Scotland's Malts Cruise - Highland and island adventure

Malts Cruise - the Old Forge Pub garden SW

Malts Cruise - venison steak bbq © SW

The Malts Cruise 2012 sets sail on 8 July with a parade around Oban Bay, before exploring the lochs and islands of Scotland's west coast and finishing with a traditional ceilidh on 19 July in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

Lots to See and Do:
With free time to set your own itinerary, and rendezvous in beautiful locations like Tobermory, Rum, Loch Harport and Plockton, the Malts Cruise suits both free spirits and those looking for a cruise in company.

Social activities ashore include beach barbecues with local specialities, crew suppers, ceilidh dancing, an eagle-spotting walk, guided tour of a castle and a real chance to meet the locals and understand a little of the wildlife and culture of the region.

Malts Cruise - anchored in Loch Scavaig © SW

The northerly route will allow the boats to circumnavigate the rugged and romantic Isle of Skye, as well as visiting the Small Isles, Loch Scavaig, Loch Gairloch, Kyle Rhea, Loch Nevis, Mallaig and in Inverie, home to the most remote pub in Britain!

The Malt Whisky theme:
The Malts Cruise is more than a sightseeing tour; it is an opportunity to discover the connections between the landscape and the region's most famous export - malt whisky. The cruise includes complementary visits to Oban, Tobermory and Talisker distilleries to see how the whiskies are made, and to try a dram to two! A 'roving nose' will accompany the fleet, and in wild and beautiful anchorages will introduce the participants to the elements of good malt whisky through nosings (tastings) of different whiskies.

How to Join:
Bring your own boat, or charter locally - there are skippered and bareboat charters available. All types of boat are welcome, the only requirement is that they be suitable for the local conditions. Discounts for the Caledonian Canal are available for Malts Cruise participants making the transit either way.
Places on the cruise are strictly limited in order to maintain seclusion in the more remote anchorages. For more information see www.worldcruising.com/maltscruise or email mail@worldcruising.com
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Full itinerary:

Friday 06 July
in Oban Oban Marina, Kerrera
Malts Cruise reception opens
Complimentary Oban Distillery tours

Saturday 07 July
in Oban Malts Cruise registration continues
Complimentary Oban distillery tours
Afternoon: seminars and Cruise briefing
Evening: Welcome buffet supper and live music with local ceilidh band

Sunday 08 July
Oban to Tobermory Parade of Sail round Oban Bay
Sail the Sound of Mull to Tobermory
Informal pub supper in MacGochans in Tobermory

Monday 09 July
(cruising) Suggested cruising itinerary: Loch Moidart, Small Isles, Canna

Tuesday 10July
Isle of Rum Rendezvous - Isle of Rum
Guided tour of Kinloch Castle
Guided walking tour with local wildlife ranger
Informal cruise BBQ ashore

Wednesday 11 July
(cruising) Suggested cruising itinerary: Canna, Soay, Loch Scavaig

Thursday 12 July
Isle of Skye Rendezvous - Loch Harport, Isle of Skye
Talisker Distillery Tours
Informal Cruise Bar Supper – Old Inn, Carbost

Friday 13 July
Isle of Skye or cruising Talisker Distillery Tours
Suggested cruising itinerary: Loch Gairloch, Inner Sound

Saturday 14 July
(cruising) Inner Sound

Sunday 15 July
(cruising) Inner Sound and Portree

Monday 16 July
in Plockton Rendezvous in Plockton, Loch Carron
Cruise supper and ceilidh

Tuesday 17 July
(cruising) Suggested cruising itinerary: Kyle Rhea, onto Loch Nevis (Inverie),
or Mallaig

Wednesday 18 July
Cruising to Tobermory Suggested cruising itinerary: Small Isles, Arisaig, Moidart
onto finish in Tobermory (Isle of Mull)

Thursday 19 July
Tobermory Complimentary Tobermory distillery tours
Half-day Mull island tour
Final cruise buffet supper and ceilidh at the Western Isles Hotel