firth of clydewhich is illuminated at night, overlook the
village. In 1325 Robert Bruce, realising the
importance of the isthmus and the necessity to
defend it, instructed work to repair and extend
the existing castle which stood on the hill above
Tarbert harbour. The castle and its perimeter
wall are now only grass covered outlines,
although two walls of the keep built by James
IV still stand to their original height, dominating
the entrance to the harbour and the town itself.
Flotilla visits are welcome to Tarbert, and it is
a favourite with sailing clubs for musters and
rallies. Berths can be reserved in advance.
The town also hosts the Clyde Cruising
Club’s Scottish Series each spring. This
attracts several hundred competitive yachts
from far and wide for a long weekend’s
racing in the waters of Loch Fyne, where,
although it has few hazards and gentle tides,
the variable wind patterns offers the racing
sailor great challenges. vessels up to 70ft loa (notice required for Calmac ferry ‘MV Caledonian’ departs Brodich,
larger vessels) with no restriction on draft. Isle of Arran © Dennis Hardley.
A short distance across Loch Fyne from
Tarbert is the new marina at Portavadie Other destinations with pontoon berthing are
which has almost 250 berths and a full Campbeltown, Ardrishaig and Rothesay. These Rothesay tourist office close to the harbour.
range of facilities. It is the perfect gateway towns are strategically placed for the cruising There is also a regular bus service to the
to some of the best sailing waters in the yachtsman. Campbeltown is close to the Mull property. A short distance north of Rothesay
world and provides a unique backdrop in of Kintyre, and a good port of call arriving from a new marina has been built at Port Bannatyne
which to enjoy and explore a variety of safe the south. Ardrishaig is the eastern terminus of alongside the existing boatyard. 2010 will see
anchorages and walk ashore destinations, all the Crinan Canal, and Rothesay is a traditional a regular seaplane service between the marina
within easy reach. The facilities building and favourite. It is the capital of the beautiful Isle and Pacific Quay in Glasgow, opening up a
the critically acclaimed restaurant and bar of Bute, which the cruising sailor will enjoy stylish and very fast connection between the
are in one of the finest marina buildings in exploring. The principal attraction of the island city centre and the island. 25
Britain. The deep water lagoon is protected is Mount Stuart, the extravagant Italianate
by a breakwater and is accessible at all states palazzo of the Bute family, which is open to the In other places, like Lamlash in Arran, or in
of the tide. The marina will accommodate public most days. Information is available from the Kyles of Bute, more traditional landing
www.sailscotland.co.uk
Firth of Clyde.indd 7 11/12/09 12:22:14
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