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Traditional Sailing Weekends on Pilot Cutter Lizzie May

Firth of Clyde

The Firth of Clyde is one of the largest areas of sheltered deep water in the British Isles. Lizzie May is based at Largs during the early and late season so this really is her local sailing ground and you can benefit from the skippers local knowledge in this wonderful scenic crusing ground. Close enough to Glasgow and Edinburgh for a long weekend away on a real working wooden boat - you can chose between a 2 or 3 day break or come on a longer expedition. You don't need to sail far from Largs to feel you are out in nature's vast playground.

Dominated by the High Mountains on Arran

The Clyde’s long lochs penetrate far into the highlands, whilst its outer reaches comprise of a scattering of islands, each different in size and character. The jagged mountain ridge skyline of Arran dominates the outer approaches and provides a classic brooding backdrop to Lizzie May’s cream sails. There are several spectacular anchorages like Brodick Bay.

 Bute is smaller and more pastoral, whilst the islands of Great and Little Cumbrae can be circum- navigated in an afternoon. Jump off the wooden quay in Millport with the local boys and girls if you dare. A longer sail in the lee of the Mull of Kintyre peninsula reaches the unique Isle of Sanda. Its pub the ‘Byron Darnton’ is busy with visiting sailors in summer, even though the island has no permanent population. Another offshore foray is to the distinctive lump of Ailsa Craig and home to a huge Gannet colony.

No Food Miles for Our Seafood

The waters off Western Scotland are rich ecosystems with abundant seafood that matches anything France has to offer. If the opportunity presents itself, and it usually does if you sail a pretty boat, barter with local fishermen for prawns, langoustines and scallops. Its not that we don’t feed you freshly cooked meals on Lizzie May, but to experience seafood fresh from the sea is part of the magic of sailing in Scotland.

Due to the prolific life under the surface and hundreds of miles of remote coastlines, the Hebrides, Western Isles and approaches to the Clyde are great places to spot seals, otters, minke whales, basking sharks and dolphins. The mountains provide inaccessible eyries for Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Choughs, Peregrine Falcons and cliffs are home to many large breeding colonies of seabirds like gannets and puffins.

The weather in Scotland can range from shimmering heat haze on white sand beaches, to dramatic rain storms, sleet and snow or white capped waves and vivid blue skies. It changes….and it changes fast.

Seascapes & Mountains on your doorstep

Why travel to New Zealand or Alaska for awesome skies, moody mountains, wild winds and crystal clear light quality. Lizzie May can take you on an adventure to inspire artist and photographers in a long weekend.