Oban

[Superstrath]

This being the Glasgow September weekend, the wife and weans are on holiday. I've been planning to take the boat through the canal and up to Oban or thereabouts, leaving it somewhere until next weekend to give the annual Boy's Trip a decent start. I'm thinking of Dunstaffnage, but don't know it (usually avoid marinas), so would appreciate any thoughts on a safe place to leave a boat for a week that's accessible and not too expensive.
Of course, the weather might bugger the whole plan up.

Alistair

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[Gordonmc]

Dunstaffnage might be a bit of a haul if you're planning to do it in three days. You will be pushing it to transit the canal in a day, 'though it has been done.
Winds are forecast N'ly Friday and Saturday with more favourable SW'ly and S'ly on Sunday. I would aim for Ardfern then anything further North would be a bonus.

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[Superstrath]

We've got the better part of four days, and the usual plan is to overnight in the sea-lock at Ardrishaig. Personal best from that position is 1400 exit Crinan, dinner at Puilladhobrain. I was thinking of driving time and ease of access when we return next Saturday, really.

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[CLP]

Dunstaffnage is a good place to leave a boat but the tide runs through the marina so some care is needed when manoevering. It has car parking or you can get a taxi from Oban Railway Station (about 5 miles away). You could also leave the boat at Oban Yachts on Kerrera. They run a ferry between the island and Oban. If you leave a car in Oban the best place is at the swimming pool. It's a public car park but I've never had any problems leaving a car there over several weeks.
Good sailing!

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[claymore]

Kilmelford will be the least expensive - its accessible. Ardfern means considering the tide at Dorus Mor but of course is very simple from Crinan.
Croabh is similarly accessible and you can leave your car there -
Oban yachts has had an amazing facelift and they are really trying hard - the showers are very good but the last 'liberty' boat is 21:00 which is not much use if you want an evening out in Oban. Car parking has been mentioned elsewhere and its been my experience that there is no problem.
Never used Dunstaffnage. As you know the critical factor will hinge around Dorus Mor when you come out of Crinan

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Claymore<font color=purple>
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[starboard]

I would suggest Ardfern...leave it on a swinging mooring, cheaper. a very friendly and well run establishment As for the tidal restrictions at the Dhorus Mhor only a problem if underpowered plus you can cheat the tide if very close inshore, the distance is so short anyway...not really a factor!! As for the canal no problems in a day with a fit crew, even stopping off at the "Cairnbaan" for a few pints!! As for the weather if it does blow a hooley you can just dodder about up Loch Craignish hiding behind the islands if necessary before shooting back into the canal.

Whatever have a great time...gud luck

Paul.

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[webcraft]

You will get a swinging mooring at Balvicar - it is half way between Crinan and Oban. It is two to three hours sail from Crinan, perfectly sheltered, although you need to plan your departure time for the transit of Cuan Sound - PM me if you need local tide times.

Balvicar Boatyard - Mike and Morag McSweeney. Tel. 01852 300557

Hope this helps,

Nick



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[Superstrath]

Thanks for all this. Our "normal" is to scoot off to the west and do big sails up and down the Minch, round Islay and then into the Clyde, but taking the family means I must consider the inshore alternatives and all the pleasures of safe harbours with facilities.
Next week we can do the hard stuff - this weekend should be relaxing.


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[A1Sailor]

Oban Yachts at Ardentraive, Kerrera (south west side of Oban Bay) have pontoon berths and swinging moorings. Just about everything seems to be brand new this year. They run a passenger ferry across the bay to Oban; £1 for the round trip. That's where I would go, and no, I don't have anything to do with the company. I'm "just" a satisfied customer, having stayed a night there twice this summer.

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