The Classic Malts

Day 1

Introductions are made over an early lunch aboard the yacht before a trip back into Oban for registration, picking up our Classic Malts hats and fleeces and a trip around the distillery, finally returning to the boat for a cup of tea and to get ready for the evening entertainment. A great evening is organised at the Oban distillery - a splendid range of food and drink, mixed with entertainment and dancing. The end of the evening is heralded by the arrival of the pipe band who march you through the town and back to the pier. It's a jolly crowd that is ferried back to their yachts, by this time our crew are firm friends and looking forward to the rest of the cruise.

Here’s how your  “Classic Malts” Cruise might happen

(each week may be booked separately).

Day 2

After breakfast the boat is prepared for the parade of sails around Oban Bay. This involves positioning Aislig Bheag amongst the 100 yachts for 2 circuits around Oban bay before heading off towards Iona or the Sound of Mull and Tobermory. The destination will depend on the weather or crew's preference. If Iona is chosen then a couple of hours can be spent exploring the island and St Columba's cathedral before returning back to the yacht for a short sail to Tinker's Hole for the night, a lovely small and enclosed anchorage. If the Sound of Mull is chosen then the likely destination will be Tobermory or the enclosed Loch Drom na Buidhe where there may be a chance to join the some other yachts for a whisky tasting.

Days 3 - 5

If Iona was chosen the previous day then there is the opportunity to visit the fantastic basalt columns of the island of Staffa and Fingal's Cave made famous by Mendelsohns's Hebridean overture and then onwards through the Treshnish Islands to the Isle of Coll where there will be an opportunity to get ashore on this lovely island. Otherwise a cruise out of the Sound of Mull around Ardnarmurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain, to the beautiful Loch Moidart where an interesting navigational passage will see us anchored close to the ruin of Teairum castle. Onwards the likely destination will be the Island of Rum passing the islands of Muck and Eigg before sailing up the eastern shore of Rum with the backdrop of steep mountains. Anchorage will be in Loch Scresort where there will be an opportunity to explore ashore and Kinloch Castle. If the weather is good the night before ariving at the Talisker distillery will be in the enclosed and dramatic anchorage of Loch Scavaig nestling under the Black Cuillin mountain range. A chance for further exploration ashore; winding your way across the volcanic rock to Loch Coruisk. There may be an opportunity for another whisky tasting if other yachts are present.

Day 6

Heading up the west coast of Skye we enter Loch Harport and wind our way to Carbost and the Talisker Distillery where there will be an opportunity to tour the distillery before the evening Ceilidh. Another marvellous evening of food and dancing aided by the renowned Talisker whisky or if whisky is not your tipple then wine or beer is also available.

Days 7 - 8

After a lazy morning recovering from the previous night’s festivities a short sail to the lovely anchorage at the island of Canna is the order of the day. This is well worth exploring and there will probably be the usual get together for a whisky tasting. The following day will be a long sail back to Oban or close by where sadly those booked only on the first week will be departing.

Day 9 - 12

For those staying for the second week it will be a chance to meet and make new friends aboard Aislig Bheag as new crew members join. The cruising to the Lagavulin Distillery on Islay will include visits to the island of Jura, Gigha and, if there’s time, a sail up the Loch Sween to the beautiful village of Tayvallich. This part of the cruise can be flexible and we can always get to Islay earlier to explore this lovely island and it's distilleries.

Day 13

Moored at Port Ellen we will be whisked ashore for the final set of festivities at Lagavulin Distillery. The food and drink is excellent and by this time your navigation around the dance floor will match your improved sailing skills.

Days 14 - 15

It's time to retrace our course back to Oban, with a different overnight stop en route and a chance to witness the great tidal race and whirlpools at the Gulf of Corryvreckan. All too soon it will be back to Oban and sad farewells. With many memorable experiences, wildlife in abundance in the sea and air you will be left the firm resolve to join the cruise another year.

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