sailscotland 2020

SCOTTISH CANALS

Forth & Clyde and Union Canals

The Kelpies, Forth & Clyde Canal

Scotland’s coast-to-coast and city-to-city link Take a turn on the world’s only rotating boat lift, sail beneath the soaring steel of The Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures on the planet, and moor up in the hearts of Edinburgh and Glasgow – the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals offer experiences that just can’t be found anywhere else. Following significant investment in key infrastructure, the Forth & Clyde Canal was fully re-opened to sea-to-sea transits in spring 2019, marked by the Lowland Canal Carnival. To celebrate Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters in 2020, Scottish Canals is planning a flotilla through the Lowland Canals. If you’re interested in being a part of it, please register your interest at scottishcanals.co.uk.

PILOTS Forth Yacht Clubs’ Association Pilot Handbook, CCC Firth of Clyde Sailing Directions, Imray Yachtsman’s Pilot – Clyde to Colonsay. HOURS OF OPERATION The Union and Forth & Clyde Canals operate on a seasonal basis and operating hours are subject to change. Please check scottishcanals.co.uk or using the ‘contact us’ details get in touch to find out the latest operating hours and to book your transit. TIDAL OPERATION Special note must be taken of the tidal restrictions at sea locks. Within normal operating hours, Carron Sea Locks are operational 4hrs before to 1h30 and 2h30 after high water. Bowling Basin is operational +/- 2hrs either side of high water. Please contact the Sea Lock keepers for local advice:

Union Canal Length

FACT FILE The Forth & Clyde Canal is approximately 57km (35 miles) in length with 40 locks. A minimum of 21 hours (two full days) underway should be allowed, and sufficient time should be added for passage from Port Edgar and negotiation of the River Carron to the Sea Locks. The Union Canal is 51km long (31 miles), and a minimum of 12 hours underway should be allowed. Scottish Canals staff will be on hand to assist at all locks and bridges on the Forth & Clyde Canal, but craft must have sufficient crew to assist staff with lockings. CHANNEL DIMENSIONS Forth & Clyde Length 19.20m (63ft) Beam 6.00m (19ft 8in) *please note that beam is 5.00m (16ft 4in) at the Helix extension. Vessels wider than 5m can use existing Carron Sea Lock to enter the canal. Depth of Water 1.7m (5ft 6in) Max. Headroom 3.00m (9ft 10in)

21.3m (70ft) 3.5m (11ft 6in) 0.90m (2ft 11in) 2.7m (8ft 1in)

Beam

Depth of Water Max. Headroom

*Channel dimensions can vary at different sections of the canal. Please visit scottishcanals.co.uk to download a copy of the Skipper’s Guide for exact details. CANAL LICENCES A range of visitor licences are available which are valid for all Scottish Canals. Full details of great value transit and short term stay packages may be obtained from scottishcanals.co.uk or our Canal Offices. DE-MASTING Yachts will require to de-mast for passage. This service is provided by Scottish Canals at Bowling and the canal link at The Helix. This is included in your licence fee, however boat crew must carry out all mast work. Independent contractors also operate on the River Carron and at Port Edgar, where a charge will be made at the boat owner’s own cost. Large or complex masts may need to be stepped at one of the Clyde marinas, at the boat owner’s own cost. CHARTS Admiralty chart 2007, 737 and/or Imray C27, C63.

Bowling: 01389 877969 Carron: 01324 483 034

Forth & Clyde Glasgow Branch Length

CONTACT US

19.20m (63 ft) 5.02 (16 ft 6 in) 1.4m (4ft 6 in) 3.00m (9ft 8 in)

Beam

Crinan Canal Office Pier Square, Ardrishaig

Channel Depth Max Headroom

Argyle PA30 8DZ T: 01546 603201 E: enquiries@scottishcanals.co.uk

www.sailscotland.co.uk

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