To the accompaniment of a bagpipe we left Lochiver and rowed out to the egde of the Atlantic to be able to catch a northerly wind.
The right wind first appeared during the night. But even though the sail was hanging like a flappy cloth we got a beautiful voyage with a panoramic view over the Scottish Highlands. And it was the hottest and most sunny sail for three weeks.
The sun was shining above the lazy swells of the Atlantic and created the most beautiful bright green colour you can imagine. The dull grey surface was gone. Replaced by the light beautifully playing in the water.
For many hours there was not much wind, so the Sea Stallion was only gliding through the water with the speed of one or two knots. It was sailing so slowly that Harry rigged his fishing rod and threw out the line from the foreship. In the midship Søren noticed the fishing line slide closely by. And he couldn't resist the temptation. Imperceptibly he got a hold of the fishing line. After a couple of hours fishing Harry made up the catch of the day: An empty coke-bottle and a can of mackerel in tomato sauce.
Suddenly someone said: "Let's try to set up the tarpaulin as a sail!?"
Søren and I didn't like the idea. Because the tarpaulin was connected at the bottom of the sail, so it obstructed the sunbeam which was supposed to shine on us.
The extra canvas on the other hand caused enthusiasm in the foreship because it stopped the draught which normally is blowing below the sail and made it possible for the watch below to sun-bathe for four hours. But we didn't let the them be ignorant of our adversity in the cold shadow:
"Would you be tempted by a cold drink on the sun deck... In a moment we would like to serve you the hot special of today - yes, it's ice cream... Søren, my fingers are blue and I can no longer feel my hands - do you think it is a problem?"... Etc.
We got our revenge by holding up a big tarpaulin in front of skipper and helmsman while suggesting that they could build a mizzen mast in their end of the ship if they wanted an extra canvas so badly.
But then it became cloudy. And Windy. And during the supper the Scottish Highlands were alternating in sunlight and shadow.
When the watch below had fallen asleep, I sat down on the sheerstrake and enjoyed the sail towards Isle of Skye. The Ship ran with the speed of 5-6 knots and I could feel her vibrate of joy as a Vikingship does at this kind of speed. Almost alive and comparable with the purring of a cat.
The masthead light and the stars made reflections in my cup of coffee. I looked up at the stars above me. Just before midnight I sent a birthday greeting by sms to my girlfriend. I wanted so badly that I could give her a moment like this on board the Sea Stallion as a birthday present.
We were approaching our destination: Isle of Skye. Invited by the locals, who told us that 200 Vikingships made an attack right here exactly 1000 years ago.
I'm warm and dry. First night without one single shiver. I'm in no need of gloves. My collar is open. I feel strong and fit.
We steal upon our destination at sail. Running under a brigde, when we are discovered by a local.
He shouts: ”Hey… VIKINGS!”
Dylan replies: ”Wakey-wakey… we’re are BACK!”
But as written in the newspaper in the tourist information the next morning:
”Viking Invaders come with Peace”.