Confusingly, there are a few Salens around the coast of Scotland but my favourite Salen is about 12 NM up into Loch Sunart.

We had a fairly leisurely start today as we waited for the tide to turn which would give us a little assistance as we travelled east along Loch Sunart. The entrance to Loch Sunart is north east of Tobermory harhour avoiding the rocks at Big Stirk and Little Stirk which are marked with a southerly cardinal buoy. They dry out at low tide and are clearly visible. I have see fishermen passing between them but best to avoid I think.

As we crossed toward Loch Sunart we enjoyed an excellent beam reach in 18 knots of wind, all sail up we were tearing through the water a seven and a half knots. The wind going up Loch Sunart constantly changes direction as it swirls around the mountains and glens, but we managed to sail or motor-sail all the way to Salen.

I had phoned Jan at Salen Jetty last night to reserve a pontoon space, which was just as well. Despite her saying that she expected to be quiet she was pleasantly surprised to find that the pontoons are full for tonight with only moorings left.

We are going to take a walk to the hotel to stretch our legs and get a bit of exercise before tea tonight – oh – and we might have a pint in the sunshine.