VOYAGE AROUND THE UK

Chris and Alison at the helm of Linnea

A very big thank you to Chris Smith and Alison Milne for giving a fascinating talk covering their clockwise circumnavigation of the UK on their beautiful yacht, Linnea.

Linnea in full sail

Their illustrated talk included excerpts from their blog and wonderful photographs showing breathtaking scenery and wildlife. They encountered many seals and saw hundreds of seabirds including shearwaters, gulls, guillemots and even a white-tailed eagle. We were told the natives were all very friendly and helpful along the way with some keen to share a pint or two of Guinness or a wee dram of whisky to wash down the mackerel caught by Chris. He and Alison earned the admiration of one Harbour Master who was very impressed with their handbrake turn into a very narrow harbour entrance having assumed they were locals and not first time visitors. Full marks for excellent seamanship! We also learned not to rely on charts and to always have a fully operational depth sounder! Friends and family joined Chris and Alison to help crew different legs of the voyage which covered four months, starting from Lymington and taking in numerous ports of call including Newlyn, Dublin, Troon, Oban and Inverness as well as several lochs and canals. They clocked up a total of 2165.8 nm!

Where they went!

Over 40 members and friends old and new thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included musical entertainment from saxophonist, Paul Scott, on arrival and during refreshments. Many thanks again to Chris, Alison and Paul, and to all those who supported the event.