Festive Opening Hours

We would like to thank all our customers for their business during 2017 and wish you all the best for 2018. We are open through the festive fortnight details below.

Opening Hours December 24th - January 3rd

Whats on the Christmas cards this year?

Craignish Primary School Pupils Design The 2017 Christmas Cards.

For this years Christmas cards we returned to Craignish Primary School in the village and ran a small competition for pupils to design this years Ardfern Yacht Centre Christmas cards. As always the standard of entries was extremely hard and the judges struggled to decide on the winning three designs.

We would like to thank all the pupils of Craignish Primary for their efforts.

First Place - Roise Day, aged 11

Second Place - Lily Walsh, aged 10

Third Place - Beth Gregory, aged 9

It's Time For Scotland's Boatshow

With the 2017 The Yacht Market.com Southampton Boat Show now a faint memory Scotland's Boat Show gets underway this Friday at Kip Marina. The weekend promises to be action packed with lots to see and captivate the imagination of those not interested in boats. Some highlights from the schedule for this years event include the Pelle-P fashion show, the infamous Lewmar Grinding Rig Challenge and Nick Nairn's live cookery demonstrations. No boat show however is complete without BOATS.... and around the Clyde from Troon  to Greenock there will be boats galore to see both new and used. 

If the bustle of the boat shows doesn't appeal or you have walked the crowed pontoons and failed to find that boat that's just right for you don't forget to look at what's for sale away from the Clyde with independent brokers such as ourselves. After a frantic summer which saw unprecedented levels of sales activity for our brokerage service our resident ABYA broker and General Manager Mark Cameron has been busy working with vendors around the west coast bring some fantastic new listings onto the market. We have picked a few highlights below, find the full current list on our dedicated Brokerage Page on the website.

Grand Banks 46 - 'Rega of Ardfern'

 Grand Banks motor yachts are found in all corners of the world. The unmistakable silhouette having gained a loyal following of owners and admirers who appreciate the fine craftsmanship and top quality materials used to create these excellent cruisers. 

Commissioned by a serial Grand Banks owner REGA was built with no expense spared and the focus on creating a comfortable coastal cruiser capable of looking after her crew no matter the conditions. Loaded with unique features including long range fuel tanks, Trac stabilsier system, hydraulic bow thruster, electro/hydraulic tender crane; she is a magnificent example of the class and a boat not to be missed. Lying here at Ardfern, afloat and in commission.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 - 'Eureka IV'

A striking modern cruising yacht the Marc Lombard designed hull with its distinct chine aft,wide stern, sleek sheerline, narrow heavily tinted portlights and plumb bow leaves the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 standing out from the crowd. Winner of the Cruising World 2012 'Cruising Yacht of the Year' Award the Jeanneau Sun Odyessy 379 has proved to be a very capable and popular cruising yacht. Widely regarded as a better sailing boat than her big sisters the SO379 is easily sailed short handed and capable of making quick, comfortable offshore passages.

EUREKA IV is a rare single owner, two cabin version of the class benefiting from a huge heads compartment and extra on deck storage. Upgraded from the standard specification to suit the owners requirements she has an extensive inventory including additional freshwater tankage, full cockpit tent and the single deep spade rudder. Lying afloat and in commission in Tarbert, Argyll we highly recommend early viewing to avoid disappointment.

Nauticat 331 - 'Ailona'

Presented in sail away condition AILONA is a rarely found in the UK live aboard example of the popular Nauticat 331 motorsailer. Based on the old Nauticat 33 the design of the 331 has been changed very little during the last 45 years of production. Some tweaks below the waterline have improved boat handling and sailing performance for the better while below decks the finish has been refined to an exceptional standard as you would expect from a premium Scandinavian boat builder. Accommodation is provided below decks for a total of 4 crew in comfort with a single large heads forward and the elevated wheelhouse providing panoramic views from the saloon table. Benefiting from over £20k of upgrades and re-fitting since 2015 the boat really is ready to sail, offered with a full inventory. Lying afloat and incommission on the pontoons here at Ardfern.

