The passage from Port Ellen to Campbeltown was more of an undertaking than most of our recent days, with a distance of about 45NM and the rounding of another major tidal gate in the Mull of Kintyre. The wind was variable through the day with good stints of sailing indispersed with periods of motor sailing. The views from the boat were spectacular with the ever present Kintyre peninsular looming ahead, Islay receding behind, and to the south, Raithlin Island, the northern coast of northern Ireland, and the Galloway coat to the south east. Although we did see a little broken water in places our passage was uneventful, with a significant acceleration as we navigated around the Mull headed into Sanday Sound between Kintyre and Sanday Island. Maximum observed speed over the ground was 8.6Kts.
Rounding the Mull of Kintyre
Sanday Island.
Looking west towards the Mull from Sanday Sound.
As we turned North towards Campbeltown the wind dropped, but with the assistance of the engine we maintained a speed of 7Kts or so. As we approached Cambeltown, Island Davaar came into view, this has a covering shingle spit which connects the island to the land preventing what would be a tempting shortcut!
Island Davaar, the shingle spit is to the left of the island.
A short while later we were tied up safely to the long leisure boat pontoon next to the harbour.
The pontoon at Campbeltown, 'NJ' on the outer end.
We were pleasantly surprised by Cambeltown, with it's sturdy pontoon, a good supermarket near by, and many impressive buildings including the Royal Hotel where the pontoon dues were collected. We will be interested to see what transpires over the winter as a major expansion of the yacht facilities is planned, with the existing pontoon being removed in November.
The Royal Hotel, one of many impressive buildings.
We made up for our premature depature from Port Ellen with a three night stay in Cambeltown which we thoroughly enjoyed.
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