A Wee Jambo Cruise

[Honestman]

A long-awaited few days off work, and a long-promised trip with the kids to blow the cobwebs off "Breawatch" was finally realised last week during the recent heatwave.

There can be fewer places you'd rather play with your RIB that the islands off Kintyre on a sunny summer's day.

Thursday dawned with clear skies and a favourable Force 0/1 that even I could negotiate. With enough fuel on board to make the next mortgage payment a struggle we headed off from Tayvallich in Loch Sween with the intention of a visit to Jura.

"Breawatch" had been treated over the winter to an electrical overhaul including a new panel and rearranging of the internal console, a new float switch and pump (because they rarely last more than two seasons), and various other issues that were appearing with age. After raiding the kid's piggy banks and my "Tufty The Squirrel" savings account I reasoned that I was some way short of the sum required for the necessary new tubes.

Loch Sween was flat calm, and in 20 mins at 3.5k revs we were past The MacCormaig Isles, admiring Kilmory beach off the port side and Eilean Mor off the starboard (well worth a visit for the small museum and ancient chapel). Jura lay in front of us and after a brief stop for a suspected dolphin encounter we arrived in Craighouse in 45 minutes.

My memory from my only other trip to Craighouse was to use the southern entrance, especially as it was low tide. There was less space at the pontoon than I remembered and as I ventured closer to shore, tilting the engine, I realised I was going to have to raft next to another craft and not look like a numpty in front of the kids (16 and 10 years) doing it. Like most things as a father you manage to BS your way through it and hope for few questions.

A quick nod to Jambo's favourite distillery, a wonder down the village and then a well deserved drink and lunch at the hotel with the very special view that it offers. The Cullen Skink was delicious.

We headed north with dolphins on our mind, but despite some fleeting glimpses we remained unfulfilled. We headed over to Carsaig, which is only 1m away from Tayvallich by road, but at least 30 mins away by boat. Seaweed and and mistrust of my GPS while looking for the hidden reefs made it a brief stay near the pier. Mental note to bring the tender over to investigate.

Christopher (10) took over at the helm with a nervous sister looking on, and safely negotiated our safe passage home in calm seas past numerous seals enjoying the afternoon sun on Coffin Rock. Day one had been a success with a sunburnt nose and 67 litres less in the tank to show for it.

Low cloud impaired our early start to Gigha on Thursday, but that meant there was time for another bacon roll and further chart studies. Similar sea conditions made for a safe passage up the loch, but as we approached the mouth there was noticeable spashing just ahead. We had the dolphin sighting we craved with about 4 in the pod happy to play next to the boat then follow us as we slowly past them while maintaining our course. We encountered a slight swell as we headed south towards Kilberry point. The plan was to stay close to the mainland for as long as possible before making a short trip over, but this seemed unworkable due to the ragged coastline and shallower water. I ended up almost dissecting the Sound of Gigha as my risk averse side took hold of me. We took a wide berth into Ardminish Bay and as we approached the moorings the beautiful sandy floor became apparent. Even at low tide we had plenty options at the excellent pontoon, a new campsite is in development and there is of course the wonderful "Boathouse" restaurant to welcome you. After a walk to the gardens and the golf course we were ready for a paddle on the white sandy beaches before some octopus, scallops, and lobster for lunch (you only live once!).

Rachael (16) was skipper home and her Pop would have been proud her. It was the perfect opportunity to allow the children experience of the area. We were 55mins home and 63 litres for the day.

Next year we shall head north, and possibly to Easdale, where the kids can see the pub their grandmother (the headmistress) was thrown out of, and I can tell them stories of friendship and camaraderie.

[Honestman]

A few pictures....

[A1an]

Looks cracking David.

Nice write up.

[Honestman]

Originally Posted by A1an

Looks cracking David.

Nice write up.

Thanks Alan. Yeah, I wanted to convey all the technical aspects perfectly- lol!

[willk]

Originally Posted by Honestman

...and possibly to Easdale, where the kids can see the pub their grandmother (the headmistress) was thrown out of...

I was on the sidelines for that one, cheering for Team Jambo!

Great write up - the Skipper would have been proud of you.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by willk

I was on the sidelines for that one, cheering for Team Jambo!

Great write up - the Skipper would have been proud of you.

He sure would!
I Enjoyed the write up too!

See his beloved Football team have been doing well too!

[Pikey Dave]

Nice tribute, The Old Man would’ve loved it.

[tehguy]

Nice write-up. Sounds like a great day out. Glad it was enjoyed by all

[Honestman]

Thanks troops for the positive feedback. It whetted the appetite for next year.

[Fenlander]

Good to read and see the images. An unbeatable area for us in the past and hopefully not too long before another visit. Great to see the Jambo-mobile out again... complete with broom!

[Honestman]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Good to read and see the images. An unbeatable area for us in the past and hopefully not too long before another visit. Great to see the Jambo-mobile out again... complete with broom!

Actual lol.
I ran out of money after the electrics got fixed so I’ll need to wait ‘till the next season for a new broom!

[mick]

Originally Posted by Honestman

Thanks troops for the positive feedback. It whetted the appetite for next year.

Makes a huge difference to the mind going for a good run out.

[Honestman]

Aye Mick, it does.
I’ll need to try to find more time.

[Chris Caton]

Billy would be proud of you all, great write up and good to see the cobwebs have been blown away

[jeffstevens763@g]

Enjoyed the write up David Billy would be proud to see you all out enjoying old haunts