Moody 38CC - 'Trinity of Rhu'

The Bill Dixon designed centre cockpit Moody's of the mid 1990's are highly regarded by cruising yachtsmen around the globe. Offering good performance under sail with a safe comfortable deck layout and spacious practical accommodation below decks its not hard to understand why. The Moody 38CC offers the cruising sailor a great platform to get afloat and explore the coasts of the UK or oceans of the World! 

TRINITY OF RHU is a well presented example of the class having been well looked after throughout her life and continually upgraded. Ideally suited to family cruising with 7 berths over 3 cabins, twin heads and a spacious saloon. Recent upgrades include Raymarine ST70 instruments, upgrading of the fuel system and replacement of the stern gear. Currently lying on the Crinan Canal afloat and in commission ready to sail away. Keep your eye on the website if your a Moody fan we have a very nice example of the smaller Moody 35CC coming soon.

Morgan Giles 35 - 'Tilly III'

Some boats just make you smile when you row ashore in the dinghy, TILLY III definitely falls into this category. Designed and built by Morgan Giles in Teignmouth TILLY III was the result of a commission from the then Lord Devonport for a capable offshore racing yacht a role which she proved more than capable of fulfilling. Using then state of the art design and construction principles she was something of benchmark design in the 1950's and although a one-off design many of the elements found there way into subsequent designs. With only her third owners since being built TILLY III was found by the current owners following an extended lay-up and in need of some TLC. Having the skill (being a time served boat builder) the current owner embarked upon a four year hull up restoration of the boat which saw her stripped back to a bare hull and deck structure before being completely rebuilt. Since being relaunched she has completed more than 8000 miles of cruising exploring waters from La Rochelle to the Pentland Firth!

With the asking price just reduced by £10,000 TILLY III is an excellent opportunity to acquire a lovely classic yacht, recently restored to the highest standards and ready to sail away. Call the office to arrange a viewing of the boat in Oban.

Dehler 32 - 'Dealanach'

Dehler have an established history of producing visually appealing, slippery hulled performance cruiser which are also popular with club racers. With its impressive design pedigree, coming from the board of Judel/Vorlijk & company, the Dehler 32 has gained a reputation as a rewarding boat to sail, delivering good performance at all points of sail while being well mannered enough for those looking for a quick short handed cruiser. If your looking for performance cruiser which is also a practical cruising yacht without the complications of twin rudders, carbon spars and unattractively wide sterns look no further.

DEALANACH (gaelic for lightning) still with her original owners is a nicely presented one owner example of this 6 berth, two cabin design. Specified from new with the 'Cruiser Pack' from the builder she benefits from Eberspacher diesel heating, 60ltr fridge, holding tank, electric anchor windlass and full Garmin instrument pack including autopilot. Cruised predominately with just two aboard she has proved to be a great fun cruiser capable of making quick passages without tiring her crew. Due to come ashore for winter storage before the end of the month the boats currently lying afloat and in commission in Lochaber.

Full details of all our current brokerage listings can be found on our dedicated Brokerage Page on the website.

A Season of International Sales for the Ardfern Brokerage

Fulmar under Swedish flag ready to depart for Sweden

Fulmar heads back to Sweden

To finish a busy year for our brokerage service yesterday saw the immaculate Hallberg-Rassy 37 'Fulmar' depart Ardfern heading back to Sweden with her new owners. Listed for sale following an extended period of lay-up the boat was launched from her long term home at Creran Marine and brought to Ardfern while our workshops worked through a short post-survey snagging list getting her ready for a North Sea crossing later next week.

'Our brokerage business has seen a prolonged period of steady growth for the last 4 years. Vendors based on the west coast of Scotland are now aware that with the developments in online advertising and engaging a pro-active broker it no longer requires the boat to be located on the Clyde as was previously the case to achieve a quick sale. As independent brokers we have been working to establish a network of connections in other independent brokerages around Europe to ensure we can offer the best possible service for clients not only selling their own boats but also those looking for their next boat.

