Portavadie to Greenock (James Watt Dock)

So, because we wanted to strip the insulation blanket off the exhaust silencer to check it, we needed to go somewhere "big" with stuff to do locally and some engineering help if needed. Where to go? Well, James Watt Dock might not be the most scenic place but it is well sheltered (blowy stuff promised for a couple of days) and has easy access to anything and anyone we might need. Decision done. Robert, the Nauticat and sloe gin man booked a slot for us using his influence and we were good to go.

The route was a reversal of the trip to Tarbert, again through the most lovely scenery:

You can see that the track doesn't start from Portavadie - no shore stations picking up our AIS signal until we were a little further along this time.

As we arrived in James Watt Dock to the nice alongside spot that had been cleared for us (thanks Robert) we spotted Waverley again. Only this time, she wasn't underway with lots of happy people on deck:

The funnels are peeping out from the dry dock next to the marina here. Have a look at BBC news item.  Apparently she picked up a rope around a paddle. Maybe another pot marker? The damage to the bow and possible damage to the propulsion gear means that she is out of service for a few days. Perhaps they will sign the Cruising Association petition against poorly marked and positioned pots too?


During the trip we kept a careful ear and eye on the exhaust muffler. Still a little noise but no signs of exhaust fumes and soot being blown out from the insulation. That was good news, if there had been a hot exhaust gas coming out inside the stack in any quantity, it could easily melt the wiring that runs from the many and varied instruments housed up top. We will have the fun of removing the wrap and examining the muffler once it cools down a little tomorrow. Can't wait.