Ppocketwatch
New member
Hello, this is my first YBW post?. I just thought I should write a bit of a warning for anyone planning to visit Findhorn. I attempted to sail there for the first time last week, but was unable to locate the marks. I'd downloaded the navigation pfd from Royal Findhorn Yacht Club's website and looked at visitmyharbour, reeds and cruising almanac. Having arrived early in the bay, I tacked around trying to find the port mark at the bar. Unable to locate it, I rang the yacht club for help. I was told buoyage was the responsibility of the marina, but by this time it was out of business hours, so they did not answer my call.
As the sun started to set, I thought I saw a small red mark in roughly the correct location. I motored towards it in the dying light, but as I got nearer it became obvious that it was only a red fishing float. Then I noticed the depth drop and steered back on myself, just as three waves (presumably generated by the bar) came from seemingly nowhere astern, pushing the boat alarmingly close to grounding. I managed to retrace my track with no harm done, gave up and sailed off to another harbour for the night.
I have since emailed the marina and yacht club about this, but haven't had a reply yet. It may be that the marks are inconspicuous so I just didn't see them, or that they have been removed for autumn (although this was not stated anywhere that I read). Either way, I just thought I should warn people!
As the sun started to set, I thought I saw a small red mark in roughly the correct location. I motored towards it in the dying light, but as I got nearer it became obvious that it was only a red fishing float. Then I noticed the depth drop and steered back on myself, just as three waves (presumably generated by the bar) came from seemingly nowhere astern, pushing the boat alarmingly close to grounding. I managed to retrace my track with no harm done, gave up and sailed off to another harbour for the night.
I have since emailed the marina and yacht club about this, but haven't had a reply yet. It may be that the marks are inconspicuous so I just didn't see them, or that they have been removed for autumn (although this was not stated anywhere that I read). Either way, I just thought I should warn people!
