Mainland to Mull - how do you rate the trip

[Storyline]

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And finally, don't go if there's much wind forecast - for such apparently sheltered water the Sound of Mull can get suprisingly bouncy with wind against tide. Not (generally) dangerously so, but not the conditions to calm a nervous crew!

Cheers
Patrick

Another readon not to go if strong winds are forecast (even for the succeeding days) is that Tobermory is the place that many run to or pile up in, waiting to go round Ardnamurchan so slim chance of a mooring later in the day.

 

[symondo]

Can I take a slightly different slant on this? It can be hard to gauge this sort of thing from an internet forum, so apologies if I'm wrong, but you do describe yourselves as "essentially beginners". I'd agree with everyone else that in principle the trip is very doable and without major hazards. However, while I think that your attitude that you "have to be out of your comfort zone to progress things" is commendable, I'd humbly suggest that the time to make an "out of your comfort zone" trip is when you're alone or with someone more experienced than you. Doing it with a reluctant wife, uncertain parents and children on board is, I fear, a recipe for disaster!

Assuming what you're aiming for is a family who are comfortable with, indeed keen to, go out on the boat with you, I think a season or two of keeping things well within everyone's comfort zones would be an investment well worth making. And while you're doing it, gradually encourage everyone else to do more and more, so that they (your wife in particular) don't feel like powerless passengers but are taking an active part in running the boat and feel that they have some "ownership" of the trip as well. I hope that doesn't sound patronising, but you do make it sound as if your wife is teetering on the brink of saying "no more"! I meet an awful lot of blokes who end up sailing alone because their families don't like it, but sailing "en famille" is great fun, and, I would suggest, well worth the "investment" of some time now sticking to trips everyone is happy with. You may not get to Tobermory until next year, but it might ensure that when you do go its your first trip, not your last!

Cheers
Patrick

Thanks for the honesty!
My dad feels hes competent enough on board, just not able to deal with the physical side such as roping and fenders etc.

1 or 2 seasons of experience would be good and the preferred option, however without going into detail, theres a chance its a season too late.

We've had a few trips about 2/3 miles from our marina very comfortable, calm etc... and had planned a trip to dunstaffanage before attempting this trip as a trial run thats a bit further but not that far if that makes sense.


The route, its something my dad looked at, i thought it'd be better to go north around the top of lismore and down the coast before heading into the sound of mull. This is all pending a decent day, i know it can change quick but wouldnt really want to try it on anything other than a nice day at present.

As for mooring cost, thats something we will deal with nearer the time. I actually know the harbour master at mallaig (1 of) as he does a show on the radio station i work for. I think they are looking to expand the complex a bit more yet

 

[Uricanejack]

Currently we are getting to grips with close manouvering

And currently happy with the boat while under way and mooring.
We took her out of Loch Creran where she is moored the other week for the first time and went along the coast of Lismore heading north before heading back due to a change in weather and time.

Now id like to ask anyone who has sailed from the coast to Mull - Specifically Craignure, Fishnish and Tobermory - on a scale of 1 - 10 would it be doable for what is essentially beginners?

EDIT: This in on a motorboat...

We had thought of going along the coast southwards from Creran to Barcaldine marina and down towards oban before following the main route out to the Isles used by Ferries, trawlers etc... on the idea that its surely the safer route if used by everyone and technically other people about if he hit trouble.

My reasons for asking is my Mrs is very hesitant about this trip idea as is my mother. My dad is ok with it as am i. I have done a lot of the work on the boat and im confident i know enough to resolve any issues that may pop up, and personally cant see much difference in going 5 miles or 30 miles provided its planned and plotted correctly (apart from tide and wind changes obviously)

Any thoughts and advice would be most welcomed wether it be good or bad, although if bad, please can you give me some ideas of why

One a scale of 1 to 10 a 7 or 8

Pick a nice day.
You will enjoy it.
Coming up from the south the sound of mull was one of my routine summer voyages with my uncle and nervous aunt. It was our first coming up from the Clyde through Crinan. Sheltered water all the way. She never did work up the courage to venture beyond Tobermory. But spent 20 years enjoying the Scotlands inside passage every summer.
It is beautiful beyond. And worth doing I enjoyed with more rugged company. My aunt never would go further.

