Clyde Sailing

Alistairr

Alistairr

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I hope this is ok to post here, the reason is i think there are more Clyde based people on here than on Mobochat.

We are thinking about moving our motorboat from Loch Lomond to the Clyde for next season, and i was hoping some of you guys could give some pointer about doing so and sailing on the west coast.
The main reason for the post though is to ask where there are good anchorages on the west coast in the Clyde, Arran and Loch Fyne areas, places we could safely go and anchor for a few hours with out to much worry about tides and winds.

Is there also areas that you would recommend staying away from, cause of rocks or tides etc...

All advice on sailing/motorboating on the Clyde and surrounding areas, will be much appreciated.
BTW, we are thinking about berthing at Largs.

Thankyou in advance.

Alistair.
 
Jings Alistair where do I start?

Based at largs, I reckon you are at the epicentre of Clyde cruising!

An hour will take you to the delightful little anchorage at Caladh just beyond the Burnt Islands up the Kyles of Bute. Close by is the Colantrive Hotel as raved about by Donald Beaton, just mention his name and you will be either instantly barred or supplied with free beer all day (cant remember which)

Caladh:
calladh.jpg


We could run a full forum on where to go in the Clyde/Loch Fyne etc etc and then a quick hop through the Crinan and your on the West Coast proper.

Sure others will hopefully have much to add.

Loch Lomond is lovely but never understood why anyone would want to keep a boat for any time there with the Clyde just 5 miles away, must be like keeping a Ferrari in a supermarket carpark

Keep us posted on your intentions and hopefully catch up some time

Regards
Cameron
C
 
first thing you must remember about the virtues of scottish sailing is that you dont advertise it or all these furren bods will come and clog it up

second thing is that as far as the clyde is concerned there are so many places to go and explore with few hazards unless you are driving a padle steamer

third thing stop contemplating it and just do it or we will all thing that you are another on the happy backy
 
Terrible place, grossly overcrowded, you would be lucky to find a place to anchor even if you did survive the very rough seas that you get in anything more than a force 2!
Keep your Mobo on the lake, you know it makes sense /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Loch Lomond is lovely but never understood why anyone would want to keep a boat for any time there with the Clyde just 5 miles away,

[/ QUOTE ]

We trailed our boat up to Loch Lomond 2 years and did not have a very good time, largely due to weather. We could not understand why there were not more boats on the Loch which was beautiful.

This year we trailed up to Largs, and went sailing around the Kyles of Bute, we now know why. We had a lovely time, lots of places to anchor, lots of places to visit, eat etc. It broadened our experience in a reasonably safe and controlled way. Yes the weather was better most of the time.

Give it a go but do make sure you are up to speed on weather, pilotage etc., have suitable charts and safety gear on board and a marine radio.
 
Hi Alistair,

Next time your around look me up and we can have a beer on the boat whilst I show you on the charts the best places to go.

I spend 98% of my time at anchor when away from Troon so I reckon I can point you in the right direction. As said previous if you base your self at Largs the amount of close by descent anchorages are 10 a penny.

Good luck and regards to SWMBO and Callum.

Paul.
 
I'm not sure how Kip and Largs compare on Price, but 2 main reasons why we would move to Largs, 1, Its only 10mins from our house, and secondly it has Petrol, our current boat is petrol. I know petrol is available there and at the Holy Loch, don't know anywhere else, do you?

The other thing about Kip, is its huge, with few access points to the pontoons, would hate to have a far away berth and turn up in the teeming rain.

Thanks for the link Jim.

Al.
 
Hi Paul, if we move to Largs, i will take you up on that offer.

Its the same as we like to do, we anchor as much as we can, and currently on the Loch, we sleep out on the anchor overnight too when we can, if there were any nice quiet, sheltered spots on the Clyde we would like to stay out some nights.

Mind you, as Callum gets older it might get harder to keep him occupied while on anchor, We'll just need to buy him some water toys!!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Look forward to hearing where all these nice spots are.

Cheers

Alistair.
 
(in a whisper)

Check out the berthing prices at Holy Loch Marina.

OK, may not be as convenient for you but I got an annual price for my 21 footer just over £800 PA. and Western Ferries run boats every 20mins

Keep this quiet

Cameron /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

PS Caladh may be just the spot for an overnighter, pretty sheltered
 
Holy Loch, would be a good idea, but the main reason we want too move next year, is too cut down the travelling time while Callum is so young, we feel 1.5hrs each way to the boat is just too far, and if it was at Largs, i can nip over early and get things ready before Kirsty and Callum turned up, and if we forgot anything, its handy to nip home for it.
Holy Loch, although looks good, might just be another hassle.

Cheers,

Al.
 
Loads of places to visit from Largs. And there won't be many days when the weather will stop you getting out. I spent the last 3 years in Largs Marina but moved to Ardrossan this year I've noticed a big difference in conditions sailing out of Ardrossan compared to Largs but it doesn't bother me too much as I have a big lump of cast iron under the boat. If you feel adventurous its only about 20 miles from Largs to Lamlash. Nice sheltered anchorage protected by the Holy Isle.
 
Yes, i have seen the price, i've been quoted £2500 for a 25' boat at Largs Marina, which i thought wasn't too bad, when youcan have a berth on LL for the same price.

I was quoted £1500 at Ardrossan, but feel its a bit more exposed down there.

I thought these prices were better than on the south coast, are they???

Cheers

Al.
 
Just rang Kip Marina, their quote for a 7.4m boat is £1990.60inc VAT, Interesting, if we only use the shore power when at the boat, its free, but if we use it while we are away from the boat i.e. to run a dehumidifer its £21 per month.

Certainly better than £2500!!!
But no Petrol on site!

Cheers

Al.
 
Alistair

Friends of ours did this very move two seasons ago. They were based at Balloch and had the boat moved to Sandpoint Marina (they live in Dumbarton.)

Since then they have sold the seamaster 33 and bought a (I think) Princess 38.

They were worried about tides/rocks/big waves etc., but taking things gently they have explored more and more of the Clyde, getting as far as Loch Fyne.

Would they go back? Not a chance. Go for it and broaden your horizons.

Regards

Donald
 
Although I much prefer Kip to Largs, I would go back to Largs and tell them what Kip have quoted. They may be prepared to match it or do some kind of a deal. The people who used to moor next to me had a smaller Sealine, 21 I think, with a petrol engine and they found it no bother to go to Holy Loch Marina to refuel.
 
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