PROMOTING SAFE YACHTING, SAILING & POWERBOATING ACROSS FIFE AND SCOTLAND

As forecast, Saturday the 26^th of July was a beautiful day for a Club cruise to the Isle of May. With the sun reflecting the colours of the hulls in the calm waters of the harbour, members met between 7 and 8am, to prepare their boats and get ready to depart on the days adventure. On the day, three keel boats and two powerboats joined the cruise. On board were a good mixture of new and old club members all out to enjoy the experience and the wonderful voyage ahead in perfect weather.

Shortly after 8am. The keel boats left the harbour and started to make passage in a light westerly wind which carried them along at around 4 knots.

Shortly afterwards the power boats left harbour and joined the flotilla before heading of on a high speed visit to the Bass Rock to see the colony of Gannets diving for fish and flying close to the boats as they flashed through the water raising sparking white spray in their wake.

After sailing to North Berwick and around the Bass Rock, how many times we are not totally sure, the powerboats re-joined the keel boats, now at anchor in the mouth of Kirkhaven Harbour on the May Isle.

Sitting at anchor in the calm blue waters, members watched the grey seals swimming in and around their boats, the seal pups sunning themselves on the rocks, the cormorants chilling out and the many small jelly fish in the clear blue water.

“Suzie Q” and “Red Mist” were moored together and it was good to see their crews go swimming around their boats. In the warm sun it was time for lunch and everyone enjoyed a picnic and refreshing cold drinks as well as some good banter between the boats over the VHF radio system as all boats were on Channel M2 for the voyage.

After lunch, “Rum Rig” headed back to Elie, while the other boats headed for Anstruther to enjoy the Lifeboat Open Day that was being held on the pier.

On arrival at Anstruther, “Sundance” tied up alongside “Genisis IX” and everyone headed for the Ship Tavern where Steve Blaney had promised to buy the first round of drinks. After another round bought by Stephen Anderson to dispel rumours about Aberdonians and his very deep pockets, the happy band returned to their boats from where they had the opportunity to watch the Coastguard helicopter give an exhibition of a sea rescue in the outer harbour before heading for home. As we approached Elie in a comfortable force 3 from the South West, we enjoyed the memorable panorama of the Lady’s Tower in silhouette against a clear blue sky, with the sun glistening on the water we sailed through the flat calm waters of Saucher Bay to the harbour and home.

Everyone enjoyed this great day out – and as we reflect on it, we agreed it was a shame that more members had not come along to enjoy the experience, the fun and the banter - hopefully they will next time . . .

Steve Blaney

E.E.S.C.

27^th July 2009