The Classic Malts Cruise is for many the 'must do' event in Scotland's sailing year, bringing together around 100 yachts from all over the world united by a passion for sailing, scenery and single malt whisky.

The crews embark on a voyage through the Inner Hebrides, choosing their own route from Oban to Islay. Hospitality offered by the coastal Classic Malts distillery of Lagavulin provides the social focus for a relaxed week 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 distillery, for a superb banquet, music, dancing and, of course, for a chance to meet those whose lives are spent making Scotland's finest whisky. Don't worry if whisky is not your favourite tipple, wine, beer and soft drinks are all provided free of charge.

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. The sheltered sites of the distillery 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 joining the yacht in Oban, we will have a short sail to the island of Seil for an overnight stop in Pulldobhrain (translates to pool of the otter), the following day, with a fair wind and a decent weather forecast we will set sail for Colonsay arriving eventually in Islay on the Wednesday. If the weather is not so gentle we will stay in sheltered waters visiting the islands of Jura and Gigha before arriving in Islay. Thursday can be spent exploring Port Ellen and Islay, or a guided tour of the distillery before returning to the yacht late afternoon to prepare for the festivities. We will be picked up by water taxi and transferred to the pier where a bus awaits to transport us to the Lagavulin Distillery for the festivities, a superb banquet and ceilidh with the opportunity to share experiences with the other crews.

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 Saturday 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.

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.