The Clyde

A perfect cruising area in miniature. On Glasgow's doorstep, yet unspoilt and relatively uncrowded. The long fiord-like arms of the sea reaching up into the hills of Argyll, the islands of Bute, Cumbrae and spectaular Arran and the long peninsula of Kintyre create a yachtsman's playground.

3.30 am - sunrise from Rothesay harbour after a night sail

Sail up the Kyles of Bute and anchor for lunch in the tranquility of Caladh Harbour. Cruise down the West Kyle and up Loch Fyne and maybe into Tarbert Loch Fyne, a challenging entrance when you are asked to pilot the boat in on your first visit which opens to reveal a perfectly sheltered natural harbour and attractive town.

South from the long seas lochs the Clyde opens out to encompass spec- tacular Arran, its peaks and ridges a highlands in miniature. Past Brodick, Lamlash Bay is a perfectly sheltered natural anchorage big enough for a fleet of warships, yet snug enough for a yacht tucked in behind Holy Isle with its Buddhist inhabitants, remote yet just a three hour sail to Ardrossan.