Scotland 2006

Scotland 2006 - introduction


Some of the links are no longer effective on this cruise due to modern technology! Click here for a link to She tland 2015 : www.sillerlass.com

Interactive map showing , roughly, our route in 2006
Click here for map   
Link to:   Vallø to Farsund    Western Isles     Orkney and Shetland
           
Planning the expedition / literature
We spent the winter 2006 laying plans for our  expedition to Scotland. We consulted charts and read books about Scotland and the isles, and spent time getting useful information from people with local knowledge.  The following is a list of useful literature and charts.
Literature
Reeds Nautical Almanac
Admirality Tidal Stream Atlas
Admirality Charts for the appropriate areas
Imray charts, C series 65,66,67, 68
Symbols and Abbreviations used on Admirality Charts
Clyde Cruising Club, Sailing Directions 2,3,4,5,6
Imray, The Yachtsman’s Pilot,Clyde to Colonsay
Imray, The Yachtsman's Pilot, Skye and NW Scotland 
Hamish Haswell-Smith, The Scottish Islands
Hamish Haswell-Smith, An Island Odyssey
Shetland, Island series, James R. Nicholson
Orkney, Island series, James R. Baldwin
Scandinavian Shetland, John R. Baldwin 
Pocket mountains:The Islands, Nick Williams
Historic Scotland: Viking Scotland, Anna Ritchie
Historic Scotland: Picts, Anna Ritchie

Safety on board 
During our winter planning we soon realized that sailing in Scottish waters would present new challenges compared to sailing in S. Norway and Sweden. Some differences are:  

  • Tidal streams between the islands can be extreme and timing passages would be essential  
  • Anchoring with tidal high - low of 3-6m, wind and current
  •  IOLA's and other markers are almost non-existent
  • More gales and less shelter, hence the importance of weather information
  • We upgraded our security to confine to the standard set by Reeds Nautical almanac by adding the following equipment:

    New liferaft for 4 people
  • 20kvm. jib for hard weather
  • 20 extra metres anchor chain (up to 60m)
  • Wetsuit with weights, in case of propellor problems etc 
  • Extra handheld GPS
  • Fire blanket
  • Safety harness each crew member

First aid kit  – As suggested by the pharmacist on board Siller Lass.
Wounds are not uncommon aboard. Make sure you have sufficient dressings to treat most of the eventualities.   The variety depends on the duration of the expedition and the likely distance to the nearest pharmacy.
We recommend a softplastic(waterproof) box large enough for everything, yet simple to store and readily accessible.   It is advisable to invest in a first aid manual, Reeds Nautical almanac gives basic information.
Should a serious accident occur contact MEDICO over VHF ch. 16 or the nearest coastguard. 
 
First-aid kit for offshore sailing
Antiseptic solution - Savlon, Klorhexidin
Cotton wool and sterile swabs
Antibiotic wound ointment-e.g.-Bacimycin
Sterile saline 20x2ml for to rinsing eyes and sores
Sterile non-adhesive dressings in various sizes
Wound dressings, large and small
Band Aids (or similar), different shapes and sizes
Elastoplast 75mm x 1m                  
Gauze bandages 6,8,and 10cm
Crepe bandages 6cm and 8cm
Steristrips x 5 packs
Triangular bandages for support, disposable vinyl gloves
Icebags to treat muscle and tendon damage
Lærdal mouth to mouth masks for cardiac arrest
Scissors, forceps, thermometer, safety pins
Sunscreen with high protection factor,    Insect repellant
For extended cruising
Syringes for injections, dental kit, vaccinations, antibiotics and stronger painkillers
Drugs
Painkiller -Paracetamol 500mgx50,  Antiinflammatory- Nsaids such as naproxen, ibuprofen.

 Most important of all for the crew is to keep in good physical form

 Link to    Vallø to Farsund     Western Isles     Orkney and Shetland     Home
 For comments, contact or questions please contact us  mailto:sillerlass@saugen.no

 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/plus/410059/101-reasons-to-sail-scotland

 More info om Shetland: www.shetland.org