On Thursday the 9th of April, Solus na Mara was lifted out of the water at Dunstaffnage Marina, up onto the hard, hosed down and anti-fouled, all ready for the season. She wintered well alongside the pontoon, and Tim, Marina Manager, looked after her so well, day in, day out, night in, night out, only once did she gnaw her way through a mooring line, late into the night during a North Westerly gale in early March. No damage was done. As you can see from the pictures she was well secured.
On Monday the 13th April, on the high tide at 8.30pm just before dark, she was lifted back into the water. She quickly made her way back to the fuelling berth, was refuelled, was watered and after a final washdown of the decks by moonlight, she was then ready for setting sail for her home base in the Sound of Sleat at 7am the following morning.
A strong Easterly blew overnight but the morning broke and the wind eased and we set sail out through the Firth of Lorne into the Sound of Mull and round Ardnamurchan Point, sailing all the way with winds reaching Force 5. A most enjoyable journey. We arrived back at our newly serviced moorings outside Duisdale House Hotel at 3.30pm - A record passage. Solus na Mara was delighted to be home. She looks lovely sitting on the water infront of the Chart Room window in the sunshine this evening. Tomorrow morning, early, we set sail for Armadale to pick up our first sailing guests of the season. How great it is to be back on board. How lucky we are to be able to share the experience with so many of our guests, old and new. It's a dream come true!
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