BLUEMOMENT

I came east through the Crinan Canal last week. (F8 forecast at MoK).

I was unfortunately coupled with a small motorboat with two occupants. They had been convinced to abandon their journey plans westward and go home, so were returning through the canal eastward.

Man and Woman, no boat experience, had just bought a small runabout that week (perhaps 12-14ft?). Two cylinder, very old 2 stroke outboard, 15hp. One cylinder firing consistently, other intermittently. Much smoke. Appeared to only run at rough idle or flat out.

Set out from Clyde somewhere, destination Colonsay, via Canal. They wanted to see some basking sharks, and thought this a good way to do so.

Equipment noticed included a tiny Danforth, with about 3m of garden fence chain, and perhaps 5m rope.
Lifejackets. Both of them.
Two lengths of about 8mm dia rope for the locks, barely enough to reach the bollards lockside.
One fuel tank, perhaps 25litres? a VHF radio. No charts seen, no other navigation devices noted. (but there might have been something invisible)

Last seen Friday heading for Portavadie for fuel.

On the flip side, I used to have a Shetland 570 with a split new Mariner 90hp and 4hp Yamaha auxiliary. We had all the safety gear, a decent anchor and chain, a fixed GPS and a chart plotter. I went out to Eilean Mor in slightly poor visibility and tied up to the pier. I had a couple of boating friends with me - all of us in our 30s and wearing lifejackets. There was a 30 foot(ish) yacht anchored in the pool. He greeted me with, 'what on earth do you think you're doing out here in that thing?'. I was mildly miffed that the power of sail was so amazingly superior to the Shetland that I spluttered and then ignored him. A life-long sailor, I just couldn't get over the arrogance of some people. So I now exercise extreme tolerance! Not that your observations were not correct in this case, I hasten to add.