July 13 - 15

There was some maintenance work needed done on the boat so we spent one last day on land – three volunteers were lucky enough to get out on one of the local whale watching boats, and get a sneak preview of some harbour porpoises! The remaining two volunteers went over to the Ardnamurchan study site for the day to learn more about the work done there. At about 5pm we left sunny Tobermory and started surveying as soon as we had entered the Sound of Mull, visually and acoustically (for porpoises).

The plan was to sail through the night to reach the beautiful Shiant Islands for breakfast and then carry out surveys throughout the day to reach Stornoway by Thursday evening. We headed out towards the Cairns of Coll and then turned northwards into the evening light. As we started the night watches, the weather took a turn for the worse and we battled through the night in rain and high winds. At about 8 or 9 am we decided against breakfast in the Shiants because the weather wasn’t suitable for the anchorage and most of the volunteers and crew were fast asleep in their bunks!

After sailing through the night and most surviving the sail we arrived at Stonoway, finally. Settling into the berth, and seeing a few Grey Seals, the females of the crew ran to the showers at the local sports centre. Feeling refreshed, we all then met up with the other sailers who were taking part in the Hebridian festival, which was one of the reasons why we were here. A trip to the pub soon followed.

After such a tiring day’s activities including sleeping, sleeping and some more sleeping, most of the volunteers headed back to the Silurian with the skipper and first mate. After a cup of tea and a chat we all headed to bed, to up for eight the next morning.

8.40 the next morning and every one was stirring around the boat. Breakfast followed by wash up by some of the volunteers while others went into Stornoway to buy supplies for the SeaBattle later on in the day.

Around 10, the Silurian had her sails up and was gliding through the waters as she followed the other boats to Lock Erisrt. There was a barbeque waiting for everyone as they got to dry land. A small ceileidh band played while everyone ate.

Departing the small island took a little longer then expected as there were not as many dinghys to take people back to their own boats.

Before the Volunteers and crew even reached the Silurian, the battle had begun, with buckets of waters being thrown in every direction as we made our way back to the boat.

Preparations had already begun as we arrived. Water pistols and buckets were filled with sea water and tested out on a few unlucky members as they got onto the dive platform. A quick change saw most people in yellow oilskins, green wellington boots, war paint and rubber plaits, while others wore shorts. There were also fairy wings and halos in the crows nest armed with two water pistols and a bucket of water. Our poor skipper however had the pleasure of wearing a Scottish flag as a kilt, a red beard and Scottish tartan hat complete with red hair. We have pictures!

The battle begun as we reached our first ship, who claimed to be unarmed but were not short of water balloons. There were no match for our buckets and cups. Of course the Silurian came out on top even if there was some mutany from the crows nest!

A few small currachs also felt the force of the yellow Silurian army, surrendering as they cowered from the cold sea water. Smiles all around on board.

The Silurian was attacked again, port side, water balloons coming from every direction but was soon washed out by our water hose and they ducked for cover. A clear win for the Silurian.

Sailing back into Stornoway, we pulled in to re-fuel, still on a high from our victory. Once the tanks were filled, the Silurian pulled into it’s berth for the night and began the clean up from the battle while dinner was prepared in the galley. The ‘bar’ was also opened, a definite reward for victorious battle.

Log by Penny and Suzanne