sailscotland 2020

ARGYLL AND THE ISLANDS

Craignish at Ardfern Yacht Centre and at Craobh Marina on Loch Shuna with further yard facilities and moorings at Crinan. For those who prefer anchorages, there are numerous options in the area. These include up the east side of Loch Craignish, where shelter is again available from every wind angle, or the west side where you will also find the loch known locally as ‘The Lagoon’ which, thanks to the Craignish Lagoon Mooring Association, features a clean- bottom anchoring area defined between red and green buoys. The Dorus Mor lies at the south end of the Craignish peninsula and forms the first of the important tidal gates in this area. A general comment is that, while the tides may be strong at times, they are predictable, and providing the visiting sailor can read a tide table and tidal stream atlas they should present no real difficulties.

West Loch Tarbert or lochs Sween and/ or Caolisport on the eastern (mainland) side of the sound. West Loch Tarbert extends deep into the Kintyre peninsula, with the head of the loch being less than a mile from the harbour of Tarbert on the peninsula’s eastern side. There are a number of anchorages within the loch and an old pier at the eastern limit. At the head of Loch Sween the village of Tayvallich offers a small shop, a café and a lively inn which hosts traditional music sessions. The village bay gives superb shelter from all wind directions and has three visitors’ moorings along with a few pontoons. If conditions are stable then an alternative anchorage can be found at the Fairy Isles, a short distance from the village. Further north, both Loch Crinan and the Sound of Jura lead into the wonderful sailing areas of lochs Craignish, Shuna and Melfort. Excellent marina facilities can be found toward the head of Loch

Islay and Jura are well known for their distilleries; the former has eight and latter has one, most of which have their own moorings or small pontoons for visiting boats. Gigha has a reputation for fine sandy beaches and has also upgraded facilities for visiting sailors in recent years with a large number of serviced moorings and a short-stay pontoon with fine seafood available a short walk from the head of the pontoon. For those seeking a quiet anchorage for the night, Lowlandman’s Bay on the east of Jura offers shelter from most wind directions, while Loch Tarbert on the west side is a favourite with many local sailors. Seclusion is usually guaranteed, together with stunning sunsets and the opportunity to see the deer come down to the water’s edge in the evening, as well as otters hunting along the rocky shoreline. Sailors remaining within the Sound of Jura have the option of venturing up

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