Sailing to Scotland & RNLI Peterhead

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0915 15^th June

We are 20 NM SE of Aberdeen motoring over a glassy sea.  We departed from Amble yesterday evening at 1800 in strong westerly winds.  Sailing outside the Farne Islands we thundered on through the night in mostly F 5’s and 6’s.  Winds increased as the Forth opened up to the west creating a funnel.  It was hard sailing but ‘Talisker 1’ was in her element under double reefed main and stay sail.  And with an open sea and no traffic … it has been lovely.  I had set my audible guard alarms on AIS and Radar.

As expected, the wind has dropped completely this morning.  I’m expecting …

17^th June

I stopped typing on the 15^th June the moment the engine noise changed …. I was about to type … southerly winds to slowly build from the south.  They will be quite strong later in the day.  I expect to motor for two to three hours.

Where do I begin?

Me n ‘Talisker 1’ are safe in Peterhead Bay Marina having arrived safely at 1700 on the 15^th June.  It was not the uneventful passage that I prefer.  Nonetheless it was safe!

I had switched the engine off immediately the problem started and we slowly came to a halt in bright warm sunshine over a glassy sea.  By 1000 I realised that the engine had barely a few minutes running time left.  With engine briefly switched back on water from the fresh water cooling system was leaking in to the engine bay at a steady rate so I switched the engine off again immediately.  I would have to save the ‘few minutes’ for final berthing on arrival.  I knew I could sail to Peterhead and it was clear, given the forecast for later in the day, that we could sail through the pier heads in to the port comfortably and probably through the port and in to the marina too, if necessary.  But would the Port allow me to sail in?  When I had arrived at Peterhead inbound from Stavanger in choppy conditions in 2017 I had been allowed to lower my main sail once inside the shelter of the harbour.

There was a faint breath of wind from the south.  I lowered the main sail so that I did not have to deal with it later in the day and set the genoa on port and the stay sail, poled out on a starboard tack.  They were limp but very slowly they began to fill as ‘Talisker 1’ started to move forward in the very gentle airs from the south.

The odd text message was reaching me and I got a message from Peter Buchan asking how we were getting on.  Before the signal completely died again, I was able to message Peter that in all likelihood, we would not be able to run the engine for more than a minute or two.  Peter had sailed from Peterhead to Fraserburgh to take a couple of hours off his next leg to Wick.

With a clear plan, it was now time to inform Aberdeen Coast Guard so they could forewarn Peterhead Port Radio and the Peterhead Bay Marina HM.  At 1045 I called on VHF and requested “routine traffic”.  I explained to Aberdeen CG that we had engine problems and that with the wind building from the south as the afternoon progressed we were comfortable sailing to Peterhead and also that it would be straight forward for us to enter the port under sail.  I asked the Coast Guard to let Peterhead Harbour Radio know that a SV with a disabled engine was heading their way.  Could I sail in to the harbour and would a work boat be on stand by IF the engine failed in the port, motoring the short distance to Peterhead Bay Marina?  I would at least be able to sail most of the way to the marina once within the port.

The CG were very professional and asked the usual questions … Call Sign, MMSI number, last port of call, POB etc.  They also wanted me to confirm that my call was not a Pan Pan.  I was asked what safety equipment we carried and I hope I reassured them.  ‘Talisker 1’ is well equipped to be a long way off shore.  I was asked for my PLB ID.  The CG would inform Peterhead Harbour Radio.

The CG called back.  Peterhead were in the picture.  The CG would call me every hour.

By 1300 we started to make good speeds with southerly winds of 10 to 18 knots.  We were now approximately 17 NM SSE of Peterhead but a foul tide was setting in.

At 1520 the skies were overcast, we had furled the stay sail, stowed the pole and were running under a rolled reefed genoa only.  The seas were disturbed and it was blowing 5 to 6’s.  I had a good signal on my mobile phone so called Peterhead Harbour.

Peterhead Harbour Radio were wonderful.  We were expected and yes … we could sail in.  I asked about the work boat in case we needed a tow.  They were ready for us.  The tide was running at its fastest which created a tricky sea state.  Peterhead told me to call on the VHF when we were about a mile out!

I furled the genoa and set the stay sail.  It would be slightly easier to handle when we had to gibe in the approaches.  Wanting the minimum to do once inside the harbour I had prepared fenders that were lying on deck, ready to put over the side.  Mooring lines were laid out on the bridge deck, under the spray hood.

I switched to my handheld VHF.  I would only have to deal with mooring lines and furl the stay sail within the port.  I had rigged a bridle in case a tow was needed.

In the approaches to the harbour I was monitoring Peterhead Harbour Radio.  A ship was going to enter the port and I asked Harbour Radio to confirm that she would get in well before us.  I also asked if I was clear to follow her in.

I can’t be certain but I think Harbour Radio took a call from Aberdeen CG.

We were on a starboard tack and I wanted to time the jibe so that we could have a comfortable entry to the pier heads on a port tack.  The tide was running south very hard.

The VHF crackled in to life.

“Talisker 1 Talisker 1 this is Peterhead Life Boat over.”

They were coming out to escort us in!!!  After a brief chat, they having offered to transfer a crew member to ‘Talisker 1’, I was told to concentrate on sailing and that they would handle communications with Harbour Radio. I’m not sure if a tow was offered too.

To say I was astonished would be an understatement.  I was almost, for a moment completely discombobulated!

I watched as the all weather Tamar “The Misses Robertson of Kintail” come through the pier heads to stand by just to the south of the port entrance.  As we closed in on the bay she started to head out slowly towards us.  Slowly the LB came round astern of us.