'Fulmar' is a great example of the benefits collaborative approach. This is the second boat this year which we have sold to Swedish buyers through our established connection Tobias and his team at Navark Yacht Brokers in Helsingborg. We achieved a quick sale at the very top end of the price range for the model and were able to use our full service facilities to accommodate the installation of new equipment prior to the boats departure.

The continued weakness of the pound against other currencies will see us continue to look to buyers based overseas to achieve the best possible sales value for our clients' 

commented Ardfern General Manager and resident ABYA Broker Mark Cameron. 

Thinking of buyer or selling a boat this autumn?

As Boat Show season gets underway with Yachting Festival De Cannes over and The Yacht Market Southampton Boatshow now in full swing we are looking forward to Scotland's Boatshow and the traditionally busy autumn brokerage period. If your thinking about buying or selling your boat this winter find out how we can assist in the Brokerage section of the website

ARDFERN YACHT CENTRE NEEDS YOUR VOTES

WE HAVE BEEN NOMINATED BY OUR CUSTOMERS AND NEED YOUR VOTES!

We are delighted to have just received confirmation that our customers have nominated us for this years Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards in the Best Marina Category. Voting in this years awards closes at midnight on Friday August 25th please take two minutes to cast your vote and help us reach the finals in October.

VOTE NOW

The Pirates Are Coming

Its the time of year when all the Craignish Pirates muster for the annual parade through the village. A great sight to behold. This year the parade runs in conjunction with a Sunday Market in the Craignish Village Hall with lots of goodies from local suppliers inluding our very own Bea and her tasty baking stall.......

Come Along And Get Involved

WE ARE RECRUITING

Sadly after more than a decade with the company Bea is leaving the team in October. 

Bea will be known to all visitors to Ardfern and will be missed by all staff and customers of Ardfern Yacht Centre. We are now recruiting for her replacement and she will be a hard act to follow we are sure you will agree. If you are interested in finding out more about the position please see the Job Vacancies pack on our website.


Application packs can be obtained by emailing Mark. mark@ardfernyacht.co.uk

A Hot Day In Hamble For Mark

Mark made a flying visit to a very hot and humid Hamble earlier this week to attend the ABYA Senior Brokers Training Day at The Royal Southern Yacht Club.

Blue skies from the Royal Southern Yacht Club sun deck

ABYA brokers travelled from all over Europe to attend the annual training day which provides a valuable oppurtunity for members to network and update their knowledge with the latest changes in technology, law and best practice. After welcoming delegates ABYA Chairman John Rodriguez and YBDSA CEO Jane Gentry introduced a range of speakers covering a broad range of topics.

Martin Pittilo (YDSA Chairman) - Maple Marine

Tips For Brokers In Identifying Condition Issues
A run through on how ABYA Brokers can assist clients by spotting common condition issues at the start of the sales process, avoiding unwelcome surprises at the time of survey.

Robin Clifford - CLA Consulting

Cyber Securtiy
Specialising in cyber security for high net worth individuals and super yachts delegates were given a scary insight into just how vulnerable individuals are to the ever increasing threat of cyber crime. From security compromised mobile phones and coffee machines....... to military grade encrypted email solutions.

Russel Kelly & Lucy Goff - LA Marine

Consumer Legislation
An update on the recent changes to Consumer Legislation which affects all retail businesses with the new rights to returns goods and cancel contracts at the forefront of discussions.

Jane Gentry - YBDSA

Bills of Sale
Excercise lead discussion to refresh delegates knowledge of how to process Bills of Sale in difficult and challenging circumstances with all delegates demonstrating the depth of knowledge clients can expect from an ABYA Broker.

Boats everywhere on the river Hamble

Full Members of ABYA have to comply with the associations continual professional development program, attending events like this on a regular basis to keep their knowledge up to date, offering clients a professional service.

Count Down to Round Mull Race 2017

Running this year over the weekend 7th - 9th July Oban Sailing Clubs Round Mull Race is always a popular event with competitors. 

