Crinan Classics

Voyage Number	LM909
Voyage price	£390
Voyage Dates	03/07/2009 - 10:00 - 06/07/2009 - 17:00
Depart from	Oban
Finishing Port	Oban
Voyage area	Scotland
Voyage type	Pilot Cutters , Short Breaks
Vessel	Lizzie May
Availability	Limited places
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Voyage Description

 Crinan Classics – Wooden Boat Festival

Crinan is a 250 year old picturesque fishing village at the North end of the Crinan Canal. For the third year running it is hosting a wooden boat festival. If you fancy a few days away with some great traditional sailing with mountain backdrops like Mull, navigational excitement from the famous whirlpools of Corryvrecken and a chance to socialise and relax on your own beautiful pilot cutter Lizzie May in the snug Crinan Canal Basin amongst a raft of beautiful wooden boats then this could be the Scottish short break you are looking for.

Explore Scotland as Classic Yacht Crew

If you are visiting Scotland from abroad, then this activity based holiday package gives you a wide range of experiences, scenery and a chance to meet some interesting characters from lock keepers to boat builders. No sailing experience is necessary as you will be given full training so you can be an active part of the crew. By the time you reach the festival you will look proficient enough to pretend Lizzie May is yours !

Starting and finishing in Oban you only need to walk away from the station a few metres and you are amongst the fisherman’s stalls selling fresh prawns, langostines and scallops. Western Scotland is a rich marine ecosystem which offers fantastic seafood and wildlife watching from the sea eagles of Mull to the dolphins and whales that cruise the deep waters between the Western Isles. Starting at 10am you will probably need to spend a night in Oban (see our port details) but that means you will fresher and able to enjoy the first days spectacular sailing.

After safety briefings and training you have plenty of open water in the Firth of Lorne to get your sea legs and plenty of scenery from Duart Castle guarding the Sound of Mull to the mountains of Mull as you head south. There are some lovely anchorages on route like Puilladobhrain (home of the otter), but the likely plan will be to spend quite a long day sailing all the way to Crinian. There are a couple of narrow channels to negotiate, tides to get right, and the famous whirlpools of Corryvrecken to avoid, and then Lizzie May reaches The Sound of Jura. This wide sailing playground is the venue for racing at the festival, and is well protected from the swell of the Atlantic Ocean by the large island of Jura. The ‘Paps of Jura’ are an unmistakeable landmark that any raiding Viking would have recognised, and Jura is a name of Viking origin meaning rather obviously “udder island.”

A festival celebrating wooden craftsmanship

Now in its third year the Crinan Boat Festival is gaining quite a reputation as one of the more unusual and intimate locations for an gathering of wooden sailing boats and rowing boats. It may be informal but it is quite ambitious in its programme.

In 2009 the organisers are courting the fleet of Alfred Mylne yachts that are racing on the Clyde afterwards to celebrate Mylne’s era in the golden age of Clydeside yacht building. Lizzie May will be one of the newest vessels, together with other beautiful wooden replicas like Mischief (pilot cutter), Oblio (William Fife replica gaff cutter).

Crinan Canal – Britain’s most beautiful shortcut.

If you need a break from the sea during the festival, wander down the canal towpath for a more pastoral scene. Revelling in the title of ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’ you would be hard pressed to find a more attractive stretch in inland water between two spectacularly different coastal sailing grounds. At just 9 miles long, but with 15 locks, the Crinan Canal links Loch Fyne at Ardrishaig with the Sound of Jura. For Clyde based boats or those travelling northwards the Crinan Canal offers a shorter ‘Gateway to the Western Isles’ and Hebrides than sailing the long miles south and around the Mull of Kintyre.

There is a programme of racing which Lizzie May could take part in during the festival, but perhaps the chance to spend a bit longer sailing back to Oban might appeal more. Any itinerary on a sailing vessel is subject to the weather and tides, but options are discussed, as as even the skipper will be trying to find you the best combination of sailing, exploring and memorable locations.

