Saild Sailing Blog

Scotland has a considerable reputation when it comes to sailing. It can be a tame puppy dog and very quickly turn into a rabid stray. It’s jagged coastline is frought with renowned perils such as the races around the Mull of Kintyre and potentially tricky inshore navigation around the inland sounds such as Seil Sound. That said if you’ve never been then you’re missing out on what the locals categorically believe is the best sailing in the world from both the beauty and the challenge.

This summer I sailed with NorthStar a Beneteau First 40.7 and her skipper Richard from Oban which is centrally located on the west coast down through to Largs which is just west of Glasgow. Our trip took us to some great spots which are well worthwhile plotting in if you are going for a week from either location.

Where to sail from
If asked where to start your weeks sailing trip I would have to say Oban. Not only is it where I actually spent a number of my younger years but it also has a regular train and seaplane service from Glasgow which makes it very accessible. From Oban you can step out the outer Hebrides towards Fort William or head south towards Mull and the whiskey making island of Islay.

Wildlife
Whether you know it or not, the west coast is full of sea life. If you’re lucky and know where to go you can sea Dolphins, Seals, Basking Sharks as well as a huge variety of bird and other life.

Must visit Islands

Islay
Most find the pronunciation a little difficult and it’s the best place to start, for english natives it’s pronounced ‘Isle-aa’ for americans ‘ii-la’. That mastered the island is best known for its peaty whiskey with Bowmore, Ardberg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain all produced on the island and it’s worth taking a day off from your sailing to tour the distilleries. Do check in advance though as some of the distillaries close over the summer and aren’t open to visitors.
Beyond the countless great malts the views down the Sound of Mull and from Port Ellen are as with most of this area breathtaking and inspiring.

Mull
Mull can be found almost immediately after leaving Oban and is one of the largest islands in the area. The sail up the Sound of Mull is pleasant and enjoyable and as you progress out towards Coll, Tiree and the Atlantic you get a sense that you are leaving one world and entering another where there are very few people to be found. A good place to stop is Tobermory now well known as a result of the childrens tv program Balamory, it has a stunning bay, visitor moorings and some good pubs to stop in.

Coll / Tiree
These two distinctive little islands lay off the western extremity of Mull both are wild and beautiful. Coll is best known for its sandy beaches and Tiree for its windsurfing.

Arran

Arran is a long way from any of the islands around Oban and is found west of Largs which is one of the most popular sailing destinations on the west coast. I personally found the bay at Lochranza on the north of the island a fantastic place to sit up at night drinking single malts but then there are a good few places on the west coast with that appeal.

Things worth knowing
Finally it’s worth noting that most charter companies in Scotland will not take anything less than RYA Coastal Skipper or equivalent experience which works out at 600nm-1000nm in coastal waters in most conditions. This shouldn’t be seen as a set back as having a local skipper is undoubtably the best place to start as their experience of the weather and knowledge of where to go is second to none.