I hope Mael Coluim would appreciate this one

**Mael Coluim** · 1st January 09, 06:37 PM

Donald McCallum the organizer of this voyage wanted the first landing in Scotland to be at Southend at the eastern tip of the Kintyre. The straight is considered one of the most treacherous areas to navigate.
A storm was coming and Robin thought it best to head for our second port of call, Machrihanish staying on the west of the Kintyre.

We caught high tide at 2:30 PM and departed on St. Columba’s day June 9th.

**Mael Coluim** · 1st January 09, 07:09 PM

Once underway, Robin felt we best race before the storm and get to Gigha Island which was to be our third landfall. We constantly rowed even when under sail. In fact in the whole 2 week course we probably didn’t row for 4 hours totaled! Rowing gave us another knot and half of speed. More importantly it keep us occupied and out of trouble.

The day was beautiful. It was great to have started our voyage.

This is Donald McCallum. Born in Campbelltown, he went to college in Glasgow becoming a marine engineer. He emigrated to Canada, then the US. I had responded to a article he put in newsletter of MacCallum Malcolm Clan Society to join his adventure.

David Levite had responded to Donald’s presentation to the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, DC. David was an accomplished oarsman, sculling while in college.