us all round, as its sleek dark shape broke the surface what a great priveledge to be so close to one of these mamals. As we tacked through the Gulf of Corrvrekan the (pilot?) whale maintained a steady course such that we continually crossed his route at and at a time and place when he always seemd to be surfacing. For half an hour we swam and sailed together, what a fantastic experience and in such a special place. Earlier on we had encounteres with numerous porpoises and a 20ft Basking shark off Arran, the whale, so close and in the Corryvreckan was just the icing on the cake.

Although there is only one place left on the Hebridean cruise there are several place left on the return passages form Dunstaffnage back to Largs. For details call us on 01475 530 757 

By David