firth of clyde
THE FIRTH OF CLYDE is one of the
largest areas of sheltered deep water in
the British Isles, and as a result has been a
major centre for recreational boating for
well over a century. It is increasingly popular
as a playground for local boat owners, as a
destination for sailors cruising in their own
yachts, and for those seeking a charter yacht
holiday, or an intensive tuition course in the
finer points of sailing.
Much pioneering cruising was done on
Scotland’s West Coast, and the Clyde threw
up some hardy people who went exploring
long before there were marinas, or even
many harbours. To some extent they were
following in the wake of the Viking invaders,
who ruled the west coast for centuries before
they were finally ousted at the Battle of Largs
in 1263. Today the sailing visitor enjoys waters
that are unchanged from those far-off days,
although the shore facilities are very different! 21
A century-and-a-half ago the development of
leisure sailing was just beginning, the Clyde’s
designers and builders of yachts both large and
small, sail and power, were soon producing
handy craft, and before long were at the cutting
edge of international competitive and cruising
yacht construction. Today, the emphasis
is on participation, whether by owning a
boat, chartering, taking a tuition course, or
participating in one of the many competitive The main Clyde marinas for resident and Arran from St Blanes Kirk, Isle of Bute
events that are hosted on the Clyde. © Dennis Hardley.charter craft are Troon, Ardrossan, Largs,
Kip, Rhu and Holy Loch, whilst Fairlie Quay
The Clyde’s long lochs penetrate far into the is particularly popular for winter storage. All Heading south west past Arran and round the
Highlands, whilst its outer reaches comprise are easily accessible by public transport, and Mull of Kintyre, perhaps calling at Sanda or
a scatter of islands, each of different size and the increase in low cost flying has encouraged Campbeltown, is a passage best undertaken in
character. Arran is large and mountainous, many yacht owners who live elsewhere to good weather. It leads to the southern Isles of
Bute is smaller and more pastoral, whilst the keep their yachts in Scottish marinas, where Gigha, Islay and Jura, or alternatively across the
small islands of Great and Little Cumbrae the availability and lower cost of berthing North Channel to Rathlin Island, Ballycastle
can be circumnavigated in an afternoon. The compared with England’s South Coast, ideally and Glenarm, all just a few miles away. There
tiny Isle of Sanda, off the Mull of Kintyre, is complements the superb cruising area so close are many less demanding passages within the
unique. Its pub, the Byron Darnton, is busy by. This convenient access is not only good Firth of Clyde. Indeed, one could sail every
with visiting sailors, even though the island for boat owners; charterers and sailors taking day for a week and not run out of new lochs
has no permanent resident population. courses also find it easy to join their vessel. Full and anchorages to explore.
details of the facilities offered by the marinas
FACILITIES are given in the tabulated summary on pages This rich cruising ground has moderate tidal
The Clyde has ten large marinas with 72-73 of this brochure. streams and ranges, well marked hazards,
capacity for several thousand boats, a host of and apart from a few popular spots, relatively
marine services to offer, a wonderfully scenic DESTINATIONS few other boats. The ‘harbour full’ sign has
cruising area in which enjoy being afloat, and The Clyde is more than just a convenient yet to reach Scottish waters!
many destinations, ranging from sheltered playground: it is also the perfect starting point
bays to busy fishing harbours, to visit. It is for cruises to more distant places. Visiting One of the most popular destination harbours
this shelter, a feature shared with the West boats arriving from the south or Ireland may is Tarbert, where the fishing fleet has to some
Coast, which makes this part of Scotland so choose to visit the new marina at Stranraer extent given way to visiting and resident
perfect for holiday sailing. before venturing further north into the Firth yachts of all types and sizes, and where the
itself. From there a popular route is north recently upgraded pontoon berthing and good
west, through the beautiful Kyles of Bute to shore facilities, bars and restaurants are an
Tighnabruich and Arran viewed from above the the Crinan Canal, and then to the Argyll Coast acknowledged attraction. It is a picturesque
Kyles of Bute © Dennis Hardley. and Islands, Skye, and the Outer Hebrides. village where the remains of Tarbert Castle,
www.sailscotland.co.uk
Firth of Clyde.indd 3 11/12/09 12:16:04
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