A Week Sailing Out Of Largs

[Guest]

Thanks to all who gave me some pointers a few months back on what to do where to go from Largs.
Had an excellent week from 27 Sept to 4 Oct with unseasonably warmish weather,
winds F 2-4 and a good F 5-6 on 3rd.
Visited Rothesay, staying on outside of west pontoon on Front Pier, locals advised it’d be OK, however just kissed bottom due to very low springs, probably squashed a few starfish, sorry! Good grub in the Black Bull and their Arran bitter is v good.
Sail in mist and drizzle up to Tarbet marked by sightings of dolphins in the Firth of Clyde and Lower Lock Fyne.
Had a great sail up East Kyle and through north channel of Burnt Islands, isn’t it narrow . . .
Moored off Kames, West Kyle and had excellent meal in Kames Hotel, recommend it to all. Fine malt whisky bar, and good menu. More dolphin sightings in Inchmarnock Water and Scalpsie Bank.
Also moored in Kilchattan Bay for a good lunch in the distinct white hotel on south side of bay.
Was caught out (didn’t read the chart) by shallow water off Toward Point, didn’t touch just big scare!
Run up through the Firth of Clyde marked by sighting of two submarines leaving port to play tig with the Russians no doubt.
Went to Kip Marina, not a great spot but food in Chartroom restaurant/bar was very good, fillet steak recomended, on into village for beers in pleasant Inverkip Hotel.
Highly recomend Largs Yacht Haven , the new yacht club serves good Arran Blonde and you can watch some fine sunsets from the balcony.
Scenery is outstanding and will certainly be going back.

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[Aja]

Glad you had such a fine week. The sailing, and the scenery can be spectacular.

Did you notice 'Rebel' sitting on her mooring at Kames? The Hotel is very good. Latest reports are that the Royal Hotel is going downhill, shame as it used to have such a good reputation.

You aren't the first and certainly wont be the last to get a right good fright at Toward. The bit between the Castle and the Cardinal mark are very scary indeed and need to be given a good berth. I've 'heard' quite a few boats hitting - and its rock.

You choose well in where you went and ate.

Remember - you hated it - or everyone will be wanting to come!

Regards

Donald

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[Ohdrat]

Re: Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

reeeallllllllly.. I must implore that you disist from broadcasting such rubbish..

Scotland's shores are coverd by uncharted lumps of rock and really you were extremely lucky not to sink..

Oh and the subs quite often go after unsuspecting yachts for torpedo pracitice..

errr and red tide so you really don't want to eat any of the extremely fresh delicious seafood.. far too dangerous

All the radio activity from Sellafield / Seascale gets washed all round the west coast.. so most yachts don't need nav lights.. they just glow..

Unmarked pots/creels abound and all use wire rope to ensare passing stern gear..

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[webcraft]

Re: Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Ohdrat,

Good job you didn't scare him too much by mentioning the notoriously unreliable weather forecasts, frequent gales at any time of the year and the ferocious tide rips and maelstroms that lurk round all the rock-strewn and inaccurately charted islands up here.

- N

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[Ohdrat]

Re: Or even

The Nessie monsters that eat GRP hulls (and their contents) as a dietry supplement

And the vicious Minky whale attacks..

.. rabid bats.. yup they hunt you down and then in a vampire twist you have a long lingering death from rabies..

errrr.. any other "occupational" hazards I have "forgotten"??/forums/images/icons/wink.gif

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[Guest]

you fell for it

what a wheeze and everyone believed it,

basically sat at home with the chart, a pilot book and copy of Kidnapped,
but fee from Scotttish Sailing demanded a work of great (!) fiction.

Course I've heard the stories of the Nearly Narly Noo, you don't think you would ever get me north of the border . . .

PS do not send the wee Highland Terrier around for my Trossachs

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[mldpt]

beware of TOM the pirate at Kames he has ways of making you drink all night, and if things get really bad he will come aboard and drink you ship dry.
name witheld.

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[Aja]

Bad news I'm afraid.

Tom and Margo have now sold the Kames Hotel. New owner has banned Tom, and there are rumours that he will not be laying any moorings there next year.

Regards

Donald

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[1114C]

Have just read this before leaving the office and am shocked! The moorings seemed to be always nearly full despite it not always being the most comfortable place to sleep. Was not too impressed by the Royal this year so looks like it will be a carry out at anchorage around the Burnt Islands!

Seems like not the best move on the hotel's part!

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