Back at Sea: Sailing from Stornoway to Orkney After Major Repairs

Join me and Trilleen in 2025 as we resume our ambitious journey sailing around the UK and Ireland — starting with a crossing of the Minch! After a chaotic winter of engine upgrades, insulation work, and some structural repairs (including a rotten staysail beam), Trilleen is finally sailing again. In this episode, we cross from Stornoway toward Kinlochbervie, navigating both light and heavy winds, lingering boat bugs, and the usual unpredictability of life at sea. Along the way, I reflect on the challenges of filming while fixing boats, share thoughts on the messiness of boat life, and celebrate small victories — like getting the reconditioned jib system running. Once in Kinlochbervie, I get delivered replacement essential orthotic gear that keeps me mobile on land, thanks to the brilliant team at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Injuries Centre. 🧭 Route: Stornoway ➡️ across The Minch ➡️ Kinlochbervie ➡️ Loch Eriboll ➡️ Stromness ⚓ Stops: Yacht pontoon in Loch Inchard, Anchor Loch Eriboll, Stromness Marina ⛵ Conditions: Light winds, a bit of roll, and lots of small debug moments This is the start of the next leg in Trilleen's ongoing voyage — one disabled sailor, one tenacious boat, and a whole lot of weathered optimism.