Ardrossan Marina.

[Alistairr]

Ok, so i don't come here often, but i know there are more here on the Clyde than there is over on MoboChat!

Does anyone sail out of Ardrossan Marina?

I currently boat in Loch Lomond, and have suddenly had mad thoughts about bringing the boat to Ardrossan for the winter(cheap Berth), so as its closer to home, and i can do some work on it(we live 5mins away).
To me the waters off Ardrossan always look a bit rougher than say the sheltered waters off Largs, But what are they actually like?
Does anyone sail out of Ardrossan in the Winter? I know we have a rotten winter, but we do usually have a lot of nice winter days also, do you think a 25' motor boat would be ok out of Ardrossan?
Is a 'Lets nip to Brodick' usually a possiblity? (We cruise @24knts).

Am i being stupid, and its a crazy way to learn the Clyde, or is Winter boating a good idea?

Any advice on the location or surrounding area, would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Alistairr.
www.alistairrichardson.co.uk

 

[scottie]

Re: Ardrossan Marina. try largs

although ardrossan is near to home but 10 miles in the car is always easier than on the water largs has petrol along withmore shelter ,and more short places to go it is also a nicer marina and still easy to nip over to arran
yes winter boating is more likely to be colder than summer but if you can cut out the drag up to the head of loch lomond every time you might be able to get more out of the boat especially with wife and new wain

 

[ak7274]

I sail out of Ardrossan and left the boat in last winter. Not good sailing anywhere,but I would say Ardrossan is not an ideal place for winter sailing. As for marina choice I am staying in Ardrossan for the foreseeable future as I find the staff helpful and friendly.....not that they aren't in Largs (they are) but the price difference is quite large and we find that Ardrossan is quieter. The entrance can be a pig especially in sw winds, but you get used to it and soon learn to handle it .

 

[Superstrath]

Alistair,
All the above posts make valid points. The chop outside can stop you going anywhere sometimes, but it's only in certain conditions - and they may not suit your boat anyway. We've decided to stay there, friendly, cheaper, so on. The price difference is substantial - tell them you're considering Largs or Troon and they'll make you an offer, I don't think Largs needs to try that hard!
There is also the dubious attraction of hillclimbing blether in my three-bed-and-kitchen, as Sgeir calls it.
Regarding winter boating, you get some fantastic days, especially towards the end of the year, still and flat, ideal for your trip to Arran. It's seldom as cold on the water as you might think - the difference in water temperature in the Clyde from summer to winter isn't that great.

Alistair

 

[Alistairr]

Re: Ardrossan Marina. try largs

Thanks all for your replies.

The reason i thought about Ardrossan, was cause its nearby, And i know the owner and his daughter very well, and i know it would be a lot cheaper than Largs. We do currently pay a 'Yearly' berth on LL, so i would be losing out on that, and paying for somewhere else also, so need to keep it cheap.

Good point about Largs selling Petrol, Is there anyone else on the Clyde selling it??

I had heard the entrance can be a pig, in sw winds, is it really that bad??
Also does the ferry going in and out, cause too much of a problem.

Alistair, The attraction of hillclimbing blether in your 'three-bed-and-kitchen' is also very appealing, /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

The weather in the winter can be bad, but from memory, we do get some lovely still days around new year time, and with staying nearby, we could decide at the drop of a hat, wether to go sailing or not!!

Thanks again,

Alistair.

 

[Superstrath]

Re: Ardrossan Marina. try largs

[ QUOTE ]

I had heard the entrance can be a pig, in sw winds, is it really that bad??

[/ QUOTE ]

It can be, yes, but if it's piling up outside the marina, it probably would not be the kind of weather you would want to go out into.
[ QUOTE ]
Also does the ferry going in and out, cause too much of a problem.


[/ QUOTE ]
No. You just keep a time-table handy. The traffic-light set-up works, if you ignore it, the HM comes out on his balcony on the tower and hurls abuse at you. Very funny, we're moored where we get a great view of this.

If you stay in Ardrossan, then Largs becomes a very pleasant destinaton - 10 miles or so, fuel up, have a meal or whatever. By not staying there, you increase your cruising possibilities!

Alistair

 

[Steve_N]

Re: Ardrossan Marina. try largs

The traffic-light set-up works, if you ignore it, the HM comes out on his balcony on the tower and hurls abuse at you. Very funny, we're moored where we get a great view of this.


I was watching the Clipper round-the-world boats come in one evening the week before last. One of the skippers 'failed to notice' the lights on red and held the Caledonian Isles in her berth for a good few minutes. Dog's abuse and much blowing of horns ensued...