Cruising from Oban - Suggestions?

C

covacova

New Member
Joined
10 Feb 2004
Messages
2
Visit site
I have chartered a 34' Victoria from Dunstaffnage - Oban for 7 days. Have cruised in the area before but on 55' for 2 weeks - able to get up to Stornoway and Orkneys - will be a bit more limited this time. Any suggested itenaries? Not been South from Oban/Tobermory - is it worth the effort? Should I stick to going North towards Skye? Looking for some out of the way anchorages/harbours.
 
Welcome to the Forum. IMHO you have chosen to charter in an absolutely outstandingly beautiful area that is awash with very good anchorages.

It doesn't really matter which way you go - the real issue is the prevailing weather pattern and the forecast for that week. Personally I'd rather not be tacking into the wind all the time and would plan an outward passage of 3 days max, with the wind on the beam or aft, and no more than 4 days coming back. I use a fairly large measure of caution as the weather patterns are very changeable these days, and, if last year's pattern is repeated, you could be unlucky with a whole series of Atlantic lows.

Going south is great - Garvellachs, Jura (Loch Tarbert a favourite of ours), through Torran Rocks to Tinker's Hole, up west Mull and back down the Sound.

The Garvellachs:
CNV00038.jpg


Loch Tarbert, Jura:
CNV00020.jpg


Alternatively, west from Oban/Tob is Castlebay on Barra, then maybe a slap-up meal in Canna, a stop at Loch Scavaig on Skye, and then back perhaps via Rum or Muck. You're really spoilt for choice. All have good anchorages though if in kelp use a fisherman's anchor (if there is one on board) or a double anchor.

Fortunately there are very few marinas. Most of the harbours dry out or are very shallow, so we usually anchor or use the remaining few free mooring buoys. The sailing directions list most of the decent anchorages, but you'll still be able to find the odd unlisted one.

Loch Scavaig:
CNV00035.jpg


Enjoy it!
 
Nice one, Donald.

Another 7 dayer could be Tobermory, Isle Oransay, Plockton, back via L Nevis, Arisaig, L Aline.

Always sailable and options of Eigg, Muck or Rum if wind blowing t'other way.

Sorry can be bothered working out the photies.

Donald
 
The west coast of Scotland has the best sailing in the world. If the weather's good you can't fail to have some great sailing! We sailed that area last year and had a wonderful time because we were lucky with the weather. We left from the Clyde, came through the Crinan Canal, up to Oban, then Tobermory, round the back of Mull to Staffa, Iona, Jura (yes Loch Tarbert IS beautiful), Islay (visit the distilleries) and home. Lots of amazing little bays to anchor in - you can feel like you're the only people in the whole world. Round the Mull for us but back up the other side of Jura for you. Wish we were going there again this year! Have a great time.
 
Can't fault either itinerary - West Loch Tarbert on Jura is a favourite of ours as is North Harbour, Gometra. It may be me but the weather seems to have been better South of Ardnamurchan for the past 12 months!
Watch the tide in Dunstaffnage - apparently it goes anti-clockwise....or was that clockwise - anyway, it goes round
 
If you are heading up the Sound of Mull, perhaps before or after the obligatory visit to Tobermory, consider nipping across to Loch Sunart, perhaps anchoring in the lovely sheltered anchorage of Loch Drumbuie. Only word of caution I would say is watch your dingy if going ashore, the rocks are vicious! Salen, also further up Loch Sunart is very pretty and the hotel has recently been re-opened under new management. The landing pier makes a charge for use, but that said its very handy. There are I believe a few mooring bouys which are charged for, alternatively anchor off the stone pier.
If you do go round Ardnamurchan and if the weather is right, a visit to Kinloch Castle on Rhum makes for an interesting trip ashore.
Anyway enjoy your trip and nice choice of boat! <font color="blue"> </font>
 
I believe Laughing boy is still there.


Not sure what the Vic draws (assume it is one of Alba's) but you should be able to get over the gravel bar at HW and drop the hook in the gorgeous little inlet on the north side of Soay.

I am sure others above have mentioned Loch Scavaig, but beware down draughts as it can get a bit blowy if the wind is in the N/NE.

A trip to Kinloch Castle on Rum is a must - very eccentric Edwardian pile.

There are old HIE moorings off the distillery at Talisker - Loch Harport - a nice break.

Also look at the inlet at Raasay - I think it is at Oskaig. Tricky politage but stunning location. If you need provisions then Portree has lots of visitor moorings and makes an easy night sail destination for a run out of Harporot and north round Skye - bware the overfalls at Dunelm / Fladda - if the swell is from the north they are a b*stard.

you, my chum, are a lucky sod - it is the best cruising ground in the UK. ;o)
 
Many thanks for the suggestions. Sailing from 26th July (Tue). A number of cruising options which I had not thought of and would not have deduced from scanning the almanac!

For NevistheCat Victoria draws about 1.8m - Joint Services Sail Training yacht.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top