Danish cruising rally to Scotland

Sailing in Scotland - the Danish rally was fully subscribed very early SW

Danish Cruising Association - boats in dock and ready to go © SW

Weather permitting, the fleet should arrive at Oban Marina on the Isle of Kerrera on the west coast of Scotland on 11th/12th July. They will have already braved the North Sea and enjoyed cruising the Scottish coastline. After staying for a few days to enjoy local hospitality and the marina facilities, they will head off to enjoy the rest of their cruise of Scotland and the Orkney Islands.

Coordinator, Karsten Pennov said: 'Everyone is very enthusiastic about the event and we are very much looking forward to staying at Oban Marina.'

The Cruise was fully subscribed soon after it was open for registration, with a waiting list of yachts listed early in the year.

The voyage, which will take the yachts across the North Sea directly to Peterhead then Inverness in Scotland, was primarily organized for those who have never been there, as many yacht owners in Denmark have a dream to sail the beautiful Scottish waters. So it makes sense to go with other participants who are experienced 'Skotlandsfarere'.

Weather permitting, the fleet is departing Thyborøn in Denmark this week, and the cruise, which is expected to take around six weeks, will last until around the 7th August.

The rough itinerary is as follows:

For those who can only allow four weeks:
Thyborøn - Peterhead - Inverness - Caledonian Canal (visit Urquhart Castle, Nessie Visitor Centre in Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus and Fort William) and a little walk on the west coast.

Return via the Caledonian Canal.

Six week extension:
As mentioned above, and weather permitting, for example. Out in the Sea of the Hebrides - Loch Harport Sky - Rum and Canna - Barra. Or if it gets too bad weather from south to Oban Puilladobhrain - Jura - Loch Sween - Loch Craignish - Loch Melfort.

Naturally of course, as with all cruising rallies, it is weather and skipper who determine the final route.

Acknowledging that tides and tidal currents have a very great impact on services in Scotland, the Association strongly recommended to all participants that they participate in the Association's Tidal Course prior to departing, Also, during the winter and spring, in preparation for the event, meetings were held so that participants could have a chat with experienced Scotland sailors on the practical side of sailing to take account of tides, and learn other applicable 'tips and tricks'.

It's cruising sailors doing what cruising sailors do best - collaborating, sharing and enjoying compatible company as they sail.