Return to Arisaig to dry out : 24th & 25th July

We returned to Dunstaffnage on 22nd July to bright sunshine and settled weather. We left the following day, and after an overnight stop in Tobermory to re-provision the boat we headed out to Arisaig. Our plan was to beach the boat for some maintenance and hull cleaning.

Sailing up the Sound of Mull.

We anchored off the main channel into Arisaig and took the dinghy to sound out a suitable spot to ground the boat, and the best line in, avoiding areas with weed and hidden rocks. The water was beautifully clear so this wasn't a problem.

'NJ' at anchor.

As the sun went down we were treated to a spectacular sunset.

Sunset.

The next day, two and a half hours after high water, we nosed 'NJ' in towards the beach. At 08-55, with 0.8m of water on the depth sounder, we were aground.

Looking out of the cabin, waiting for the water to go.

 The water rapidly receded and we were soon able to walk around the boat to clean off the bottom, and change the bowthruster anode. We also took the opportunity to clean the topsides and do a little polishing. After the work was done, I had the first ( and probably last ) swim of the season!

High and dry.

We refloated at 15-45 and motored into Loch Nan Ceall to anchor for the night. In the morning we moved over to the Arisaig Marine pontoon to take on water, before setting to sea again bound for the Isle of Rum.