Sailing West Coast of Scotland real life experiences please

[pagoda]

this summer was nearly 5 weeks on the trot of wall to wall sunshine , very very rare temps drop to 7 degrees in fact I would question this on were and when that temp was recorded.
Best weather May to early July , then Rainy August kicks in

this summer was an exception, like 1976. Usually May and June are decent weather, though less reliable in recent years. . I have had late May sailing in bright sunshine between Bute and Loch Fyne, with an air temperature of 2 to 4C. Glorious, but Baltic!

 

[Sgeir]

If you like cool weather sailing, try the north. In July 2017 we had several days in Shetland when we could "see our breath", so, presumably, about 7˚ or less. This was during the day, but it didn't really become noticeably colder at night.

 

[lpdsn]

Correct. We spent 6 weeks in the Clyde 2014, late June early July.

It was 7 degrees C in mid July!

Actually, I think that photograph was taken around about that time of year. You notice the absence of pack ice and polar bears.

 

[LittleSister]

If you like cool weather sailing, try the north. In July 2017 we had several days in Shetland when we could "see our breath", so, presumably, about 7˚ or less. This was during the day, but it didn't really become noticeably colder at night.

Perhaps by that time you were too numb with cold to feel the temperature drop yet further?

 

[Minchsailor]

Actually, I think that photograph was taken around about that time of year. You notice the absence of pack ice and polar bears.

This was June, no polar bears:

 

[TQA]

Sublime , chust sublime as Para Handy would say.

One summer's cruising on the West coast and I was hooked.

16 cruising years later I am still at it.

 

[Sgeir]

Perhaps by that time you were too numb with cold to feel the temperature drop yet further?

We had Count von Eberspächer with us....

 

[Spuddy]

Good resource is the Bluemoment forum. I see that several regulars have posted on this thread but a visit to the website would link to articles and members there could give you links to v useful blogs

 

[Martin&Rene]

One thing to remember is thought the tidal range is not too high (3m+ in Clyde, 4m+ outside MOK), many of the anchorages are in areas with quite steep sides, so you often end up anchoring in 8m-15m of water. When I re-equpped my yacht with an electric windlass, I was recommended to get 50m of chain. On the one time you get caught in a blow, you will be glad you have all the amount available.

 

[[2574]]

One thing to remember is thought the tidal range is not too high (3m+ in Clyde, 4m+ outside MOK), many of the anchorages are in areas with quite steep sides, so you often end up anchoring in 8m-15m of water. When I re-equpped my yacht with an electric windlass, I was recommended to get 50m of chain. On the one time you get caught in a blow, you will be glad you have all the amount available.

Agree on anchor chain though we carry 80m and often wish We had 100m. If going to Scotland the strategy of downsizing chain link size but increasing specification and chain length works well. Result is more chain for anchoring but no weight increase in the bow.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Agree on anchor chain though we carry 80m and often wish We had 100m. If going to Scotland the strategy of downsizing chain link size but increasing specification and chain length works well. Result is more chain for anchoring but no weight increase in the bow.

I carry 30m of chain and have rarely had to use all of it,let alone wish I had more I am sure there are some places where anchoring deep is necessary, but the OP may like to know that there is plenty to do without going to these lengths. Depths.

 

[Kelpie]

On my previous boat I had 30m chain and almost always used the whole lot.
Current boat has just over 40m and that is much more comfortable.
If I was buying a new chain I would go for 50m, but I haven't ever felt the need for any more than that.

 

[Minchsailor]

I have seldom had to anchor in more than 12m at HW. Some apparently sheltered anchorages can be surprisingly gusty. I remember a night in Loch Scresort (Rum) where brisk wind was blowing down the valley (so offshore) but we were sheering all over the place.

I have 70m of 10mm chain (Rustler36); occasionally had 60m out, but never felt the need to go the whole way.

One thing about NW Scotland ; the anchorages are usually not so crowded, so lots of swinging room.

 

[awol]

Ides of November yesterday - 12C, light winds, occasional sunshine and only 2 other boats out and about. No snow visible on the Arrochar Alps. Was out last Monday and Tuesday in similar temperature but stronger winds. Pity sunset is ~16.00.