Friday 12th June, Stromness, Orkney.

At 05-55 we left the anchorage at Rispond Bay, Loch Eribol heading for Stromness in time to meet slack water in Hoy Sound on the approach to Stromness. We cleared Whiten Head at the entrance to Loch Eribol by 06-30, taking the end of the fair tide. We were motoring as there was only 4 kts of apparent wind from the SW. 

Dawn at Rispond Bay ( 04-40 ! )

Ben Hope from Loch Eribol. 

'The Sisters' marking the eastern side of the entrance to Loch Eribol.

By 08-25 the wind had increased so we hoisted the genneker and motor sailed through some slight drizzle. At 10-00 a cold front came through with heavier drizzle and the wind shifted and came in from the NW. A wet genneker was rapidly stowed, and the main and genoa were set.

At 12-35 we were approaching Hoy Sound, having had a good view of the 'Old Man of Hoy' considering the poor visibility earlier in the drizzle. On our way into Hoy Sound we enjoyed the bird life, inquisitive fulmars circling the boat, occasional marauding skuas, and shy, rapidly diving puffins. Our aim was to arrive in Hoy Sound at slack water - we were two minutes early! By 14-30 we were moored in Stromness Marina after a passage of 50NM.

A passing fulmar.

The Old Man of Hoy. 

Hoy Sound at slack water. 

Approaching Stromness. 

Moored in Stromness, rolled blue genneker awaiting drying.

Preparing to hoist the Orkney courtesy flag.

We had two nights in Stromness and had excellent meals at the Ferry Inn to celebrate our furthest point north ( 58º57'.865N 003º17'.630W ). We explored the area on foot enjoying many varied and fine vistas.

The waterfront at Stromness. 

Typical street in old Stromness.

Looking south over the golf course to Hoy Sound with Hoy in the background. 

Ferry negotiating the narrow entrance channel to Stromness.

'Norman James' and ferry berthed at Stromness.