West Highland Yachting Week

30th July to 6th August 2010

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Where Are We?

West Highland Yachting Week is one of those rare regattas that moves from centre to centre during the event. This creates enormous logistical difficulties for the organisers, but provides an ever-changing scene, both ashore and afloat, for competitors.

Those racing from the Clyde travel from Inverkip to Ardrishaig, and then through the Crinan Canal, exiting via the attractive sea lock at Crinan to the beautiful and unspoilt waters of the west coast. Competitors then make their way through the tide swept channel of the Dorus Mhor (the Great Door) and up to Craobh Marina.

A fleet coming from the south will gather at Gigha for a race to Craobh.

Another fleet will be racing to Craobh from Oban, down the Sound of Kerrera, through the Sound of Luing, and taking a sweep around the Isle of Shuna to finish off at Craobh Marina. Extensive facilities for yachts are available at Crinan, Ardfern and Craobh.

Then, with the whole fleet now gathered together, on Sunday all will race up to Oban, which will be the base until Wednesday morning. Here the fleet splits up in the evenings, with some berthing at the North Pier, while others take up moorings or anchoring off the Esplanade, off Oban Sailing Club, or at one of the local marinas - Oban Marina across the bay at Ardentrive, or Dunstaffnage Marina just north of Oban. Supermarkets, chandleries and plenty of other shops, together with a wide choice of hotels, pubs and restaurants are to be found in Oban.

Racing out of Oban for the next two days round the island of Lismore or in the Firth of Lorn, gives the challenge of narrow channels, many natural hazards, and close views of beautiful shorelines, and a return to harbour to sample the extensive range of social activities and venues.

The race on Wednesday up to Tobermory is always a challenge with fickle winds and tides, and where even local knowledge doesn't prevent yachts from "falling into holes" and having to watch others sailing by on the other side of the Sound. Then there is the rush to get into Tobermory Harbour to get a mooring, pontoon berth or the best spot to anchor - nearest to the hostelries! Tobermory, one of the most visually attractive harbours anywhere, always provides a great welcome for the fleet, and the view from the upper levels of the town across the bay, with the whole fleet at anchor, is a fine sight. Tobermory provides a small but excellent collection of shops, pubs and eating establishments, and can supply most needs.

After two nights in Tobermory, the fleet races back down the Sound of Mull, hoping for a good breeze to get them through the channel between Duart Point and Lismore before the change of tide necessitates a shortened course. Yachts then come back into Oban Bay for the final night's celebrations.

Racing out of Oban for the next two days round the island of Lismore or in the Firth of Lorn, gives the challenge of narrow channels, many natural hazards, and close views of beautiful shorelines, and a return to harbour to sample the extensive range of social activities and venues.

The week will see yachts passing some 80 miles of coastline, but no doubt actually covering many times that distance whilst racing. They will see great numbers of islands, mountains, lochs and castles, all providing a spectacular backdrop to the close and varied racing.