July 20, 2022

Isle of Mull, August 2022

Briefing on Day 1

Yet another memorable Roxy Expedition on the east coast of Mull drew to a close today. Well done to all the crew for their patience, resilience and huge enthusiasm. The weather has not been our friend over the past 5 days with heavy rain 🌧and strong gusting winds interspersed with bursts of blue skies and sunshine 🌞. That’s why the western isles of Scotland are so lush 🏞.

Despite the challenging and ever changing conditions, the crew loved circumnavigating the beautiful isle of Kerrera and enjoyed a long day row up the Sound of Mull to one of our favourite locations, Tobermory (where the West Highland sailing fraternity were partying hard ⛵️🎉).

From Tobermory, Roxy headed east into stunning Loch Sunart - the longest sea loch in the Highlands.  Returning along the southern side of the loch, the crew were faced with testing headwinds but their performance on the oars was testament to their resilience. Everyone was keen to experience rowing at night 🌚 and spending time on anchor so Loch Aline provided shelter for a few hours before rowing back into Oban on their last day.

Highlights of the week were rowing under the stars ✨️, the spectacular landscapes, experiencing all manner of wave states 🌊, seeing dolphins 🐬and otters, singing every single rain song ever made, eating copious quantities of jelly babies, Tobermory's 'room with a view' and curry and chip feast, and last but not least, our Skipper’s hedgehog sighting.

Our warmest thanks, especially from Mark, Chris and Nicola, go out to Hans, Garry, James, Jeannine, Stephanie, Sheila, Clare, Jo, Alex and Martin for an epic display of patience and strength of character 💪during the week. It's been a pleasure having you on board.

Roxy rowing around the Isle of Kerrera
One minute blue skies, the next minute black rain clouds
A well deserved curry at Tobermory
Harnesses lined up on Roxy in Tobermory marina
Mark explaining the passage plan
L to R: Steph, Jeannine, James, Alex, Garry, Hans, Mark, Clare, Jo, Sheila, Chris
Chris surveying the scene as the heavens opened (again)
Skipper Mark ready to depart
All smiles aboard Roxy
Jo in Loch Sunart
'Woop woop' Hans
Hard at it into the headwinds
Lush landscapes and dramatic skies in Loch Sunart
Tent pals Steph & Jeannine
Our Essex girls - Clare, Sheila, Jo & Alex
James
Martin
They made it!
Roxy on the Sound of Mull