more exposed - the island is most famous for its
very high sunshine hours (more than 1400 per
year), sandy beaches and windsurfing . Tiree
hosts the Tiree Wave Classic every October, the
UK’s premier windsurfing event that has been
sanctioned as a World Cup level event since 2007.
The west side of Mull has a number of
sheltered anchorages, mostly around the island
of Ulva, and the route allows the Treshnish
Isles and Staffa to be visited, home of Fingals
Cave. It is possible to anchor and view the
cave from either the island or a tender during
settled weather, otherwise it will be necessary
to lie off and view from afar. Further south lies
the island of Iona and its world famous Abbey.
The main town on the Ross of Mull is
Bunessan, where it is possible to anchor in a
number of bays.Visitors are advised to anchor
clear of the fairway to the main pier which
is used by fishing boats all year round. The
peninsula also contains many fine anchorages,
including Tinkers Hole and Carsaig, from
where the visiting sailor can choose to return
home by either heading east through the
Torran Rocks to pick up their outward track,
or heading south to Colonsay and then on
south through the Sound of Islay and back
into the Sound of Jura.
Spinnaker action during West Highland
Yachting Week © Alison Chadwick.
gigha
The community owned island of Gigha has been described by many
visitors as being similar to the Isles of Scilly – a low lying island
with a pastoral feel. It is the most southerly of the Hebridean
Islands, situated three miles west of the Kintyre peninsula, and is
seven miles long by a mile and a half wide. The island is a tranquil
escape – sandy bays and beaches, clear green seas and a host
of wildlife. Gigha has its own 9 hole golf course and cycles are
available to hire so the visitor can explore the island. The island
also has many historic monuments, including a very rare Ogham
Stone, whilst the world famous gardens at Achamore are easily
reached on foot from Ardminish Bay, the main anchorage on the
island, where there are also moorings available for visiting boats.
www.gigha.org.uk
corryvreckan
An infamous whirlpool may seem an unusual choice as a recommended
place for visiting boats to explore, but please read on! Whilst the Gulf
of Corryvreckan can be dangerous at times, particular when a westerly
wind is in opposition to a spring flood tide, it can also provide a safe
short cut through to the west side of Jura and the island of Colonsay.
The ‘Bay of Pigs’ is a popular local anchorage which lies at the south
west limit of the gulf, from which a beach barbeque can be followed
by watching the sunset over Colonsay. The whirlpool itself is caused
by the presence of a pinnacle of rock which rises from over 200 to
less than 30 metres below the surface, and can be safely viewed from
the northern shore of Jura. Alternatively, a boat trip can be taken
from either Crinan, Ardfern or Craobh, or for the more adventurous
on a fast rib from Easdale. www.whirlpool-scotland.com
www.sailscotland.co.uk
Argyll & Islands.indd 8 11/12/09 12:43:55
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