Round Mull Race Fleet Under Spinnaker

The event attracts all types of sailors annually and offers something for everyone with various different classes included a two-handed class. Circumnavigating the island of Mull to port the fleet departs Oban on the Friday morning with overnight stops in Tobermory and Bunessan with the world famous Mull hospitality in full flow. 

Enter Today

If your looking for different weekends sailing in some of the finest waters Scotland has to offer why not enter this years event. Visit the Oban Sailing Club Website for full details and entry forms.

'Cayambe' Finds A New Home in Belgium

Its been a busy start to 2017 in our Brokerage with lots of high quality cruising yachts finding new homes around the globe.

With favourable exchange rates against the pound we have been working with an international clientele during the later part of 2016 and early part of 2017 as Euro and Dollar based buyers swoop in to grab some great boats at very favourable prices. During the last 6 months we have found new homes for Najad's, Finngulf's and most recently the Rustler 36 'Cayambe' in Europe and the Americas.

A shakedown cruise to Belgium

'Fair Isle' (Ex 'Cayambe') Under full sail in Loch Linnhe heading for the Caledonian Canal

After just 6 weeks over the festive period listed on our Brokerage and interest from several different parties we concluded the sale of the Rustler 36 'Cayambe' to Mr. Willaert from Belgium. During the spring our workshops worked through Mr. Willaerts list of required works, upgrading some of the onboard electronics and undertaking works on the engine and sterngear to make her ready for her North Sea shakedown. Having now completed the delivery trip Mr. Willaert provided a summary of his experiences buying a boat through the Ardfern Yacht Centre Brokerage service.

'We sailed off from Ardfern with fair weather and took all the daunting (so I had read in many a pilot books) obstacles without problems. We thought to spin around in the Dorus Mor, to shipwreck in a sucking Corryvreckan and to be smashed in pieces in the Fladda Narrows. Although I respect highly this tough waters I was greatful we could pass through with peace. The other day the very sympathetic Scottish weathergods gave us a good westerly breeze to sail from Oban up Loch Linnhe to Corpach where we had immediate acces to the Caledonian Canal. On our approach to Fort William we encountered only one sailboat, another Rustler 36 from Ardfern, Pickle.
The passage of the Caledonian Canal was a true delight. All alone in the middle of this impressive landscape. A unique experience for the nature lovers we are. Chased by energetic weather forecasts at the east coast we flew over the Lochs to Inverness to get asap on the track south before the april gales could catch us. It was with a mixture of astonishment and sadness we saw the beautiful coastline passing by.
We crossed the Firth of Forth with forty knots northwesterly winds on a sturdy eight ton long keeler with speeds up to ten knots. (three reefs and a staysail) I never expected a Rustler 36 to surf.
We made one overnight stop in Hartlepool to stretch the legs. (the pub was a three minute walk) After nine adventurous days of true maritime delight we saw the concrete Belgian coastline appear at the horizon.
I wish to thank all the people at Ardfern Yacht Centre who prepared 'Fair Isle' (former SY Cayambe) in a way I could cross oceans with her.
I don't know all of them by name but I'm convinced they all execute their job with passion. Special thanks to the engine strippers, the riggers, Andy, the electronic magician and of course to Mr. Cameron with whom it's a pleasure to do business.
If I would ever plan to buy another boat... my love says it won't happen...
it would be somewhere in Loch Craignish.'

Paul Willaert and crew making their way through the Caledonian Canal

While its always sad to see a boat like 'Cayambe'; been based in Ardfern since she was launched, leave Scottish waters we are sure she is in good hands in her new cruising grounds under her new name 'Fair Isle'. Hopefully Mr. Willaert enjoys fair winds for his first season. 

Buyers Waiting

We have a list of buyers looking for well presented cruising boats. If your thinking about changing you boat why not give Mark a call and discuss your requirements, see the latest listings on our new Brokerage Webpage.

Iconic Sailing Events in May

With the Scottish sailing season now in full swing May sees two iconic Scottish sailing events taking place with the Scottish Islands Peaks Race and The Silvers Marine Scottish Series.

Scottish Islands Peak Race - Oban start line.

