Preparations are underway...

The boat's waterline has sunk a few centimeters: the loading is progressing well!
The sails are in place: brand new genoa, almost new staysail, and mainsail... as is. The main engine has been serviced, and the dinghy's engine finally started at the beginning of the season: we hope it lasts. Daniel is replacing the exterior speakers, and Danièle is looking for practical and attractive storage boxes to furnish the sea berth we salvaged this winter...
Departure is scheduled for around May 1st.
Return planned with a crew skippered by Patrick from August 1st.

The Navigation Blog

https://pikoourousenecosse.blogspot.com/2015/04/

The route

the assessment

So, how was the 2015 navigation?

• 1400 nautical miles in 3 months and 140 engine hours
• 53 stages (anchorages and ports)

The highlights

• Magnificent landscapes, superb anchorages
• Pleasant encounters.
• Many marine animals were encountered.
• The boat was generally in good shape, and the new genoa in particular performed very well. However, we had too few opportunities to use the spinnaker.
• An increasing number of organized marinas and anchorages, particularly in the Outer Hebrides

Weak points

• The weather: numerous strong winds throughout the summer, and a severe lack of sunshine; the Scots are talking about a 40-year record…
• Two annoying breakdowns on the boat: a dead battery after 2 years of operation and fatal corrosion of the windlass angle drive which required replacement of the part (Thanks to Fora marine after-sales service).
• The exchange rate of the Pound/Euro is very unfavorable.
• Scotland is no longer such an adventurous destination. Organized moorings tend to replace anchoring areas (Tobermory for example) but it is also more expensive (£15 for a mooring buoy in Plockton!).