BLUEMOMENT

CMAL have issued a Notice which mostly reiterates that the ferries are big and deep and it's a narrow channel but also says they should show 3 reds or a cylinder to make it clear.

And specially for Claymore, it asks masters of large vessels to stick to their speed limits. Clearly the Mighty Weapon has influence beyond the range of ordinary mortals!

Derek

I did write in and got a positive response, saying they would investigate as well as an apology

Allegedly....

Incidents between ferries and leisure vessels in Oban bay are increasing massively.

‘Incidents’ are when the ferry toots his horn.

This obviously has NOTHiNG at all to do with the overwhelming opposition to Cmal being given control of Oban Bay Harbour Authority...

Again, allegedly ...... conflict incidences have risen greatly since the transit marina opened, I assume from the increased number of boats crossing the bay.

Unaware of the background to Claymore's involvement, I can envisage someone being bullied by a speeding ferry. Not surprising, and it will be interesting to note if this latest edict brings about a change. We were on the pontoons in Kerrera the year Brittania visited - her last I believe. The Calmac ferry came into hrbour with such gusto that several yachts were damaged - fairleads and cleats ripped off. No recourse.

Claymore's incident was reported here.

There's little doubt that Calmac are keen to highlight the number of incidents but when pressed how many reports there have been to MCA or MAIB they go quite quiet.

That's not to deny that the North Channel in mid summer is a very busy place and there are some who (unlike Claymore, obv.) don't conduct themselves in a seamanlike manner all the time so the possibility exists of a serious incident.

Derek

Next they will want to extend "Oban Bay" to the area between Lismore light and Lady Isle.
As I was heading to Oban I was overtaken by Hebredean Isles, closely followed "Isle of Mull" or Coriusk approaching the gap and was edging North to leave a big gap between me and Lady Isle when the other one passed me close to Port, in the narrow bit.
Then Calnsman passed me on 'tother side.
I felt like they were picking on me, bastards.
There were no scenes of mild peril involved, but they kept shaking the wind out of my sails and I barely recovered between incidents.