Newcastle to Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
Departure from Newcastle (July 16, 2024)
After a week of waiting for good weather, we were finally able to depart for the Orkney Islands. We had a nice week in Newcastle, but it was pleasant to move on.
First, refueling
We left the City Marina at 7:30 a.m. and headed to the Royal Quays Marina, 1.5 hours upstream. Here, we refueled with diesel. Although it wasn’t strictly necessary, it was nice to leave with full tanks. The fuel pontoon was also very easy to reach.
Departure for the Orkneys
Shortly after 10 a.m., we were between the piers of Newcastle and were waved off by a seal that briefly raised its head above water as we passed. At sea, it was comfortable thanks to the good weather we had been waiting for. A calm sea with little swell and a beautiful sky. Just outside the harbor, we passed an anchorage area and then set course north.
Afternoon at sea
In the afternoon, the weather changed. The sea became even calmer, but fog banks formed. Sometimes visibility was less than 40 meters, but with the help of radar and AIS, we could easily keep an eye on other traffic. A tanker on its way to Edinburgh passed in front of us. Occasionally, we saw seals and puffins, puffins which are mostly seen in the northern Atlantic Ocean. By the end of the afternoon, visibility improved, and we prepared for the night.
At night
Unfortunately, the fog returned in the evening, and there was no beautiful sunset. an advantage, it wasn’t busy at the beginning of the evening. Around 1 a.m., the weather cleared up, and we passed Peterhead, where there was a lot of traffic. So, we had to be vigilant, but that made the watch at sea all the more enjoyable. After Peterhead, we changed course to the northwest. Around 2:30 a.m., we already saw sunlight in the distance, and by 4 a.m., it was even light.
The next day (July 17, 2024)
After Peterhead, there was little traffic, with only 2 or 3 boats appearing on the AIS. Around 9:30 a.m., the Orkney Islands appeared on the horizon, and by 11:30 a.m., we were close. Two sailboats were leaving the islands, creating a beautiful sight. Upon arriving in Kirkwall, we saw the Queen Anne, the new ship of the Cunard Line, which was very impressive. At the harbor entrance, Liz noticed something: two buoys were hanging behind the boat.
Arrival in Kirkwall
We arrived in Kirkwall, sailed 263 nautical miles, a journey of just under 29 hours. After mooring the boat at the dock, we investigated the situation with the buoys. From the shore, it appeared that the line had ended up in the saildrive of the auxiliary engine. But to be sure… into the water for inspection. It turned out that two buoys were connected by one line. That line had gotten caught in the folding propeller of the auxiliary engine. By unfolding the propeller, the line could be easily removed. Finally, of course, we hoisted the guest flag of Scotland.
For those who want to follow us, you can do so via Marine Traffic. Our MMSI number is 232044857.
Photos are in order of time.
