Like the rest of the world 2020 was a year dominated with Coronavirus and in the United Kingdom the exit from the European Union. Little sailing was done, but a lot of work on upgrading the systems on the boat.
Due to the uncertain travel situation I am planning to circumnavigate the United Kingdom during August, September and early October 2021, I have split the voyage into several legs and am inviting sailing friends to hop on and off the boat if they want to do one or more legs.
Leg One Plymouth to Ramsgate 250 nm (Two days sailing)
A run along the "La manche" in one hop with lots of diversion ports so that I can check that we are all set up for the trip.
48 hour stop over with possible crew change.
Leg Two Ramsgate to Edinburgh 400 nm. (Four days sailing)
Basically, getting to Scotland in one hop.
I am considering a five day stop over as my daughter might be in Edinburgh and I have family to visit this also allows for a crew change.
Leg Three Edinburgh to Stromness 215 nm. (Two days sailing)
This is where things start getting interesting and very weather dependent. I am aiming for Stromness on the Orkney mainland and a visit to Lyness where I spent a couple of years as a toddler.Leg Four Stromness to Mallaig 250 nm. (No defined time)
This is where things slow down a bit and we can enjoy the west Highlands. Once round Cape Wrath I plan potter down to Mallaig over a few days. Places I want to stop include Loch A' Chadh -Fi where John Ridgway set up his outdoor center, Aultbea where we lived for about six months, Glenelg and Sandaig the home of Gavin Maxwell and Loch Nevis.
Leg Five Mallaig to Fort William 75 nm. (One day sailing)A trip down past Mull then "home" to Fort William; there should be a new 40 berth marina there. I'm planning to stay for five days as I've lots of school pals to catch up with possible crew change. Aim to be here mid September at the latest.
Leg Six Fort William to Largs 150 nm. (Two days sailing)
Possible crew change at Largs.
Leg Seven Largs to Isles of Scillies 360 nm. (Four days sailing)
The run back south.
Leg Eight Isles of Scillies to Plymouth 90 nm. (One day sailing)
The run back to home port.