Positioning Cruise Plan - Firth of Clyde to Oban

The suggested cruise plan for the positioning cruise is as follows :

Join in our positioning cruise bringing "Aislig Bheag" from it's winter base in Rhu to it's summer base in Oban.

Participate in an exciting and enjoyable trip afloat, exploring Scotland's Firth of Clyde Shores, the challenging Mull of Kintyre and Islands in the Inner Hebrides while learning a range of sailing skills. Visit 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 have been providing sailing holidays in Scotland since 1993 and really know how to get everyone involved while maintaining a relaxed social atmosphere. The Skippers also prepare the meals but needs help with the washing up.

Arrive Thursday evening at Rhu Marina. During the first evening you meet the Skipper and get to know your sailing colleagues. Then it's time for a safety briefing followed by a demonstration of the yacht's equipment and, if possible, a short practice sail in sheltered waters where the Skipper will show you how to steer the yacht and handle the sails. A home cooked evening meal can be taken before, after (or instead of!) the evening sail. Thursday night will probably be spent at Rhu Marina.

In the morning, with a fair wind, we will set sail on the Firth of Clyde. The crew's progress in learning how to handle the yacht, and the wind direction, will decide on Saturday evening's destination. This also applies to whether we stop for lunch or eat while sailing. Our second night will be spent in a sheltered anchorage or mooring in a place to catch the tide around the Mull of Kintyre the following day. Islands and anchorages we may visit are Sanda, Islay, Gigha, Jura making our passage up the west coast of Kintyre, the Sound of Jura, the Sound of Luing before arriving at Oban, where by mid afternoon the yacht will be berthed at it's summer base where 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.

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. It is only 2 miles from Rhu Marina to Helensburgh train station where there is a half hourly train service to Glasgow Queen Street.