Neil Smith sinks Arinagour moorings

[NormanS]

I have never been in favour of the moorings at Coll, and generally prefer to anchor, at Coll and anywhere else. Unfortunately, people reading Sailing Directions see that there are moorings at "wherever", and without considering the expected wind strength and direction, decide to go there, expecting shelter. Those of us who anchor with our own gear, go to anchorages appropriate for the conditions.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

What is the maximum size yacht allowed to use the moorings?


What is the upper limit for a claim re faulty moorings against the owners, and insurance?

 

[Deleted member 36384]

What is the maximum size yacht allowed to use the moorings?


What is the upper limit for a claim re faulty moorings against the owners, and insurance?

Some of the old HIDB (Highlands and Islands Development Board) moorings had 15t marked on them. These moorings were then transfered to other parties over the years and the weight indication in time became invisible. Some were also maintained to a high standard by the new operators. The user though has no clue.

The upper limit is entirely dependent on the claim made by a party. The operator or owner may have insurance and should have 3rd Party liability insurance if they are taking money. A 3rd party liability insurance of £3 million is quite normal for small operators.

However, it depends on what the arrangement is for the operator of the mooring. He may not be insured or even liable, so its best to have your own insurance.

I am very wary of many of these public moorings and always assume the mooring is suspect until I know better.

 

[Quandary]

In Arinagour last week, trot of six new blue buoys, no pick ups, as far out as the old ones, nearest one is in shallowish (2.2m.) water and restricted space, subject to some swell from the south, £10 per night, pay at hotel.
Rum have very good new but basic showers in a rustic cabin at the campsite behind the old pier, the shop is now well stocked and there is an all day cafe with internet in the Village Hall, recommended.
The council have given up the mooring buoys at Stein, (Bay Loch, Skye) but the local dive centre has decided to try to retain them, the hotel would not take them on, they have serviced 3 of them and they have lifting strops on them. £10 per night but a lot of yachts are not paying so I suspect it will not be economic for him to continue after this year.

Support these struggling island communities and if you use one of their moorings, pay for it.

 

[dunedin]

As Quandary said some nice spanking new mooring buoys in place, marked with 15 ton capacity.
When we arrived there late July there was one buoy with a pickup attached. I spoke with a helpful gentleman at the Coll Hotel later and apparently we were the first user as the pickup had been fitted that morning. Others hadn't got them yet as still occupied - but assume now all fitted.

There was some suggestions that the outer two may need moving slightly to give more clearance in southerlies.

So I for one was happy to pay my money and use these after a very fast and fun reach over from Tobermory in a brisk Northwesterly, which was still whilstling through Arinagour but giving flat water.

PS No comments please on the tangle of ropework - on an otherwise great practical sailing boat, the designer left the mooring arrangements to the office junior. Only one bow roller and a pullpit design that prevents pulling a mooring buoy through (sometimes have to swiftly desploice and resplice). And yes overnight we had a second rope on even though the rope did look in good condition - hardly surprising as transpired first time used

 

[agurney]

PS No comments please on the tangle of ropework - on an otherwise great practical sailing boat, the designer left the mooring arrangements to the office junior. Only one bow roller and a pullpit design that prevents pulling a mooring buoy through (sometimes have to swiftly desploice and resplice). And yes overnight we had a second rope on even though the rope did look in good condition - hardly surprising as transpired first time used

Looks like a typical Swedish pulpit - the mooring warp is passed through the dropped section in the middle so you can tie it to a tree. Is there any other way to moor?

 

[Ceejay]

I'm interested to see that earlier in this thread some thought that the presence of six moorings would interfere with anchoring at Arinagour. I'm certain when I lived there for a time back in the eighties that I have counted up to 26 yachts anchored at the same time.
CJ