Hebridean harmony

The Cruising Club of America brought six yacht clubs together for a magnificent Western Isles Cruise in July; Bob Shepton joined the fleet in Oban

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The event was organised by the CCA in conjunction with five other yacht clubs: the Ocean Cruising Club, the Royal Cruising Club, the Royal Highland Yacht Club, the Clyde Cruising Club and the Irish Cruising Club.

Several boats sailed across the Atlantic to join the fleet on the west coast of Scotland, and some American and Canadian sailors flew across the Atlantic to join the fleet, chartering boats locally in Scotland.

I joined Reg and Nicky aboard their fine Rustler 42 yacht, Blue Velvet of Sark, in Oban, crossing the bay to join the fleet in Kerrera Marina the next morning. There I met the indomitable Barbara, who had organised things so superbly, and was able to set up my small bookstall. A kind American lady bought all four of my books straight off, which was encouraging.

To start the week, the Clyde Cruising Club had organised a race to Tobermory. This kicked off well with a sprightly breeze down the Firth of Lorn, then up Loch Linnhe having passed Lismore Lighthouse, but the wind died on entering the Sound of Mull, and the race was later cancelled.