Scottish Islands Peaks Race

A brutal start to the competitive sailing season on Scotland's West coast the SIPR appeals to a special breed of skipper and crew looking to push themselves to the limits of endurance. Starting in Oban this year on Friday 19th May the event sees crew and runners battle their way around the coast line of Argyll scaling the summits of Ben More on the Isle of Mull, all 3 peaks of the Paps of Jura and finally Goatfell on the Isle of Arran before a dash to the finish line in Troon. 

We are big fans of this event which has braced modern technology allowing you to track teams in real time as they battle the weather at sea and on the mountains over the weekend. Find out more on the event website or follow our live commentary on Facebook for a lighter take on events!

Silvers Marine Scottish Series - IRC Start line

 Silvers Marine Scottish Series 

Scotland's premier regatta Clyde Cruising Clubs Scottish Series has crews from all over the UK making the annual Pilgrimage to Tarbert and the testing waters of Loch Fyne. Building on a successful 2016 event a there have been a number of changes to the event format for this year all aimed at increasing numbers on the start line. 

The IRC classes will be taking part in the Scottish IRC Championships which for the first time are embedded in the event. The all new RC35 class, an iniative born out of a desire to improve racing in IRC class 2 makes it debut and should ensure for some close racing. White sail classes continue to grow in popularity and offer the cruising sailor a chance to enjoy the great atmosphere of the event.

 

Highlights from the 2016 Scottish Series

 Just two of the events making the best of Scotland's legendary sailing waters in 2017

Lobster Pots and Small Craft Safety

A Petition has been launched calling on the UK Government to review the guidance on how static fishing gear is marked around the UK coastline.

RNLI Pot Buoy Rescue
Photo courtesy of Practical Boat Owner Magazine

Sponsored by the Cruising Association the petition calls on DEFRA to improve the way in which all static fishing gear is marked for the safety of all small craft. Currently the guidance in place is voluntary and viewed to be inadequate with the number of times the RNLI and Coastguard are called out to small craft with fouled sterngear highlighting the scale of the problem.

To sign the petition click here to be directed to the UK Government website.

New Brokerage Website Goes Live

After 3 years of steady growth for our on-site Yacht Brokerage Service we are pleased to announce our new Brokerage Page is now live. 

All new Brokerage Home Page

Working with our own web developers and the UK based online boat sales portal TheYachtMarket.co.uk the brand new page is packed with custom features suited to the needs of those perusing online adverts for the boat of their dreams. In the last 12 months the number of visitors to the brokerage page within our website neared 20,000 and illustrated the value of this shop window for our brokerage service. 'The new page brings our own website up to date displaying the listing details in a crisp clear format and creates a platform around which we can expand our partnership activity with other brokerages' commented Mark Cameron, General Manager and in-house ABYA Yacht Broker.

Detailed boat page

New Functionality

The new page displays all current listings in an easily readable format allowing users to quickly scroll through listings before opening up selected listings to see full details of the boat. Information is displayed clearly in a format which shows off key features while retaining high levels of detail buyers find useful when viewing a boat from afar. From the webpage full details of each listing can be printed or even shared to your selected social media platforms to show friends.

New Listings Sought

Activity across the Brokerage has been strong since the end of last season with many well presented high value blue water cruising boats finding new owners after only a few months on the market. In the last 12 months we have worked with buyers from Northern Europe, USA and Canada to successfully sell and export boats ranging from 33' to 46'. We have some interesting new listings coming onto the books in the next few weeks however with active buyers on our books looking for good quality cruising yachts we are always keen to discuss new listings.

Scotland's Marine Tourism Conference Goes Digital

Delegates learn about making the most of digital for their marine tourism business.

Sail Scotland Chairman Gavin McDonagh opens the day.

As the national marine tourism event on the program of Scottish Tourism Week the Sail Scotland Marine Tourism Conference; held in Greenock on March 23rd firmly put Scotland's booming Marine Tourism sector on the digital map. Themed around the benefits of digital engagement for businesses of all sizes delegates heard from a wide range of world class speakers on everything from tips and tricks to save you time online, making websites shine across the Google platform and why you should make time to write a blog!

