Date: Friday 5th September, 2008
Anchorage: Tobermory
Position: 56° 38’.100N 006° 03’.700W
Distance Travelled: 33 NM

The Skipper’s Report:

The sun rose over the hills of Mull in a glorious burst of orange light illuminating the clouds which softly clothed the velvet slopes of the hills. As usual, only Geoff and I were up, conscious and able to fully enjoy the exquisite pleasure of waking up on a yacht anchored in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The rest of the crew remained in slumber waiting for the inevitable arrival of the wake up call.

Friday had arrived, the last day of a wonderful trip around the islands but a new experience for me being involved in a weeks surveying and monitoring the wildlife of the area. The company had been great, the weather superb (we had enjoyed sunshine while England was battered by winds and heavy rain) and we had seen several whales, lots of porpoise, basking sharks and birds. A report of orcas in the area had raised spirits but despite our best efforts they remained elusive.

However as skipper in charge of overall discipline I had found things hard at times, many of the volunteers proving a trial which even Captain Bligh would have found a challenge. Water had been regarded as a commodity to be wasted, electricity used in a frivolous manner and food consumed in huge quantities by all aboard (apart from myself of course due to being on a strict diet). The other crew were supportive, when it suited them. The food cooked by Julie – excellent but no regard given to the massive quantity of washing up which were left after every meal. Rick, the 1st mate (with an varied and stylish assortment of undergarments which were on various occasions on display) was the epitome of the stylish adventurer, with an apparently strange relationship with coffee of all things. He specialised in exploding coffee cans, wreaking havoc in the galley on one occasion, but his real forte was in the recovery of dinghies which had been left in stupid places. Why he felt the need to strip to minimum clothing must remain a secret between him and his mother but did seem to indicate a singular lack pf potty training. And of course I have to be grateful for the help, assistance, advice and general back seat driving from the scientific officer on board – Susannah. Occasionally one has the pleasure of meeting someone who has the natural ability to lead people beyond their normal limitations, who has an unnatural ability to think ahead and plan unerringly, who has the depth of biological knowledge which has only been superseded by Darwin. One day I hope to meet such a person.

But all in all I have to report that a wonderful time was had by all, Skipper, 1st Mate, scientific officer, cook and all the volunteers – a marvellous time which I will remember with great pleasure and gratitude.

D.