Classic Malts Cruise Details 2009

The Classic Malts Cruise is for many the 'must do' event in Scotland's sailing year, bringing together yachts from all over the world united by a passion for sailing, scenery and single malt whisky.

The crews embark on a 200-mile voyage through the Inner Hebrides, choosing their own route from Oban to Skye, and back south to Islay. Hospitality offered by the coastal Classic Malts distilleries of Oban, Talisker and Lagavulin provides the social focus for a relaxed fortnight of cruising. The simple formula has proved to be very successful: tremendous sailing and great fun! All crews are welcomed ashore as guests of the distilleries, for barbeques, music, dancing and, of course, for a chance to meet those whose lives are spent making Scotland's finest whisky.

The natural environment in which it is produced heavily influences the highly individual character of a single malt whisky. The cruise is a fascinating journey, a chance to explore both the West Coast and the subtleties of Scotland's finest whisky; to match island with malt, from peat-rich Islay to the rugged Isle of Skye. The sheltered sites of the distilleries were well chosen for sea transport, and today they remain a welcoming haven for sailors.

Participate in this enjoyable cruise with Cruise Ecosse aboard "Aislig Bheag", visiting islands, secluded anchorages and view wild life in its natural environment while making passage in a luxurious ocean going sailing yacht. The Skippers are professional seafarers and fully qualified RYA Offshore Yachtmasters. Cruise Ecosse Ltd have been providing sailing holidays in Scotland since 1993 and really know how to get everyone involved while maintaining a relaxed social atmosphere. The Skipper also prepares the meals but needs help with the washing up. Your experience will dictate the skipper's role aboard the yacht. He may only be there to resolve technical problems and provide local pilotage. However, the skipper will take a more involved role if the crew is less experienced or just want a relaxed hassle free cruise.

After the festivities in Oban, and the grand send off, with a fair wind, we will set sail for the Sound of Mull. The crew's progress in learning how to handle the yacht, and the wind direction, will decide Sunday evening's destination although we may end up enjoying Tobermory's nightlife. This also applies to whether we stop for lunch or eat while sailing.

After leaving the sheltered waters of the Sound of Mull we should round Ardnamurchan Point (the most westerly point on the British mainland) and head for the Small Isles. Within this group of islands a visit to Rhum and Canna is recommended. Another place well worth a visit is Loch Moidart, located at the east end of the sound of Arisaig, either via the north or south entrance. Another wonderful place is Loch Scavaig nestling at the foot of the 4000( plus Cuillin mountains at the South end of Skye. Turner, the artist, has captured the sole of the place on canvas. This anchorage allows easy access by foot to the fresh water Loch Coriusk a few metres above sea level. It may not possible to visit all the places that I have already mentioned, but the weather and state of the tide will help us decide.

Providing the festivities at Talisker distillery haven taken their toll and a responsive crew we could grasp the opportunity to head for the Outer Hebrides and a group of islands, mainly Vatersay, Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Berneray just south of Barra. If the weather is kind and the swell subdued we might be able to anchor in this area. The island of Eriskay, of "Whisky Galore" fame lies in the Sound of Barra. A visit to the pub on this island, and the press cuttings there, opens up a whole load of questions and intrigue regarding Mrs Simpson and our abdicated King Edward. What exactly was the link between the royal family and the "SS Politician? Why was unmanifested Jamaican cash stowed amongst the large cargo of whisky that was bound for the Americas? What happened to the cargo? Rumour has it that the natives know the answer to the last question. On our way to Islay we should try and visit the islands of Coll, Lunga, Staffa (where the basalt columns and Fingals cave inspired Mendelssohn to compose the Hebrides Overture), Iona (where St Columba first landed in Scotland) and do some rock hopping into Tinker's Hole or Rubh Ardlanish on the Ross of Mull. Time, weather and the tides will determine where we go and when.

However, if there is a crew change required at the end of the first week, a passage to Oban will be undertaken with possible stopovers at Loch Moidart or Loch Sunart and Loch Aline.

After the festivities at Lagavulin distillery on Islay we set sail on our return journey via the Sound of Jura, Crinan, the infamous whirlpool at the Gulf of Corryvreckan and the Sound of Luing.

All too soon it will be Saturday morning and passage will be made back to Oban. By early Sunday afternoon the yacht will be back at it's base in Oban where after a quick lunch it's all hands on deck to wash and tidy the yacht before disembarking.

The price includes tuition, the use of all safety equipment, meals and snacks. If you have a favourite nibble or tipple you are welcome to bring it along. You will have to bring waterproofs (some help can be given with those), warm clothes, a hat, sleeping bag, soft soled non-slip shoes and wellington boots.

Cars may be parked free of charge at Oban. Scotrail run 3 trains a day between Glasgow Queen Street station and Oban. Citylink run 3 express coaches a day between Glasgow and Oban and once a day between Edinburgh and Oban.