Speakers for the day included

Stuart McMillan MSP - As Convener of the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism delivered the opening address to delegates.  

Marc Crothall - CEO of Scottish Tourism Alliance and Chair of the Scottish Marine Tourism Development Group outlined the importance of the tourism economy to Scotland and shared some of the new technologies being used to market different businesses including Virtual Reality tours

Stephen Whitelaw - Digital Tourism Scotland delivered a very engaging presentation on the future of the web. During the afternoon session Stephen also lead one of the workshops providing an insight into the importance of Search Engine Optimisation.

Mark Johnstone - Google Digital Garage highlighted the services provided by the Digital Garage service and the importance of telling your story online.

Thea Newcombe - Delivered the second of the afternoon workshops 'Blogging for Business' providing an insight into the importance of blogging and tips on how to make sure time is used effectively.

Conrad Colman - Vendee Globe Skipper.

Conrad Colman tells his tale of the 2016/17 Vendee Globe

Arguably the speaker who stole the show however was the 'Crazy Kiwi' Conrad Colman, just freshly back from an epic Vendee Globe campaign. At just 33 years old Conrad Colman only crossed the finish line of his first Vendee Globe at the end of February in a very respectable 16th place. His race wasn't your standard ocean race and he kept delegates enthralled with his tales of finding himself overboard while racing solo, battling an onboard fire, loosing a mast, making a jury rig and completing the race under his lashed together rig while surviving on the ration packs from his liferaft.

Delegates left the conference thanking Daniel Steel of Sail Scotland for a great conference which provided valuable insights for all on how to maximise the benefits of digital this coming season. With 2020 recently announced as Scotland's Year of Coast & Water's there is a lot to look forward to.

Marc Crothall announces 2020 Year of Scotland's Coast & Waters

Round Mull Race 2017 - Open For Entries

RMR16 - Class 1 Fleet Leaving Oban Bay

Entries are now invited for this years Oban Sailing Club Round Mull Race. This long established event is one of the highlights of the sailing calendar on the west coast with the perfect mix of great sailing, stunning scenery and a fantastic social program. The 2017 event runs over the weekend of Friday July 7th - Sunday July 9th, visit the Oban Sailing Club website or down load the Race Instructions for more details.

As one of the events making up the Skye Sailing Clubs newly established, season long West Highland Offshore Series you automatically enter this unique event with great prizes including our very own 'Esprit de Parcour' trophy.

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR 2017



Tales of the Corryvreckan
(www.craignish.org.uk)



As a new year has begun and thoughts will be turning to the cruising itinerary for 2017, we thought it would be a good time to share just a wee glimpse of the events on offer to those enjoying the waters of Scotland's West Coast in 2017.  

The Mendelssohn on Mull Concert
(www.crowdfunder.co.uk/The-Mendelssohn-on-Mull-Music-Festival)

Mull Music Festival

Start: Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd April

The Mull Music Festival is a weekend of Scottish music featuring folk-rock bands, traditional fiddle & accordion dance and ceilidh bands, and Gaelic singers. It takes place largely in Mull's public houses spread around the island, plenty of variety is offered within Tobermory which has excellent facilities for those arriving by sea.  The events aren't ticketed, and most are very crowded!
FIND OUT MORE

Piping the runners ashore.
(www.facebook.com/sipeaksrace/photos/)

Scottish Islands Peak Race

Start: Friday 19th May (Finish entirely down to weather and crew!)

This adventure race is for teams of Sailors and Fell Runners (both adult and teenage) and is held annually on and around the most beautiful parts of the West Coast of Bonny Scotland.

The Race starts in Oban with a short hill run, then a sail to Salen on Mull, run over Ben More, sail to Craighouse on Jura, run the Paps, sail to Arran, run Goat Fell, then sail to Troon. The Race takes 3 to 4 Days and caters for Multihulls, Racers and Cruisers.

Each team consists of 5 (usually 2 runners and 3 sailors), there is also an all-rounders class for sailors that can run and a class for young people (with the assistance of a few adults).

