Sailing Polarisvideo
#25 | Conquering The Mull of Kintyre: Sailing Adventure
20 May 2023 · 17 min · 3K views · Campbeltown
What this video covers
Rounding the Mull of Kintyre requires careful tidal planning to avoid dangerous eddies and overfalls caused by conflicting currents.1:30 To ensure a smooth passage, the crew of Polaris departed Campbeltown, Scotland, at high water Dover minus two hours, aiming to reach the headland at Dover plus one hour when tidal streams align.2:55 Navigating the notorious headland involves staying close inshore—approximately 100 meters off the cliffs—to avoid the main traffic separation scheme and rougher water further offshore.9:43 During the transit, the crew encountered confused seas initially, but conditions calmed significantly as the tide turned to push the vessel forward, resulting in speeds over ground reaching 11 knots.13:31 The passage from Campbeltown to Port Ellen on the island of Islay was completed in fair weather with 10 to 17 knots of wind.5:18 Additionally, the crew identified a need for a longer deck wash hose and a protective grid for the pump intake to prevent seaweed blockages.4:03 Timing the passage to coincide with aligned tidal streams effectively mitigates the hazards of the Mull of Kintyre.
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