2012 Dates
Start: 7 July in Oban
Finish: 20 July in Tobermory
The Malts Cruise programme of free cruising allows crews to sail in company or explore alone with selected rendezvous for social gatherings and events. The rally route offers many options for anchorages and visits ashore, so the free cruising format allows both first time visitors and regular cruisers to make the most of the two weeks.
Following the parade of sail in Oban Bay, the yachts will head northwards up the Sound of Mull to Tobermory, for an informal pub supper ashore. Tobermory is the perfect springing point to round Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain, and to explore the Small Isles, Rum, Canna and other lochs and anchorages. Continuing to the west coast of Skye the fleet will head for a rendezvous at the famous Talisker Distillery , before sailing around Skye to the picturesque harbour of Plockton. From there it is through the narrows between Skye and the mainland, to finish the Cruise back at Tobermory on Mull and a chance to visit one more distillery before the farewell party.
2012 schedule, as at 15/12/2011:
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),
Isle Oronsay 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 |
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"Doing the Cruise gave the incentive to cruise further than my normal cruising area, so was able to enjoy and experience the area, scenery and the abundance of wildlife we saw (minke whales, porpoises, dolphins and sea eagles to mention just a few). Many thanks - certainly one of the 'must do' cruises." Eriska (GBR) Hallberg Rassy 312
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The character of single malt whisky is influenced by the environment in which it is produced, and the Malts Cruise is a journey taken through whisky and the Scottish seascape.
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