5 day Sailing Itinerary
139 Nautical Miles
This sample charter itinerary takes you round the Kyles of Bute to Portavadie, down south to the island of Sanda just off the Mull of Kintyre, Back up north to Lamlash Bay on Arran, then back up between the Cumbraes to Kip Marina. This voyage should however be untertaken on a strictly weather & tide permitting basis as waters around the likes of Sanda island can prove challenging even for large vessels if tides or weather are not taken into consideration and appropriately planned for.
Dinner at the fantastic Portavadie Marina
Spend the morning observing the beauty of the Kyles of Bute, revealed in incomparable views from the sea. For lunch, Clan Charters recommends the Black Bull bar in Rothsay, which does superb hot-plate steaks. Just watch out for the ferry, as the harbour is closed on approach! Alternatively push on for an early evening in the newly constructed marina of Portavadie. The restaraunt here really is superb - the views over the uplit marina topping off the spectacular service and food nicely.
Relax in the bay at Loch Ranza
Being one of the shorter legs on this itinerary, you should have plenty of time to enjoy a full breakfast before heading off for the beautiful Loch Ranza, one of our personal highlights of Arran. A very sheltered bay in all but the most northerly of winds, a short trip ashore is typically in order to take in the tranquility of the local culture here.
Explore the Kintyre peninsula
This longer leg takes you down the Western face of the Kintyre peninsula, some truly stunning sights are to be had as you pass Carradale beach then get a slight glimpse into Campbeltown. Sanda has changed ownership a number of times over the years, but still offers a superb little anchorage and great food onshore in the single bar/restaraunt. As stated previously, be sure you are confident with tide times around this area as the entire Mull of Kintyre has a fierce reputation for agitaded conditions. We can provide detailed personal knowledge of this area if required.
Nature watch at Ailsa Craig
As you head toward the Southern point of Arran, be sure to keep a sharp eye out for the unmistakable Ailsa Craig rock, famous for it's avid inhabitant bird-life. Whether you choose to spend your evening in either Brodick or Lamlash, you won't be dissapointed. Both offer floating moorings, some of which are only a stone's throw from the shore, so holding shouldn`t be a problem (vhf/phone contact details can be found in the almanac). The southern channel of the Holy Island provides some spectacular fishing opportunities if you feel like trying your luck, just be sure to keep an keen eye on the charts as designated fishery establishments are common and a sharp lookout for the submerged fishing bouys that are reglarly to be found in this waterway.
A Sail back home
The return leg offers the chance of crossing the main shipping lane passing Toward point to Port, or cutting inside little and greater Cumbrae to get a closer look at Millport to port, then Largs and Skelmorlie to starboard.
