Mainland to Mull - how do you rate the trip

[symondo]

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

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Hi, 10, it's a very easy trip, you shouldn't have any problems.

I've kept my boat at Linnhe Marine just North of Creran, and do the trip regularly.

Just sail south down the Lynn of Lorne, turn to starboard and go between the lighthouse and Lady Rock. This bit can be busy, it used by the Ferries and the tide can be turbulent. Then up the Sound of Mull. As a first timer I'd stay North of the Rocks and Islands at the entrance to the Sound, but you can sail to the south.

Optimum timing is to take the last of the ebb down to Lady Rock and the first of the flood up the Sound of Mull.

You could think about stopping at Lochaline, the entrance is narrow but straight forward to navigate, there's a good marina there, a shop, and two restaurants.

Tobermory gets very busy at this time of year, you need to be there by mid afternoon to get a pontoon berth

 

[symondo]

Hi, 10, it's a very easy trip, you shouldn't have any problems.

I've kept my boat at Linnhe Marine just North of Creran, and do the trip regularly.

Just sail south down the Lynn of Lorne, turn to starboard and go between the lighthouse and Lady Rock. This bit can be busy, it used by the Ferries and the tide can be turbulent. Then up the Sound of Mull. As a first timer I'd stay North of the Rocks and Islands at the entrance to the Sound, but you can sail to the south.

Optimum timing is to take the last of the ebb down to Lady Rock and the first of the flood up the Sound of Mull.

You could think about stopping at Lochaline, the entrance is narrow but straight forward to navigate, there's a good marina there, a shop, and two restaurants.

Tobermory gets very busy at this time of year, you need to be there by mid afternoon to get a pontoon berth

Lochaline was a thought but figured my kids would prefer tobermory being balamory and all that plus they sell awesome chocolate lol

But that was the kind of answer i was hoping for, i guess like anything on the water regarding tides - its all about timing

 

[agurney]

Lochaline was a thought but figured my kids would prefer tobermory being balamory and all that plus they sell awesome chocolate lol

But that was the kind of answer i was hoping for, i guess like anything on the water regarding tides - its all about timing

The first time in Lochaline can be a bit daunting if it coincides with the ferry or a coaster manoeuvering for the quarry; easy after that once you know what to expect. There's nothing much at Craignure except an exposed anchorage and ferry wash (though worth it if you're going to the IoM railway).

but ... why are you going to towns? The great thing about that area is that you can get away from much of civilisation and go exploring the outdoors. Your youngsters will have more fun guddling in a rock pool than dodging traffic and tourists in Tobermory.

 

[symondo]

The first time in Lochaline can be a bit daunting if it coincides with the ferry or a coaster manoeuvering for the quarry; easy after that once you know what to expect. There's nothing much at Craignure except an exposed anchorage and ferry wash (though worth it if you're going to the IoM railway).

but ... why are you going to towns? The great thing about that area is that you can get away from much of civilisation and go exploring the outdoors. Your youngsters will have more fun guddling in a rock pool than dodging traffic and tourists in Tobermory.

In short - the old man isnt that well now, and cant really do exploring the wild anymore so would love to be able to moor up and get himself a cuppa on the bayside.

Tobermory in perticular was a trip that was on the adgenda when he started the 'boating journey' and im sure its just about within our skillset now. We have lived in Fort William for over 20 years so fairly familiar with the area via car/ferry

Hes got plans to try Tiree but im aware thats a little more exposed to the elements out the end of the sound of mull. Figured Tobermory would be a good point to get to and be comfortable with before trying further afield.

 

[Potterer]

We've just returned from a circumnavigation of Mull, starting and ending in Dunstaffnage. It was a pilotage exercise for my son.
The weather was excellent, with too little wind, so the trip was a doddle.

Loch Aline is lovely. The entrance is narrow and then becomes scary shallow. We anchored at the Northern end.

Tobermory is lovely, but take out another mortgage for mooring alongside. Then pay extra for the heads and for the showers. The 'phone number for the Harbour Master (in the pilot book) is wrong: you'll get through to a very pleasant lady who will give you the right number! He doesn't seem to answer VHF.

The pilotage round into Loch Drumbuie (Loch na Droma Buidhe) is interesting, and it's a lovely anchorage.

My favourite (OK, second favourite) on Mull is Loch Spelve. Follow the pilot exactly in the entrance.

 

[Hypocacculus]

I can't comment on the journey itself because I haven't done it and I can't judge your skills either. However, based on the information you've given, I'm slightly uneasy for you. Unless I misunderstand you, you are saying you are a novice and your crew is two "reluctants" and an "infirm". If you do have an incident (and it could be something very minor) it sounds like you don't have the best help to deal with it.

My gut feeling - and others may shout me down - is that you might consider having one other able bodied person on board that is as keen as you are and is handy if anthing untoward should happen. If your crew don't have confidence in you, "reluctant" can quickly escalate into "afraid" and thence to "terrified" and you might find yourself single handing after that. Our marina is chock full of boats that don't go out for lack of crew.

On the other hand, it might all be a breeze and you'll never look back.

Who knows?

