SW Scotland Yacht Cruising, (Lack of).

[earlybird]

Just returned from a few days touring SW Scotland by car. Visited old cruising harbours such as Portpatrick, Isle of Whithorn and Drummore. A couple of decades ago these places would have a population of resident yachts and, in August, a number of visitors. This year I saw virtually nothing. Where have they all gone, is it covid or maybe they're in Stranraer marina? There was a bit of activity in Kirkudbright, but not much, and it was a perfect sailing day.

 

[dunedin]

For most people these waters are too shallow. There are still some local shallow draft boats.
But for most visiting cruising yachts it is a long detour off the main cruising route, and there are so many other (arguably better, but a personal preference) places to go that are quicker to get to - whether the Clyde, Gigha, Islay, Rathlin etc.

And of course for families in dinghies etc., the Scottish school holidays are virtually over (Angus schools already back last week, most others return this week) so would been more likely to see such activity in July.

 

[dgadee]

Just returned from a few days touring SW Scotland by car. Visited old cruising harbours such as Portpatrick, Isle of Whithorn and Drummore. A couple of decades ago these places would have a population of resident yachts and, in August, a number of visitors. This year I saw virtually nothing. Where have they all gone, is it covid or maybe they're in Stranraer marina? There was a bit of activity in Kirkudbright, but not much, and it was a perfect sailing day.

Boats from NI would regularly use Portpatrick, but perhaps more at weekends so depends when you were there. Facilities have seemingly improved since I was last there (better mooring for the very large tides and showers etc.) but in SW winds a goodly swell comes into the harbour.

 

[davierobb]

We visit Portpatrick on a regular basis and have done for 20 plus years. The harbour is very quiet in comparison to years ago, I would guess it has only 25% of the trade compared to the 90's. Maybe bigger boats are able to make the jump to the Western Isles without the need to stop. The harbour facilities have improved but still no pumped diesel and nearest garage is 8 miles away, diesel may be available from other sources. I'm guessing some people are put off by rafting against the harbour wall and the long climb at low tide.

 

[dgadee]

We visit Portpatrick on a regular basis and have done for 20 plus years. The harbour is very quiet in comparison to years ago, I would guess it has only 25% of the trade compared to the 90's. Maybe bigger boats are able to make the jump to the Western Isles without the need to stop. The harbour facilities have improved but still no pumped diesel and nearest garage is 8 miles away, diesel may be available from other sources. I'm guessing some people are put off by rafting against the harbour wall and the long climb at low tide.

Yes, very, very big climb at low water springs. I remember having to encourage a crew member down them - she was not at all happy. The tying up has supposed to have been improved with wires leading down the walls - no more huge lengths of line needed - but rafting would put people off these days. Too soft with all those marinas about.