scottish (ahem) racing

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sailbadthesinner

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been asked to skipper as part of a bunch of yachts going out of a scottish harbour
we cannot race as the insurance does not cover that so i suggested a 'fast cruise ' to a destination
suppose we were leaving from a marina north of troon
i thought east loch tarbert a suitable destination
weather depending obviously
not sure about other boats but assumne all the skippers are able to do the entrance even in the dark

anyone else got a better idea
its been a while since i went thata way oop north
we need somewhere with pontoon moooring as they will all want to go ashore
troon i thought too close
rothesay too far but grey cells may be letting me down
kyles of bute no moooring
what happens if we go north ? as i have not ventured north of this area
trip is happening may or april
not sure been in pub all afternoon

<hr width=100% size=1>My wife wanted tender treatment, so i stowed her whilst at sea
 
Tarbert, LOch Fyne is a superb natual harbour with alongside pontoons, lovely walk to Stonefield Hotel. Rothesay is arguably not so nice, small marina but subject to swell from ferry. It's much closer than Tarbert. Plenty of free mooring buoys in Kyles

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I fear that the afternoon in the pub has led to lack of clarity! Reading your post, I'm not sure where you want to leave from and where you want to go. How far apart do you want departure point and arrival point? How far North are you willing to go? I have some suggestions, but need more data!

Stuart

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Rothesay is closer than Tarbert and there are private visitor moorings off one or more of the hotels in the Kyles
How about Campbeltown?

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Scottish Water has done some improvement work at Rothesay Harbour during the winter to cut down on the wash from ferries etc. It remains to be seen how effective this is.

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Tarbert surely best bet - Kyles moorings often full and Kames, the best pub, is exposed a bit, Tarbert - fantastic harbour and good pubs, Campbeltown, well although I have not been by water I have been by land once - that is why I have not been by water!

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Have never been - it is one on the list of "to dos"

Would imagine the pub is an experience - who is there to check it shuts on time?

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You'd have to be pretty desperate to go to Campbeltown, especially considering that there are loads of attractive Clyde destinations.(Well, ..apart from Adrossan...)

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I've overnighted there, but not been ashore. Exposed anchorage with strong tides, probably about 12 hours fast sailing from Largs. Good stopover if you are rounding the Mull.

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East Loch Tarbert - easy entrance.. well marked just don't try and cut corners!

Kyles of Bute there are visitors moorings at Kames and Tighnabruich the Kames Hotel is good place for meal and drinks..





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I take it your leaving from Ardrossan or Largs? Your best bet head to Tarbet. Lots of pubs about 8, good pontoons but be prepared to raft up if busy or visitors moorings also available. Dont be affraid of the entrance all hazards well marked and lit at night. As for Kyles of Bute plenty of moorings both at Tighnabruach and Kames, both superb spots with magnificent views, this is my play ground and I would go no where else. You could head round north of Arran and head to Carradale in the Killbranan sound, this is a commercial fishing harbour but plenty of space for yachts and good pubs ashore. Rothesay also small harbour but with pontoon berths and moorings...worth a visit for the toilets alone!!!To be honest if you come up north you wont go far wrong.

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With regard Sanda superb spot, good clean sand to anchor on and Pub and holiday cottages very well upgraded. Open to the North but I sat at anchor in September with wind shifting unforecast to the North and blowing 25kts but suprising little swell came into bay. I put this down to the very strong tide that runs across the entrance either East or West. A great spot to await a fair tide to round the Mull.No real danger as you enter from the north, the only danger is to the SE where you should not approach from anyway!!! ask the owner of the Pub...he managed to put the Royal Navy on the rocks there last year....and that wasnt the first time he had done it!!!!

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"Troon too close Rothsay too Far" Does that mean you are leaving from Ardrossan?
If you were further up the coast say Largs, then Rothsay is only about 8 miles if you don't want to go too far what about Lamlash. No pontoons but plenty of well sheltered visitor moorings.
Any more info as to where you are leaving from?

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sorry a bit cagey just in case charter company reads this
but as we have rulked out a race
10 boats 2 days depart return largs
no novice skippers some novice crew
i have been to the area but memory of parts is sketchy/hazy i have not sailed north of largs other than Rothesay. Have been to Troon, ardorossan Lamlash through kyles of bute, and Tarbert.
Is there anywhere north we can try up the coast from largs?


<hr width=100% size=1>My wife wanted tender treatment, so i stowed her whilst at sea
 
Take it if you have 10 yachts they will be Sunsail fleet from Largs. Still suggest sporting cruise to Tarbet from there or if you wish good sail to Tighnabruach or Kames in the Kyles of Bute with return the next day. If ex Largs head out through the Tan between little and big Cumbrae then round south end of Bute and straight track then to Tarbet, if wind too strong you can re plan the passage and stay in the shelter of Bute and head for the east Kyle round the top of Bute an head Tighnabruach/ Kames. Just open a chart and look at the endless possibilities!!!

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How about the Holy Loch or, if you want to go further, Loch Goil? You get to the latter via Loch Long. Spectacular scenery, but tricky winds due to being narrow and surrounded by mountains. Helensburgh, Rhu and Gareloch also offer what you are looking for, but not quite so attractive due to Min of defense installations etc (also a problem in the lower section of Loch Long).

The northern section of Loch Fyne is also worth a trip, but without the kind of facilities you are looking for (though moorings in various places including Loch Gilp and Inverary).

Other forumites have covered most of the rest of the area.

Have a good trip.

Stuart

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Sailbad

Everyone has pointed out the obvious. As you need alongside berthing you are restricted to
Rothesay (Go round Bute in a day from Largs) - pubs and restaurants.
Tarbert. Need I say more?
Kip. Hmm
Holy Loch. Nothing too near - but owner will call you a taxi to Dunoon.

Thats about your choice in the immediate area.

We do get a laugh from the S**s**l boats though.

Regards

Donald

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