May in Scotland.

[aquaplane]

I've got longstanding plans to cruise on the Clyde for a couple of weeks from May 24th. Since Easter was a washout I have some holidays to take Mayday week so I was thinking of "doing" Loch Lomond.

Question 1 is, where is a good place to launch? What is there to do?

There is only 2 weeks between the May Day holiday and the planned Clyde cruise it seems daft to trail the boat back home.

Sandpoint Marina and Largs want £45-£50 to store the boat for 2 weeks, is there anywhere else? At that price it's not worth the extra diesel and agro to trail 500 miles so I'm just wondering if there is anywhere better.

[sahona]

http://www.balmahaboatyard.co.uk/boatyard.html may be able to help on both counts. CU at Cumbrae.

[ash]

Hi

I assume that you will launch by slipping her on her trailer. As well as Balmaha, you can slip at Balloch, Millarochy, and Ardlui. Balmaha, Millarochy, and Ardlui are ‘beach’ type slips whilst Balloch has two very good concrete slips. By road, Balloch is the closest to you and the Clyde.

You will have to register for free, though the plates and numbers will cost you £5. The ‘Guide to Navigation’ at £5 is worthwhile.

You will need to have a lifejacket for each person on board.

The south end of the loch with islands and anchorages is the better for cruising, though you are still in the lowlands there rather than the highlands so shallower (20 M ) water and less scenery.

I assume that you sleep/eat aboard and anchor.

You will enjoy Loch Lomond – better sailing though less public access to shore than Windermere.

Some Links


Loch Lomond ByLaws

Loch Lomond Info

Ardlui Hotel, Marina, and Holiday Park

Ardlui Marina Prices

My Sailing Area - Loch Lomond

I'll post more as I think of it / find it.

Ask questions, and I'll try to answer.

Ash

[ash]

My favorite overnight anchorages at the south of the loch are shown in red.......



Ash

[ash]

Some more reading, though I haven't read it for a while, so can't remember how useful it may be.

My Summer Cruise 2002

Ash

[Booby Trapper]

Have you tried http://www.clydemarina.com £3.35 per m per week in the yard. As you are on your own trailer they may do you a deal for just 2 weeks

[Silkie]

Best lock your outboard securely though.

[Telo]

Best lock your outboard securely though.

I noticed that, Silkie. Harrumph!

[aquaplane]

Thanks for all that chaps, plenty reading and info there to get my juices going in anticipation!

Good point about the outboard, it fits nicely in the back of the car for trailing, I think I'll take it home.

I think the security is marginally better at Largs than Dumbarton too, it may be worth a few quid just to increase the chances of most of my kit still being aboard when I get back.

Looking at Boatlaunch.co.uk the Duncan Mills slip looks the business is that the Balloch one mentioned?

[ash]

Looking at Boatlaunch.co.uk the Duncan Mills slip looks the business is that the Balloch one mentioned?

Yes, sorry. By saying Balloch, I mean the Duncan Mills Memorial slip.

This is also the main office for the Rangers, so you can register there and get your numbers.

Big carpark for the vechicle and trailer.

Good pontoon for loading supplies and crew. You can't stay overnight on it. By arrangement with the rangers, you can leave the boat unattended on it for long enough to go the shops and back.

The nearest island to there is Inchmurrin, which has a hotel where you can eat / drink ( but check, it may not be open every day ) It has rough wooden jetties where you can spend the night if you've bought a meal.

Inchmurrin Hotel

Ash