At the beginning of June a few of us assembled in Dunstaffnage to prepare Aileach for the trip to Inverness. When we launched her she was so dry that she nearly sank. We supported her with strops and left her for a few days. Soon she had taken up enough water to be back to her usual self, and on Sunday 14th June, after a few safety trials, we left around lunchtime on the first leg to Port Appin.
There was little wind but a gentle sail with a helpful tow brought us to Port Appin. After a fine meal, and some unhelpful hints on rowing from the locals, we prepared for an early start in the morning.

On the Monday, we needed to leave before 6am to catch the tide at the Corran Narrows. This was achieved with ease and we reached Fort William at lunchtime. After a short break, we continued on to Corpach for the new experience of passing through the locks of Neptune’s Staircase up to Banavie, where we were to spend the night. The evening saw us all at the Welcome Reception, where we met the other crews and the organisers.

Tuesday again found us up at the crack of dawn as we were to perform as background interest for the GMTV early morning weather forecast.  The first public event of the trip took part in the afternoon. Unfortunately we were berthed doubled up, and no-one was able to see the galley close up. However John, Graeme and Zoe were in fine form at the tent keeping all around entertained, especially those in the school trips. We also met Big Rory and Ochie for the first time. They were hilarious but only one of several excellent entertainers hired for the trip.

At 4 o’clock we left for Gairlochy where we had a lovely BBQ with excellent entertainment around the campfire. Apart from our group’s silent battle, I thought the Penguins were very funny, but the deserved winner was a fabulous guitar player.

Most of Wednesday was spent sailing to Fort Augustus. We were delayed at one point because a bridge had to be kept open for an ambulance.  We sailed around in circles in heavy rain feeling pretty miserable. Imagine our delight when another of the flotilla appeared and passed over a flask of hot coffee and a packet of chocolate biscuits. THANKS AGAIN, ECHO!

On the Thursday, the second of the public events was to be staged. The weather started dry but dull. Large numbers of visitors started to appear. Then the rain arrived in torrents. The visitors all disappeared and the event was a washout. What a shame for the very friendly people from a lovely little town.

We had a slightly unscheduled late start on the Friday. We came through the last of the locks on Thursday evening and were able to relax as the rest of the flotilla passed by. We then followed them out around 9 o’clock.

We struggled near the back on the way to Urquhart Castle where we stopped for lunch. On leaving afterwards, we were caught by a sudden squall. Aileach could easily have capsized but for the quick reactions from Gordon and the crew. During my previous experience of this kind of wind, Martin Clark very nearly was lifted overboard by the sail.

We finally arrived in Inverness, very late and extremely tired. This time, we were placed – eventually – in the car park near the entrance.
Although we could not put the tent up we were in the thick of things and there were large numbers of visitors on a gorgeous day. Unfortunately, Martin had to leave. So did Graeme and Zoe. John was feeling very unwell and spent most of the day sleeping on the boat. Crowds of women admired him thinking he was a dummy. (He might be) One actually poked him to check and got the fright of her life when he opened an eye and looked at her, then dropped off again.

The Crossing ended with a Midsummer Ceilidh in the evening. We had a super time and have gained a few new crew members. Excellent!