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The aim of this year’s Malts Cruise was to circumnavigate the Isle of Skye – around the northern capes. With 3 days independent cruising on the itinerary, crews made the most of the settled weather and headed north from Loch Harport after the party at Carbost.
After a fine reach in the lee of the island all the way to Neist Point, there was then a decision – head NE towards Dunvegan, or continue across the Minch, a 15nm passage that separates Skye from the Uists. As well as the outer islands, cruisers called at bays and anchorages across the top of Skye. It was also one of the best passages for spotting marine wildlife as the Minch is a “hotspot” for cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in European waters. There were reports of basking sharks, dolphins, minke whales and at least one sighting of an orca on this leg!
Rubha Hunish marks the most northerly point of Skye and a turning mark on the route. From here it was a new course SE towards Loch Carron and the picturesque village of Plockton. This was a new stopover on the Malts Cruise route and the Plockton Sailing Club made the crews most welcome. At the head of the Loch Alsh, Plockton was also an ideal place to regroup before transiting the tidally dependant passage south through the narrows at Kyle of Loch Alsh and Kyle Rhea.
Plockton Bay is a delightful spot to drop anchor or pick up a mooring. Tucked inside a headland, the bay is sheltered from most wind angles and affords a spectacularly scenic view up Loch Carron and into the western Highlands of Scotland.
 The evening began with a superb nosing of Talisker single malt – a chance to experience 4 different expressions of this unique malt, from the only distillery on the Isle of Skye. With the scenic view up Loch Carron as a backdrop, crews had the opportunity to enjoy Talisker 10 year old; Talisker 18 year old, the special distiller’s edition and the unique 57 °N poured by experts from the distillery. What a way to discover some very special malts!
A barbecue ashore at the sailing club with music and chat made for a cosy evening. And, as a thank you to our hosts, a raffle and auction raised over £325 for the Harbour Association fund to build new showers for visiting yacht crews.
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