06-Apr-2004 -- Back home in Scotland for three weeks and determined to get some sailing done. Two coastal confluences planned – this secondary on the east coast and a primary on the west coast. April showers and force 4/5 north-west winds gave brisk sailing conditions – perfect for checking that the boat still worked after 2 years growing moss and collecting leaves!

Launched from Stonehaven in fine sunny conditions and made excellent progress to 57N 02W at an average 5 knots close hauled. Tacking back and forth in lively conditions is the nautical equivalent of the “confluence dance”! Two GPS units both showed exact hits but by the time the less waterproof digital camera came out the distance on the screens was creeping toward the 100 metre limit. However the GPS track log shows that we were within a very few metres of the confluence at one point. The return trip was slightly more off the wind and averaged 7 knots. Both legs were with double reefed main and working jib.

On the return car journey we stopped at Dunottar castle, two miles south of Stonehaven. This rocky outcrop has been the location of strongholds since Pictish times, with the current buildings dating from the 13th, 14th and 17th centuries. The castle featured in the film Hamlet starring Mel Gibson.