We had planned to sail around Tiree on Saturday 21st June 2014. Things started well with the Daisy and the Morag-Anne setting off from Scarinish Harbour at 07:00. With light/moderate NW winds the boats, accompanied by safety boats skippered by Karl Hughes, and Gavin from Wild Diamond, made good progress towards Gunna Sound. Then things got tricky. The wind was blowing down the sound as the tide started to race up the sound. The result was heavy chop and very difficult sailing conditions. Both boats beat a course for the safety of the beach at Caoles. The Daisy had suffered a problem with her mast foot and Karl’s recce further up Gunna Sound suggested that conditions were getting worse.
Reluctantly the skippers decided that it wasn’t safe to continue around the coast and that they would return to Scarinish 
Harbour. The Daisy was towed back whilst the Morag-Ann enjoyed a pleasant sail in the relatively sheltered waters of the South side of the Island.
Once back in Scarinish work got underway to repair and improve the Daisy’s mast mountings. Once the repairs had been made the rest of the day was spent very pleasantly indeed sailing around Scarinish and Gott . Tea and Cakes originally planned for Balephetrish was swiftly relocated to Scarinish Harbour so crew’s and spectators were treated to some splendid home baking.
As the day progressed different combinations of crews and skippers trialled the Daisy and the Morag-Anne under the watchful eye of William-Angus from Wild Diamond. Later the Maritime Trusts boats were also joined by Dr Hollidays new boat the Cathadh Mara revelling in the conditions.
Many thanks to everyone involved for making the 2014 solstice such an excellent day. It was fantastic to see the boats in the water and very hearting to see such enthusiasm for Tiree’s unique maritime heritage.
