Scottish sailing school ?

[ruthhobson]

Hi

We are thinking of trying get a weeks sailing in during August and neither of us (me and HWMBO) has done any tidal sailing. So I suggested we do a tidal course, we did CC and DS last Easter in Marjorca.

I have already checked out previous posts suggesting schools in North Wales and down south - but can anyone recommend anywhere in Scotland ?

Thanks very much

Ruth

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[sailbadthesinner]

I have done some sailing with a small school in scotland. One man with a boat, he also instructs for other schools but recent;y acquired his own MCA certed boat (a 41 foot moody.) He is fully RYA qualified to teach upto YMlevel. he is easy going and a very good teacher IMHO. alyternatively he will taske you cruising and just generally brush up your skills.
PM me and i can give you his details


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[Ohdrat]

I <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.btinternet.com/~sailawayseaschool/>Sailaway on Cumbrae </A>on the Clyde are V good..

The Clyde is "gently" tidal so not too challenging.. but enough if you haven't much tidal experience. The Clyde is a v popular sailing ground and good scenery.

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[1114C]

We have used the national sailing school at largs and think it is extremely good

use www.sailscotland.co.uk for contact information - here you will also find details of a guy who runs a school out of Loch Sunart which my brother in law used and was very pleased with for his day skipper course.





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[ruthhobson]

Thanks very much for the advice - it is appreciated!

Ruth

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[Jeremy_W]

Remember that Clyde sailing and Hebridean sailing are worlds apart. There are so many marinas and towns with pontoons (e.g. Tarbert, Campbeltown) that you never NEED to anchor for the night; inflate the dinghy; or hunt for a shower in the Clyde. In the Hebrides you can find real tranquillity in deserted anchorages at the cost of frequent anchoring. Row ashore with towel and sponge bag to the local hotel and spend the night having a good few wee drams as you take turns in the shower. Take your pick! If Alba Sailing (Dunstaffnage) are half as good at teaching sailing as they are at chartering yachts, they'll be pretty amazing.

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[Ohdrat]

Quite agree with the comparison of the Clyde to the Hebrides but with the provisio that you are more likely to learn or gain experience of COLREGs (including Submarines) and bouyage/lighting etc on the Clyde than in the Hebrides... (infact I have found on numerous occasions lights in harbours / anchorages in the Hebrides not working.. Stornoway CG can take several days to check a report of non working lights.)

Re anchoring experience there are plenty of places you can drop an anchor on the Clyde too. I reckon its a good place to start at least.

But for true wilderness cruising it is very hard to beat the Hebrides and the NW Coast of Scotland (Ardnmurchan up).

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[ruthhobson]

Thanks for the extra information- not sure I will tell HWMBO! He is the one who prefers marinas, showers and home comforts....he is also the one who tries to pack his entire wardrobe!

But on the other hand he is the one who will be driving there, so the drive to the Clyde might appeal more, especially as he spends most of the week driving for work.

Thanks again.

Ruth

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[Ohdrat]

There is the compromise option of the Argyll Coast up to Tobermory on Mull and including Loch Linnhe.. this gives you quite a few easy marina / harbour hops ...

Though the Tides can be tricky (strong.. see Gulf of Corryvrecken) in places.



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[Danthegorrila]

We have been running a RYA cruising school in Scotland for the last year and are not doing it this year, so this is un biased advice!

I would definenatly go with a small school, they will be much more flexible and will do what you need. They may not be sailing where the base is listed eg boats based in the Clyde often spend several weeks in the Outer Islands. If you are in the Clyde going out round the Mull to Gigha or Northern Island is quite possible in a week course.

I would like to suggest 2 to you: Ron McInnes with Gael Sail -www.gaelsail.com- I think he has a Saddler 34 and Steve (Second Wind Sailing) who I think is the person suggested by someone else he has a Moody 41.

I can assure you that you will not regret going to Scotland the sailing knocks spots off the South.

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[richardknight]

Hi Ruth - just to clarify the url for Gael Sail is infact www.sailscotland.net You can also find them here: http://www.marsbrookboating.com/sailtraining/UK/scotland.htm

Best of luck.

Richard

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