Anyone caught out in the lightning yesterday?

[Telo]

Had a very scary twenty or so minutes between Iona and Soa yesterday. We had heard thunder in the distance as we left Lunga a couple of hours earlier. We were quite close to the Greave rock when the weather closed in around us. The rain was very intense and, from the cockpit, I could only see about two or three boatlengths ahead. Even that became difficult as the wind rose to a steady 27kts right on the nose (we'd only just rolled away the genoa and turned the motor on a few minutes earlier). The lightning was very close and probably passed just to the north of us. One clap of thunder was only about a second behind the flash. Not something I want to experience again.

[claymore]

Same happened to me. Fortunately I was anle to stand in Sainsburys doorway and keep dry

[Bodach na mara]

We left Kames heading for Cardwell bay in a flat calm. Just after we passed Tighnabruaich buoy, a light rain started and we were hit by a fierce gust from the east. By the time we reached the narrows, it was bucketing down with gusts from all directions, accompanied with the sound light show. Now I have alwaws wondered about that 5 seconds per mile thing. When you hear the bang ten seconds after the flash it might mean the discharge was two miles away. Or it may be right overhead and 10 000 feet up. Anyway, we found that the mooring belonging to a friend was vacant at Colintraive and picked it up and there we stayed for lunch. There were lots of other boats around, all with taller masts than mine, which makes me feel safer.

After lunch, the sun came out (briefly) and the wind settled down to the usual on the nose enough to slow us down motoring but not strong enough to sail against the tide.

[fairy nuff]

We were right behind you! When I came out of Caladh Harbour, it was overcast but calm and dry. Rain was belting down by the time we got to the Narrows, and the wind was 22 knots+ on the nose, eyes, cheeks, and every other part of my anatomy. I saw a yacht dimly in the gloom ahead of us making a sudden detour and heading for a buoy at Colintraive, which I assume was you. Very sensible move on your part.

I had neglected to put on my wet weather gear (lulled into a false sense of security by last couple of weeks), and got thoroughly soaked necessitating a complete change of clothes, which my wife thought was hilarious. By the time we got to Port Bannatyne the rain had stopped completely, but that was game over for the day. A little bit scary, but very unpleasant.

[ash]

Fortunately I was able to stand in Sainsburys doorway and keep dry

We left the boat at Craobh, and took the bus into Oban. where we found shelter from a heavy shower under the canopy at Tesco, but didn't hear / see any thunder / lightning.

Lunch at the The Olive Garden was excellent, and the 2 courses for £6.95 a bargain.

Ash

[Telo]

Sainsbury? Tesco? This brand placement has got to stop.

Harrumph!