Date: Thursday 28th May 2009
Anchorage: Bàgh na Dòirlinne (north of Gigha)
Position: 55°43’.513N, 005°44’.031W
Distance travelled: 50.8NM

* Basis for planning for the day: Indecision is the key to flexibility.
* Cartography lesson for the day: Mull of Kintyre.

During the day we had all kinds of weather. Although the day started ”iffy” and we put on all our foul weather gear to start, gradually we peeled off layers of clothing and sea surface flatted more and more. Lumpy seas made observations by the mast very challenging, and Captain reported he was impressed that the researchers failed to be troubled by sea sickness. We sailed into Corryvreckan and at times with the tide, we achieved 13 knots! Sightings were few, some harbour porpoises and seals, and by the end of the day everyone knew how to identify the guillemots! Finally some sun lit the scenery a bit and guided us towards a nice adventurous remote anchorage, where two brave hearts went for a swim. After eight and one half hours on effort, we welcomed the beach combing on the north end of Gigha anchorage, Bàgh na Dòirlinne. Back onboard, we examined a former whelk egg mass (capsules left). These are called “sea wash balls” because they were once used like a sponge or flannel. Apparently, there are many eggs laid but only a few whelks live, having survived by eating the other eggs. Whelks are a delicacy for Southenders (from Essex)!