Rowing through the Sound of Luing

There was little wind through the Sound of Luing. We could choose between saving ourselves for the next run and rowing. Rowing was the more likely way to win the race overall and so we opted for that. We've done about three hours rowing. There is going to a price to pay for this on Ben Nevis. If we are sufficiently ahead on the water, it will have been a price worth paying.

The tide really pushed us through the Sound of Luing. Although we were only doing 1 knot through the water, we were managing 6 knots with the tide. The tide race in this region might get a bit dodgy for the following boats: there is an infamous whirlpool called the Corryvreckan whirlpool that some of the other boats might have to contend with as the tide builds. For us, this problem is over. There is one tidal gate to go through: Corran Narrows. After that we will be on the homeward stretch to Corpach and the final run (which will be a real test).

The scenery we are sailing through is spectacular. There are mountains and islands to our sides. We aren't commenting on boat speed or conditions out here for competitive reasons: the rest of the fleet will find out for themselves sooner or later. The Team Vasque Martins just need to rest and ready themselves for the run to come.