Classic Malts Cruise leaves Oban

by Trish Jenkins on 14 Jul 2009
The team at Oban Marina, Isle of Kerrera, welcomed international crews from 12 different countries prior to the start of the popular Classic Malts Cruise which set off from Oban on Sunday 12th July.

The 200-mile voyage attracted a fleet of over 100 yachts and is the UK’s largest non-competitive sailing event. Many of the yachts in this bumper year berthed at Oban Marina. The Cruise offers its participants a unique two-week voyage following the spectacular coastline of north-west Scotland and combines superb sailing with visits to some of the most famous single malt whisky distilleries in Scotland.

Crews enjoyed the hospitality at Oban Marina, as well as the first of many social functions on the official programme, with a guided tour and farewell BBQ at Oban Distillery. The sailors were introduced to the fine single malt whisky that has been made here for over 200 years in one of the oldest and smallest licensed distilleries in Scotland.

Cruise organiser, Jeremy Wyatt commented 'We are delighted that the Cruise brings many sailors to explore the west coast of Scotland for the first time, using Oban Marina as a base from which to explore the wonderful sailing around the inner Hebrides. This year, in addition to cruisers from around the UK, we have significant entries from Germany, Scandinavia, and from as far away as Canada and the USA.'

Susan Price, Manager at Oban Marina: 'We all enjoyed meeting interesting sailors from around the globe, as well as those from closer to home! This year, the Classic Malts Cruise was a gathering of the clans for Scottish sailors too, as one of the official events of 'Homecoming 2009' marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robbie Burns, attracted anyone who is a Scot or of Scottish descent to enter.'

'The sight of the marina was wonderful,' continued Price, 'We were full to capacity and it was really colourful as the yachts are encouraged to ‘dress’ overall to help create a festival atmosphere with flags flying. They enjoyed the Waypoint Bar and services we have on offer here at Oban Marina and many said they would be back for longer next time. The larger ferry we invested in this year made it easy for crews to get back easily to their yachts on Kerrera from Oban and the extra water tanks ensured plentiful supplies for all the extra capacity during this busy time.'

The fleet will be exploring the many good anchorages over the next four days before meeting up again in time for more whiskey tasting and the infamous ceilidh at the remote Talisker Distillery at Carbost on the Isle of Skye.

The Classic Malts Cruise runs from 11th-24th July, starting from Oban and ending at Lagavulin on Islay.

The Classic Malts Cruise is organized by World Cruising Club, on behalf of Diageo, owner of The Classic Malts Selection. Further details available at www.classicmaltscruise.com