I was very surprised, flattered, slightly overwhelmed, humbled even … that the Life Boat had put to sea, just for us.  All I’d asked for was a small workboat to stand by, if necessary, within the harbour.

In February 2021 I had read a report and watched the film of an incredible rescue carried out by this Life Boat when they saved the lives of five fishermen who were moments from death in this very same bay.  It had also been Pat Davidson’s first service as Coxwain, after twenty three years as a crew member.  What a first shout!  I had followed RNLI Peterhead on social media ever since.

With the LB now astern of us it was fairly important to jibe at the right moment.  I checked the seas behind us, had my angles right and jibed.  Approaching the Pier Heads dead centre, as a precaution and unnecessarily, I gunned the engine for just 30 seconds to push us through the entrance before switching the engine off again.

I rolled the stay sail smaller to slow our speed.  We now had the breeze on the beam.  The small marina is in the west corner of the harbour.  I turned to wave and thank the LB who waved back.

Within moments the reassurance of the Life Boat’s small Y class LB rib was alongside on our starboard side manned by two crew members.

With mooring lines now in place I confirmed to the Y class that I knew the bay.  I furled the stay sail and started the engine to enter the marina.

Ahead of us on the pontoon the Marina HM was signalling us to an easy berth and Peter Buchan was standing beside him!

A few moment later our lines were taken and the engine was switched off.

The two crew members from the Y class, Sean Lawrence and Craig Aird, were extremely kind and came to say hello on the pontoon.  They also confirmed that Pat Davidson was in command of “The Misses Robertson of Kintail”.

In short everyone was very professional and textbook.  I think I did what I had to do.

I have to thank:-

Aberdeen Coast Guard:-  Paula, David and Ross

Peterhead Harbour Radio:- Geoff Phillips

Peterhead Life Boat:- Coxwain Pat Davidson, Martyn Simpson (full time crew) who communicated with us by VHF, Sean and Craig and of course the whole crew of volunteers who dropped everything to come and make sure we were safe.

Peterhead Bay Marina:- Ian, who was the duty Marina HM when we berthed.

And I must not to forget my mate Peter Buchan who took the bus from Fraserburgh to Peterhead to help me with the engine.  And to Ian who so kindly drove Peter back to Fraserburgh later that evening.  A round trip of over 30 miles.

After Peter ran the engine for a minute or so there was a hiss of steam as the fresh water coolant evaporated and emptied in to the engine compartment.  Peter diagnosed that the seals and bearings were shot to bits on the Circulation Pump.  Peter removed the pump and also the alternator to make access easier.  It was very kind of him to leave Malissa, his small dog and ship, to come and help me.

I thanked RNLI Peterhead on Instagram and Facebook.  My posts were copied on to their Social Media.

The following morning I phoned Peter Norris …

Peter suggested sending the circulation pump to him by guaranteed next day delivery.  Peter would return it immediately.  Job done.

A minute or two later Peter called back.  The parts were going to take two or three days to arrive and he and Wendy were going sailing for a week.  Peter suggested I phone his supplier and get the parts sent to Peterhead.  A local engineering shop would be able to do the job!

At that moment there was a tap on the side of ‘Talisker 1’.  Pat Davidson was on the finger pontoon.  Pat had come to say hello and immediately offered help with repairs.  It was a joy to meet and have a coffee with Pat.  A more modest, self effacing and kind man would be hard to find.

Later in the day Pat drove me to Bill Mackie Engineering Ltd where I met Graeme Mackie.  Graeme was happy to carry out the repairs.

I’m now just waiting on parts.

This is the first engine failure in 23 years and well over 30,000 miles.

Peterhead Bay Marina is looked after by Keith and Ian, Keith’s deputy.  I can’t recommend it more.  I’ve always received the most friendly welcome, not only by the unsurpassed kindness and generosity of the Peterhead people but also, helped much, because the likes of Keith and Ian have spent time at sea.  They understand!

Doc never forgot arriving in the bay of an island after a long ocean passage.  A harbour launch approached.

“You have come a long way.  Please rest tonight and we will clear you in tomorrow once you have had a good sleep.”  Only a master mariner would say that.

Pat recommended I visit the Peterhead Prison Museum.  If I’m offered horror or comedy I’ll always go for comedy.  A Prisons Museum!  Surely not!

The museum also houses a Life Boat Museum but that was not the only reason for the recommendation.

18^th June

I spent a wonderful three hours yesterday.  The prison museum was fascinating.  The information head cams had former Prison Officers telling their stories in the various sections.  The voice over was superbly narrated.  It was one of the best three hours I’ve spent in a museum.  I can’t recommend it more.

https://peterheadprisonmuseum.com

The former Peterhead RNLB “Julia Park Barry of Glasgow” is also on display.  That was a bonus to finish the tour and well worth a visit in itself.

https://peterheadprisonmuseum.com/lifeboat-museum/

Last night I had supper out.  A very rare event.  Ed Curtis and his girl friend Beth invited me to join them for a curry.  Ed sails an Oyster  LW 48 ‘Lia’ out of Cork.  Ed has to go back to work for a few weeks and is leaving ‘Lia’ in the safe hands of Keith and Ian.  Ed arrived from Lerwick having sailed to Faroe.

I’m in no hurry.  The weather is fine and the boat is safe.  The parts will arrive and I’m making no plans until everything is back together and thoroughly tested.

I would only add that this marina is the best I’ve been to.  Fabulous staff and perfect, unpretentious and pristine fascilities.

https://www.peterheadport.co.uk/areas/peterhead-bay-marina