The Cock of Arran was pointing to the distant Paps of Jura.

We set off from Garroch Head on Bute on the 11km crossing to Sannox on Arran in...

...glorious conditions.

 As we cleared the end of Bute a...

 ...lovely wind filled in from the west and we...

 ...were soon enjoying paddle sailing with...

... one of the best views in the world, which looks straight up...

 ...Glen Sannox to the wonderfully symmetrical cone of Cir Mhor at its head.

Once clear of Bute the wind was steady and we made great speed.

In mid channel the wind picked up to a force 4, which was blowing against the incoming tide and so it got a bit lumpy to take my Canon 5D Mk3 out of its waterproof deck bag. So there is now a short intermission without photos but it was cracking fun!

Maurice was on his first day out with his new Flat Earth kayak sail and as we were on a close reach, the conditions were quite challenging for a newcomer to kayak sailing. However, Maurice proved to be a quick learner and by the time we were two thirds of the way across...

 ...the conditions flattened again as the tide lessened.

 It was one of the most enjoyable crossings of the Sound of Bute I have ever done.

 Conditions continued to moderate as we...

...drew into the wind shadow of the Cock of Arran which was pointing to....

...the distant Paps of Jura, which were heaving above the horizon some 63km away to the NW.