 

[ffiill]

As already said catch the flood up the sound of Mull.
Watch out for the big Calmac heading for Barra and Lewis-I was once overtaken by one nearing Tobermory and was well thrown about as I didn't turn into wake in my 34 footer.
I also remember how worried I was rounding Ardnamurchan point but on a calm day I kept with the tide all the way up to Inerie on Loch Nevis.

 

[agurney]

We're doing it again and I am just as guilty as the rest of you. Just in case any of the sad disillusioned footie fans (and I don't mean the Spanish) think that there is some kind of sailing utopia centred on the Sound of Mull, don't be fooled. The Solent with Newton Creek, Studland Bay, Osborne House and its many handy marinas is so much better - no hidden rocks, torrential rain, sudden gales, 20p to use the loo, voracious midge swarms ..............

... and bear in mind you'll probably soon need a passport.

 

[agurney]

Assuming that:
a. you have a mobo,
b. you have accommodation and can sleep on board
b. you can cook on-board
c. you want to explore the sound of Mull
d. you have an anchor
e. you want to get away from civilisation

.. personally, I wouldn't go bother about trying to go ashore.

Lochaline would be straightforward; head well into the far NW of the loch, you'll be tide (river) rode if there's been a lot of rain, but otherwise it's quiet, peaceful and sheltered and easy to anchor: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place...5.7606944,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0 There's also a very pleasant walk along the shore to Ardtornish.

Loch Drambuie is pleasant, but my favourite spot is here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/56°39'54.9"N+5°56'12.1"W/@56.665248,-5.9366944,14 (especially if there's a westerly blowing as a swell can get into drambuie)


You can get tide calculations from my website, but if you get the tides wrong with a mobo it will only cost you fuel: http://agurney.com/oban-tides

 

[penfold]

Thanks for the honesty!
My dad feels hes competent enough on board, just not able to deal with the physical side such as roping and fenders etc.

1 or 2 seasons of experience would be good and the preferred option, however without going into detail, theres a chance its a season too late.

We've had a few trips about 2/3 miles from our marina very comfortable, calm etc... and had planned a trip to dunstaffanage before attempting this trip as a trial run thats a bit further but not that far if that makes sense.


The route, its something my dad looked at, i thought it'd be better to go north around the top of lismore and down the coast before heading into the sound of mull. This is all pending a decent day, i know it can change quick but wouldnt really want to try it on anything other than a nice day at present.

As for mooring cost, thats something we will deal with nearer the time. I actually know the harbour master at mallaig (1 of) as he does a show on the radio station i work for. I think they are looking to expand the complex a bit more yet

I think if you can get a weather window you should fill your boots, but that's just me; can you find a competent crew to accompany you for the day, or even another boat to cruise in company with, at least as far as Lochaline or Tobermory?

 

[YachtAllegro]

The route, its something my dad looked at, i thought it'd be better to go north around the top of lismore and down the coast before heading into the sound of mull.

Yes, that would be the route I'd take (and, indeed, have taken in the past) too. I only suggested down the south shore of Lismore because you'd avoid the tidal and pilotage complications of the narrows at the top of Lismore. If you're happy with those - and, in fairness, they're probably less of a concern to a motor boat - then go with that plan.

 

[symondo]

I think if you can get a weather window you should fill your boots, but that's just me; can you find a competent crew to accompany you for the day, or even another boat to cruise in company with, at least as far as Lochaline or Tobermory?

Possibly!
The more i chat to people, unlike car clubs i have been involved in, everyone seems keen to assist and just play boats,

Ive come to the conclusion, i and my wife should get some training outwith our plans and get to a point of being confident between us to take the lead.