Winter in Scotland

J

John_N

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We are planning to take our Sadler 32 from Devon the West Coast in September and winter ashore there so that we can enjoy some magnificent sailing in the spring and early summer before returning to the softer South. Can any of you knowledgeable Scots recommend a particular yard/marina for the lay-up in the Oban region (for suitable accessability). Cost will be an important consideration but not the only one.
I am sure that I shall receive many varied opinions on this one. The problem will probably be, who to believe.
Thanks in anticipation, John.

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There's only one
Kilmelford Yacht Haven. www.kilmelfordyachthaven.co.uk
Family run yard, good workshops, reasonable rates, swinging moorings, very sheltered.
Been there a while now and staying.
Its less money than the others nearby which are
Dunstaffnage
Croabh Marina
Ardfern


<hr width=100% size=1>regards
Claymore
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How about a little further North - Arasaig near Mallaig. Nearest main town I think is Fort William. Most beautiful region in the the UK in my mind.. Also swinging moorings with reasonable shelter and the best whiskey bar in the known universe!

<hr width=100% size=1>Tomsk -

What the hell... it's only money!
 
Kilmelford .....

they're a bit odd, that lot up there. although you'll get used to them wondering round in willy warmers, ah dare say. the guardian would describe the boats up there as an 'eclectic mix' whereas the sun might prefer 'collection of wrecks'. the oban times has a weekly make-over feature - sort of ground force for boats - sponsored by the local tourist board in an attempt to beautify the surroundings so yer boat might be painted in tartan colours when you get back. any recomendation from one of the inhabitants should be viewed with care as they're oan commisshun, ye ken?

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Re: Kilmelford .....

Peter is prone to exaggeration as most of his admirers will testify. As far as make overs are concerned you are being offered advice from the man who touched up!! the Maids of Bute

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Re: Kilmelford .....

Haud yer wheesht .. Peter is coortin' and ye widnae want tae get him intae trouble o'er a wee lick o' paint?

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Re: Kilmelford .....

is tha richt? an whaes the puir wee lass ... it wid tak mair than a lick o' paint tae turn yon sow's airse intae a silk yin. ah'd nae be surprised if ra auld goat hasnae menshuned orra other matters, ye ken ...

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Why not try the inner Clyde for the Winter. Some great sailing in sheltered water and within easy reach of the south with good motorway M74, good Airport Prestwick and cheap Ryanair flights and good rail links all within a stone's throw. Marina here at Troon will do a good winter package deal and the punters are more than friendly....even to you folk south of Waford....give it a try you will not be disappointed.

Paul.

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A couple of other places to look at are:

Oban Yachts on Kerrera, the closest establishment to Oban

Marine Resource Centre at Barcaldine, about 10 miles north of Oban.

Both are, I think, cheaper and less polished than Dunstaffnage, Ardfern, Craobh etc (IMHO).

Derek

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Re: Kilmelford .....

Ye've that advantage o' me jes noo - explain yersel ye wheechin' wee beastie

<hr width=100% size=1>regards
Claymore
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Ariasaig is fine.......good people...........and on the main rail connection to Malaig. So take the road to the Isles and drive or go by train from Fort William.

Or live dangerously and moor at Gairloch!!! Does Fred still run the Pub or has he sailed off into the unknown.............. I recovered the boat he was on when the lady called 999!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in the Minch

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MRC on Loch Creran (12 miles N. of Oban) offer under cover storage, which can be excellent if you need to work on the boat. Website HERE.

Another possibility is Balvicar Boatyard (12 miles S. of Oban) - no website but tel. Mike McSweeney 01852 300557 - it's very slightly more expensive than Barcaldine Home Farm once the mast craneage is taken into account, but cheaper than MRC. We kept Fairwinds ashore here last Winter. If you want to rent a mooring off Mike once the boat is back in the water his prices are very reasonable and you couldn't be better placed than Balvicar for exploring the area.

If you want the chance to grab some Winter sailing then a berth at Craobh Haven duringt the Winter months will only cost you £100 - £150 more than storage ashore, and may have other advantages. Website <font size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bluemoment.com>http://www.bluemoment.com</font size=1>
 
Been to Arisaig. Agree that it is close to heaven and the folk are so friendly and helpful and not money grabbers, but it's a bit too far from Devon for an Astra, let alone Claymore's camels.
The Clyde's attractive but not much use for winter weekend sailing for a Devonian.
No, it has to be the Oban area. Many thanks for your helpful suggestions - one or
two of which were unknown to me.
I'll give it some thought. Meanwhile, over to Brittany for some sunshine and wine.

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Not at all. There is an excellent boatyard at Balvicar. How did you miss that one out? Probably cost wise the cheapest.

Donald

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Balvicar

Now just run that one by us one more time...
Isn't that the place you tried to row out from and ended up pinned to the shore by hurricane force winds and unable to take part in 'Ra Mixed Chentlemans Cruise' a couple of weeks ago.
Oh Yes - Balvicar sounds just fine!

<hr width=100% size=1>regards
Claymore
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Webcraft stays at Balvicar - he's a serious one with the bottle - I doubt whether the visiting Devonian would thank us for suggesting Balvicar!

<hr width=100% size=1>regards
Claymore
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