Above: The Mascotte team watching sea bird colonies in the St Kilda archipelago (Hirta, Soay, Boreray).
Under Construction January 2021
St Kilda. From Oban to Gairloch 320miles (515km) 1- 6 June 2018
This 6 day trip had winds fair to make St KIlda the 150 mile (250km) sail from Oban to St Kilda. St Kilda is an archipelago of 3 islands (2 of which are rock towers) was abandoned. The main island is Hirta, but is referred to generally, and wrongly, as St Kilda. There are signs of habitation in pre-history, and written records survive from the 14th Century. The economy was based on sea birds: primarily oil and feathers. Apart from this it was subsistence farming, some light tourism, and shelter from the wind/rain of the Atlantic. By the 1850's the population settled at about 150, but slowly declined to under 100, until it was abandoned in 1931. The only inhabitants are staff of the military radar station. The Island is managed by The National Trust for Scotland. Part of the original single street village is preserved. There is an interesting museum. A unique feature are the round stone structures, used for storage. The slopes and landscape are dotted with some 1250 of these cleits,
The route is the blue line on the map. The crew were Richard Clapham (Skipper), Mark Tyndall (Owner of Mascotte), Huw Jackson (First Mate and Chef). Deck hands and Ballast were provided by Andy Oliver and Duncan McKechnie and Jonathan Cobb. Mascotte rendezvoused with Mark Rodgers and Bluebell (a Contessa 36) early on Day 2.
The route is the blue line on the map. The crew were Richard Clapham (Skipper), Mark Tyndall (Owner of Mascotte), Huw Jackson (First Mate and Chef). Deck hands and Ballast were provided by Andy Oliver and Duncan McKechnie and Jonathan Cobb. Mascotte rendezvoused with Mark Rodgers and Bluebell (a Contessa 36) early on Day 2.
June 1st - Day 1: Oban to Eriksay (Between Barra and South Uist) 84miles (135km)
Mascotte departed Oban mid-morning. The route was NE up the Sound Of Mull, passing Tobermory in late evening, and crossing the Lower Minch overnight. Wind was light, and the engine was needed.
Mascotte departed Oban mid-morning. The route was NE up the Sound Of Mull, passing Tobermory in late evening, and crossing the Lower Minch overnight. Wind was light, and the engine was needed.
June 2nd - Day 2: Eriksay to the Monach Isles. 33 miles (53km)
We dropped anchor off a misty Eriksay in time for an early breakfast. Mark Rogers, sailing solo in Bluebell (Contessa 36) was waiting for us. A period of rest (dead calm and bemisted - hence main left up) , then 'awa tae tha Monachs' at midday. Wind rose, and Richard decided that we would overnight in the atoll of the Monach Isles. These break up the Atlantic, but are not high enough to break the wind. Got in at last light , having done 68 miles in 10 hours. Mainsail came down. Not an evening for drinking on deck. Lit the stove and retired below.
June 3rd - Day 3. Arrival at St Kilda. 37 miles (60km) from Eriksay.
I remember the sail from Monach to St Kilda as being in a firm breeze, benign sea and increasing sunshine. We got in at 4pm. Richard rowed all the party ashore and we spent 3-4 hours exploring the village and the museum. Then all climbed the service road up to the radar station. On the way down Duncan impressed me by singing the clean/traditional version of Abdul Abulbul Amir - complete, uninterrupted and in time with our descending tread. When on the open hillside it became clear that Artic Skua, which nest on the ground, are very aggressive.This is why the WW2 Naval dive bomber manufactured by Blackburn was called the Skua.
I remember the sail from Monach to St Kilda as being in a firm breeze, benign sea and increasing sunshine. We got in at 4pm. Richard rowed all the party ashore and we spent 3-4 hours exploring the village and the museum. Then all climbed the service road up to the radar station. On the way down Duncan impressed me by singing the clean/traditional version of Abdul Abulbul Amir - complete, uninterrupted and in time with our descending tread. When on the open hillside it became clear that Artic Skua, which nest on the ground, are very aggressive.This is why the WW2 Naval dive bomber manufactured by Blackburn was called the Skua.
June 4th. Day 4. Sail round the St Kilda Group. Then back to the Hebrides, anchoring off Taransay, by South Harris. 70 miles (117km)
A long day and an early start, but one of the best. Mascotte sailed clockwise out of Hirta bay, round Soay, and on to Boreray. Andy sailed with Mark in Bluebell. Dramatic views, and photos, of cliffs and sea birds. Ornithologist's paradise. Richard was good on identification, and while my knowledge improved at the time, my memory has not enabled me to retain even the introductory level.
A long day and an early start, but one of the best. Mascotte sailed clockwise out of Hirta bay, round Soay, and on to Boreray. Andy sailed with Mark in Bluebell. Dramatic views, and photos, of cliffs and sea birds. Ornithologist's paradise. Richard was good on identification, and while my knowledge improved at the time, my memory has not enabled me to retain even the introductory level.
June 5. Day 5. Taransay to Scalpay.
June 6. Day 6. The Shiant Islands
June 7. Day 7. The Shiants to Gairloch,