FIND OUT MORE



Scottish Series 2016 Winners: Dara O'Malley and Seaward from
Port Edgar Yacht Club. (www.clyde.org/scottish-series)



Scottish Series

Start: Friday 26th – Monday 29th May

Ever thought of taking part in Scotland’s biggest regatta?

It’s not all about the race boats with the black sails and experienced race crews. Many people take part just for craic of it. The event in Tarbert Loch Fyne is open to all and for some can just be a great weekend away with you friends relaxing with passage sailing in between the parties. Come and see what you are missing!

FIND OUT MORE

FyneFest Festival

Start: Friday 2nd  - Sunday 4th June

Over the past few years Fynefest's reputation as one of the most popular beer festivals in Scotland has been spreading far and wide. From small beginnings in the brewery courtyard to a big marquee in one field, camping in another the festival has just got bigger & better. Filled with quality craft beer, locally sourced food and excellent music in beautiful Argyll. All this to enjoy at your leisure over the full weekend based around the Fyne Ales Brewery at the head of Loch Fyne, next to Loch Fyne Oysters.
FIND OUT MORE

Round Mull Race 2016



Round Mull Race 

Start: Friday 7th - Sunday 9th July

We are proud to support this event as joint headline sponsors with Owen Sails of Benderloch. The Round Mull Race has acquired a loyal following over the last 25 years with many of the boats making up the fleet of approximately 50 boats having made the annual pilgrimage round the island of Mull many times. Every year the event stalwarts are joined by boats and crews from all over the UK who have come to experience this unique event; offering great sailing in some of the west coasts most picturesque waters around the coast of Mull.

The event see the fleet enjoying the hospitality of Oban Sailing Club on the Thursday evening with the opening buffet. Racing commences on the Friday morning with start line being positioned off Oban Sailing club, the fleet races from Oban to Tobermory on Mull via the Sound of Mull. Saturday see the fleet start at the entrance to Tobermory Bay before heading westward to the open waters of Mulls west coast before heading South for the finish line at Bunessan. Spending the night at anchor the local community offer a buffet and ceilidh on the Saturday evening in the village hall, a short walk along the road from the pier. The final leg of the race on the Sunday takes the fleet west again through the Sound of Iona before heading east along the south coast of Mull and toward the finish at Frank Lockwoods Island.

Described previously as competitive cruising rather than racing the event offers something for everyone with a white sail class and two handed class. 

FIND OUT MORE

Sun, Sand & Sea at the Tiree Music Festival
(www.facebook.com/TireeMusicFestival)

Tiree Music Festival  

Start: Friday 14th - Sunday 16th July

Think picture-perfect white sands. World-famous surf. Deserted roads lined with lush greenery and wild flowers. Not forgetting more sunshine than practically anywhere else in the UK. It’s little wonder that the tiny Hebridean island of Tiree is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of the North’.
This is the unique location of Tiree Music Festival, or TMF as it is known by many who have been part of the incredible journey of this small event….
For years, Tiree local and musician with the band Skerryvore Daniel Gillespie found himself performing at festivals around the world thinking how great it would be to have a similar event back home. Until one day, he and fellow Tiree local Stewart MacLennan decided to create exactly that.Their early vision was one of a music festival capable of sharing the magic and beauty of Tiree with visitors from far and wide, and in doing so delivering a welcome boost to the economy and community of this remote island. 

Since its formation TMF has also gone on to win 9 national awards including Best Small Event at the Scottish Event Awards (2012, 2013 & 2016), Best Cultural Event at both the Highland & Island Tourism Awards (2013 & 2015) & Scottish Thistle Awards (2013). Event of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards (2013) and also thenits first UK award by being crowned the Best Small Event at the UK Event Awards in 2014. Evidence, if ever it was needed, that small can indeed be beautiful!