 

[symondo]

I can't comment on the journey itself because I haven't done it and I can't judge your skills either. However, based on the information you've given, I'm slightly uneasy for you. Unless I misunderstand you, you are saying you are a novice and your crew is two "reluctants" and an "infirm". If you do have an incident (and it could be something very minor) it sounds like you don't have the best help to deal with it.

My gut feeling - and others may shout me down - is that you might consider having one other able bodied person on board that is as keen as you are and is handy if anthing untoward should happen. If your crew don't have confidence in you, "reluctant" can quickly escalate into "afraid" and thence to "terrified" and you might find yourself single handing after that. Our marina is chock full of boats that don't go out for lack of crew.

On the other hand, it might all be a breeze and you'll never look back.

Who knows?

the 'reluctant' as you put it has already escalated into a 'terrified' with 1 incident about 2 months ago but has since been ok on shorter trips and additional training was also undertaken from professonals afterwards too.

the same incident also changed my wifes thoughts from 'up for it' to unsure. both capable of doing most things required but i figured if i could show from others experiences of this trip that it is not as daunting as they think it might ease such reluctant thoughts.

But yes i do take that in mind about able crew

 

[martinaskey]

I'm based at MRC in Loch Creran - if you are happy dealing with the loch entrance ie working out the tides, avoiding the reef etc. then the sound of Mull will present very little challenge in good conditions.
But bear in mind that in windy conditions the sound can present more difficulty with funneling and turbulence. Beating up the sound of Mull on a windy day is great but your crew might not thank you !
Going out of Loch Creran on the middle to end of the falling tide would get you to the end of Lismore by slack water so you avoid the swirly stuff around the lighthouse and could go up to Tobermory on the flood.
As Ian said, stay north of the light at the SE entrance ie use the main channel. After that the sound is wide and clear. There is traffic - Loch aline Ferry and the bigger ferries from Oban plus the odd other big boat. But loads of room.
Tobermory is very busy these days and the chances of a pontoon berth are slim ! But as a first time bigger sail it is a great place to get to !!

You mention your wife and mum being less confident. The trip up to Tobermory should be fun for all so maybe worth doing a confidence building trip first so that they are happier ? It'd be a shame for the crew to be anxious all the way up (and back!) .Day sails round Lismore, Kerrera etc. ? Loch Aline is a very convenient short sail and you get the choice of anchoring or using the pontoon. The entrance isn't difficult and the traffic easy to avoid (just wait for the ferry to go out !!). Same story with further afield to Coll, Tiree etc. - build up to it (on a placid day everything is easy, a bit of adverse weather makes things a bit more tricky). Anchoring in Drumbuie is a great thing to do and Loch Sunnart is pretty too (and there are pontoons at Salen should you need).



Happy sailing !!

 

[symondo]

I'm based at MRC in Loch Creran - if you are happy dealing with the loch entrance ie working out the tides, avoiding the reef etc. then the sound of Mull will present very little challenge in good conditions.
But bear in mind that in windy conditions the sound can present more difficulty with funneling and turbulence. Beating up the sound of Mull on a windy day is great but your crew might not thank you !
Going out of Loch Creran on the middle to end of the falling tide would get you to the end of Lismore by slack water so you avoid the swirly stuff around the lighthouse and could go up to Tobermory on the flood.
As Ian said, stay north of the light at the SE entrance ie use the main channel. After that the sound is wide and clear. There is traffic - Loch aline Ferry and the bigger ferries from Oban plus the odd other big boat. But loads of room.
Tobermory is very busy these days and the chances of a pontoon berth are slim ! But as a first time bigger sail it is a great place to get to !!

You mention your wife and mum being less confident. The trip up to Tobermory should be fun for all so maybe worth doing a confidence building trip first so that they are happier ? It'd be a shame for the crew to be anxious all the way up (and back!) .Day sails round Lismore, Kerrera etc. ? Loch Aline is a very convenient short sail and you get the choice of anchoring or using the pontoon. The entrance isn't difficult and the traffic easy to avoid (just wait for the ferry to go out !!). Same story with further afield to Coll, Tiree etc. - build up to it (on a placid day everything is easy, a bit of adverse weather makes things a bit more tricky). Anchoring in Drumbuie is a great thing to do and Loch Sunnart is pretty too (and there are pontoons at Salen should you need).



Happy sailing !!

We took the loch entrance very slowly on our efforts last time due to traffic, but did realise how quickly is becomes shallow is something not to be played with.

Our last trip out was hassle free, everyone was happy and relaxed about checking out the coast of Lismore. I think a little bit of 'omg' sets in once you mention crossing open water. In my opinion, you have to be out your comfort zone to progress such things so im all for the jump - All be it a short crossing over to meet more land. Im sure once alongside a coastline all would be well again

We are also based at MRC, gathering from the staff down there we are generally 'that family that have all the mis haps' so hopefully we havent made such a reputation reach Edinburgh lol

 

[awol]

Your profile shows a Fairline Sedan 32 so on that basis the sailing strictures of wind and tides aren't that important. If you can manage the Lismore/Lady Rock gap with the wind and tide going in the same direction then the bounciness will be at a minimum. Other than that keep the green buoys on the right and the reds on the left; avoid the lumpy bits, Calmac ferries, the very few sailing boats and you will be fine. Parking at Tobermory can be difficult but you should be able to burn off all the motoring saily boats (90% don't use sails) to get a slot.

