One or two flies in the ointment though; they were leaving Arran on Thursday for a while, and the weather forecast for Tuesday morning and all day Wednesday was decidedly iffy...
However, when we studied the charts and data closely we saw a gap around Tuesday evening that looked interesting - a small ridge of high pressure should start to calm things down from late lunch until 10pm. We advised the clients that we would keep an eye on this, and phone them Tuesday morning if it was going to stay that way.
First thing Tuesday and the view from the window wasn't encouraging - but the forecasts all seemed consistent. We called the passengers - be at Lamlash 15.30-16.00, and wrap up warm!
The wind was still F4-5, NW as we left, but dropping steadily all the time. The seas were good fun - especially once we'd passed Pladda. Our concerns about passenger comfort were allayed by the wide grins we saw...
We'd set off at 15.58 and arrived at Sanda at 17.10 - despite the bouncy ride we'd kept to our estimate of 70 or 80 minutes.
We were met at the slip by Andreas, chef/manager of Sanda Island Hotel & Restaurant - a warm and friendly greeting, followed by delicious coffee and cakes in the restaurant.
We then took our guests for a guided walk across the island, before Andreas showed off the beautifully decorated and furnished accommodation - WOW! Not what you'd expect on a remote island; very simple, luxurious and comfortable; modern but not minimalist. Expect to see them in an appropriate magazine sometime soon!
Here are a few snaps from our all too brief visit; we hope to return soon and let Sanda work its magic on more of our clients...
 |
| In the churchyard of St. Ninian's Chapel |
 |
| The Cross with the Hotel behind |
 |
| The Ship |
 |
| Glunimore, Sanda & Sheep Island |
 |
| Sanda Lighthouse (on "The Ship") |
 |
| The Ocean Breeze crew - "Bennan" at the slip |