So whether you’re joining us from the mainland, are island hopping from somewhere nearby or are local to Tiree, we look forward to welcoming you to TMF and the ‘Hawaii of the North’

FIND OUT MORE

WHYW Fleet running under spinnakers
(www.whyw.co.uk)

West Highland Week

Start: Saturday 29th July - Friday 4th August

The historic and unique sailing regatta is now in its 70th anniversary year. It has evolved into the West Coast's biggest sailing event taking in 3 venues, Craobh, Oban and Tobermory. 1000+ competitors from around the world enjoy national and local media coverage. The event has evolved a distinctive blend of competitive racing combined with a varied and full programme of family social events.
FIND OUT MORE

Winners in the 2015 Round Shuna Race collect their trophies
(Picture - Tom Allen)

Round Shuna Race & Feeder Races

Dates to be announced 

Run by the Clyde Corithian Yacht Club the Shuna race weekend is a fun filled weekend after the Scottish Schools return from the summer break. The weekend starts with feeder races from Oban and Ardfern to Craobh where boats muster for the next days round Shuna race. Unusual in its format the race around Shuna is a pursuit race with a prolonged start sequence seeing the slowest boat setting off first and the fastest last; to add to the fun its entirely the skipper's (or perhaps willful crew) decision which way round the island is circumnavigated.

Keep an eye on the blog for further updates

Craignish Arts Festival - People sculptures by Claire McNiven
(www.craignish.info)

Craignish Arts Festival

Dates to be announced (normally mid August)

Primarily a visual arts festival in the West Highland community of Craignish, Ardfern, the festival also encompasses a variety of live music nights at our local pub The Galley of Lorne Inn and The Lords of the Isles in Craobh Haven, storytelling sessions, markets, sporting competitions, guided walks and family events, in particular a range of arts workshops and the incredibly popular Pirate Parade.



The Time Frequency at Mull of Kintyre Music Festival 2016
(http://www.mokfest.com)

Mull of Kintyre Music Festival

Start: Wednesday 17th - Sunday 21rd August

Enjoy the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music and this popular annual music festival held in the scenic area immortalised in Paul McCartney’s 1977 hit song Mull of Kintyre.

Established in 1992 in the west coast town of Campbeltown, the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival showcases the finest talent in Scottish and Irish traditional music with a fantastic programme of concerts, ceilidhs, jam sessions, workshops, free outdoor events. This is accompanied by other exciting events which range from children’s entertainment to heritage and cultural tours and parades. Watch excellent local ceilidh bands, Gaelic choirs, pipe bands, brass bands Highland dancers perform alongside acclaimed international acts which in recent years have included Altan, Davy Spillane, Four men and a Dog, the Tannahill Weavers, Jerry Holland and Dave McIsaac, Dougie McLean, the Micahel McGoldrick Band, the Full Moon Ensemble, Arty McGlynn and Nollaig Cassidy. This family-friendly event is held every August across a range of venues and is a must for all lovers of traditional and contemporary Celtic music.

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Best of the West Festival

Start: Saturday 9th- Sunday 10th September

Set in the stunning venue of the ground of  Inveraray Castle, this family friendly festival highlights the best in food, drink, crafts, music and entertainments from the West of Scotland. From fine crafts to fine food and from local pipe bands to world famous headline music acts, the programme offers something for everyone, including a range of children's activities, horse riding, archery and survival skills to tire the kids out. 

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Live music in the Isle of Jura Cooperage
(www.islayjura.com)

Jura Music Festival 

Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th September 

The Jura Music Festival is a firm favourite on the festival calendar. It's a fantastic weekend of traditional Scottish Music in a beautiful, remote island setting. 

As well as a great line-up of musicians, there are also workshops and sessions to encourage up-and-coming talent. From the Friday night ceilidh right through to the Sunday night concert in the distillery cooperage, this is a foot-stomping weekend for music lovers, easily reachable under sail from Ardfern.

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These are only a highlight of the many events happening around Scotland's west coast during 2017. If your looking for more information on events to be enjoyed afloat the CYCA 2017 Event Calander is an vital resource, even if its only to avoid being in the same anchorage as a race fleet! Locally the Ardfern community is very active and during the year there are many events going on within the Craignish area open to all, the Craignish Village Hall website and the Craignish Info website have details of events going on within the hall.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2017!