PS Avoid doing the trip on Friday 27th pm - the Round Mull Race sailors will be all over the place creating an ever changing chicane. If you could pass everyone but me at hump speed, I would appreciate it!

 

[symondo]

Your profile shows a Fairline Sedan 32 so on that basis the sailing strictures of wind and tides aren't that important. If you can manage the Lismore/Lady Rock gap with the wind and tide going in the same direction then the bounciness will be at a minimum. Other than that keep the green buoys on the right and the reds on the left; avoid the lumpy bits, Calmac ferries, the very few sailing boats and you will be fine. Parking at Tobermory can be difficult but you should be able to burn off all the motoring saily boats (90% don't use sails) to get a slot.

PS Avoid doing the trip on Friday 27th pm - the Round Mull Race sailors will be all over the place creating an ever changing chicane. If you could pass everyone but me at hump speed, I would appreciate it!

lol wont be about on that friday to assist with some waves im afraid - anyway im far too cautious and polite to send a wake off towards someone at the moment

 

[MM5AHO]

I've read the thread through thinking that you are sailing, now realise its a motor boat.
The trip you plan should be relatively easy, but don't go if there's a heavy winds.
I was going to warn about the wind hole off craignure, but lack of wind isn't your problem.

Another nice stopping point is Ardtornish bay.

 

[symondo]

I've read the thread through thinking that you are sailing, now realise its a motor boat.
The trip you plan should be relatively easy, but don't go if there's a heavy winds.
I was going to warn about the wind hole off craignure, but lack of wind isn't your problem.

Another nice stopping point is Ardtornish bay.

I've altered the top post accoridngly...

 

[gordmac]

I take it you have charts and are familiar with the basic rules bouys etc? If so it isn't difficult and a pleasant trip. Did the trip from MRC to Tobermory with a friend about a month ago, not at all hard. We then went on to Muck and Rhum then to Bunessan. Been to Tobermory, Lochailine and Salen (Loch Sunart) with my own boat. If you aren't terribly confident anchoring you would probably be better heading for Tob as you can get on the pontoons or a mooring rather than anchor. Lochailine is lovely and worth a visit, Salen is nice trip too and both have pontoons. I take it you have had some mechanical issues?
I am local to Fort William, if you think I can be of assistance PM me. I will be away next week though.

 

[Quandary]

Tobermory is lovely, but take out another mortgage for mooring alongside. Then pay extra for the heads and for the showers. The 'phone number for the Harbour Master (in the pilot book) is wrong: you'll get through to a very pleasant lady who will give you the right number! He doesn't seem to answer VHF.
.

£2.40 per metre on a long finger berth, inc. shorepower, if you think that is dear stay out of Mallaig. A shower is £2 but a **** is free. The 'Harbour Master' and his assistant are part time, (this is not Liverpool), but they are very competent and helpful when they are on duty.
Tobermory has been quieter than usual this year so far but the heat wave may change that but in settled weather many boats head on for wilder places.
For an alongside pontoon berth with a nice pub/restaurant nearby try Salen, a couple of hours up Loch Sunart but phone to book in the morning as they are usually full every night. Details in 'Welcome Ashore'.

The communities on the West Coast that install and improve facilities for yachties do not deserve this type of slagging, you do not have to use their moorings or their pontoons and in Tobermory there is plenty of room to anchor in reasonable depth in an area that the harbour authority keep clear for visitors close to the shore near the waterfall.

 

[Trop Cher]

I don't understand people who use marinas and then complain about the price. If you don't want to pay, use your anchor, simples!
Places like Mallaig and Tobermory have invested heavily in their facilities, I believe Mallaig was close to £1 million, and then people moan about having to pay £20-30 a night for a walk ashore pontoon berth!

 

[awol]

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 ..............

 

[YachtAllegro]

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

 

[YachtAllegro]

Sorry, if I'm allowed one more cheeky comment, I've another thought... If you do make the trip, I'm not particularly struck by your choice of route - "down towards oban before following the main route out to the Isles used by Ferries, trawlers etc... ". For a couple of reasons.

Firstly, big boats are not your friends, they're objects to avoid, and deliberately putting yourself where you know there will be lots of them will just increase the stress of the trip.

Secondly, you mentioned your crew are nervous of "open water". So don't give them the four mile trip across the open Firth or Lorne, by crossing from Oban, instead take them down the south side of Lismore - nothing to hit there, from what I remember, and you can always just visit the Creags and come home if all's not going well. Then hang a right at the lighthouse, and before people have finished looking at the lighthouse through the binocs you'll have closed the Mull shore at Duart, and you can potter on up to Tobermory as gradually as you wish, never being more than half a mile from land (not that you might not actually be safer further from land, but I do understand the psychological reassurance of being near land for a nervous crew).

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