See itinerary page

Lizzie May – Itinerary – Crinan Classic Wooden Boat Festival

Day One (Fri 3rd July 2009. Join 10am)

Lizzie May’s skipper will explain the plan for the next few days, dependant on weather and tides, but the intention is to enjoy the sailing southwards to Crinian Wooden Boat Festival, spend one to two days at this friendly event, maybe even race against other classics, and then enjoy another full day or couple of days sailing back to Oban. After safety briefings, you will be introduced to the traditional sailing skills need to sail Lizzie May. Apart from her barrel windlass there are no winches on board – just blocks and tackles.

Large enough to leave under sail if you miss the island ferries, Oban harbour takes you straight out into unmistakeably Scottish scenery. Duart Castle guards the entrance to the Sound of Mull, but if the weather is fine Lizzie May will sail down the Firth of Lorne where there is plenty of room to practice tacking, or gybing. The mountains of Mull make a great backdrop and occasionally you see seals swimming across, or dolphins and whales in this major deep water routeway.

There are strong tides through Scarba, Luing and Seil but the journey should get progressively more sheltered as the gaps between islands get narrower. As you get whisked along silently by the tide keeps your eyes peeled for seals, otters and birds amongst the kelp.

Crinan Classic Boat Festival starts today so you may meet some of the fleet returning after racing. There will be live music ashore if you have the energy for a reel. You probably will have earnt a drink or two, having sailed to Crinan rather than nipped up the canal from the Clyde.

Day Two (Sat 4th July 2009)

For the larger boats that want to participate there is racing in Loch Craignish or the Sound of Jura. There is a very mixed fleet but all rather beautiful wooden vessels, so if you don’t get fired up by racing, view it as a photographers dream and enjoy being out on the water, rather than worry about the race results. Back on land there is a Highland Games if you want to let your hair down, and show off your newly discovered muscles (tug of war, rowing boat races, haggis hurling). Or you could just soak up the ambience with a glass of wine or whisky. Saturday evening is the famous Ceilidh bash at Crinan Boat Yard with band ‘Rusty Nail’ giving you loud hints what to do next !

Day Three (Sunday 5th July)

Decision day – whether to enjoy another day at the festival, or go off exploring in search of splendid isolation. The long way back to Oban might be through the Sound of Islay to see the raised beaches, arches and caves on the West side of Jura (Over 50 large caves were used as mortuaries before shipping bodies out to the monastry on Iona). Islay is famous for whisky with 5 distilleries on the island. For ornithologists there are more bird species on Islay than any other Hebridean island from choughs to golden eagles. The Lord of the Isles held council on Islay in the 14th Century and the ruins of this Scottish Gaelic culture include the great hall at Loch Finlaggan. Possible anchorages on Islay, Jura or the distinctly different island of Colonsay. Another alternative if the tides are right might be to cut through the Great Race at Corryvrecken and head for Iona. A pilgrimage site for centuries, Iona is really out there in the wilds – off the NW tip of Mull, so good weather would be needed.

If you have stayed at the festival, enjoy a leisurely breakfast / ceilidh recovery time. If there are enough women in the crew – Lizzie May could take part in the Ladies race. You only need a woman to helm the boat to take part. Event prize giving is on Sunday evening.

Day 4 (Monday 6th July)

If you are starting from Crinan this might be an early start for a full days sailing back to Oban for 1700hrs. If you are already on your way north, then you might squeeze in a lunchtime anchorage or an interesting bit of pilotage through the Cuan Sound.

The voyage finishes in Oban at 1700hrs. There are ferry links from Oban to Skye, Outer Hebrides, Mull so if you are a keen hill walker, sailing clothes and walking clothes are pretty similar so why not continue your outdoor adventure. At nearby Fort William there is a YHA right under Ben Nevis – if you want to climb Britain’s highest mountain. As you travel northwards the roads get emptier so hiring a car is also a good ‘freedom to roam’ option.
 

Photo cuortesy Fr Paul Hackett

Oban
 

Oban has been described as one of the most scenic travel destinations. The sheltered port of Oban (“little bay” in Gaelic) is surrounded by views of earth, sea and sky, which have enthralled artists, authors, composers, and poets for centuries.

Known as the gateway to Argyll and the Western Isles, Oban is the perfect origin for your own journey to discover the enchantment of the west coast of Scotland.

Oban has always been known as the traveller’s rest. As a small town with a resident population of 8,500 this unofficial capital of the West Highlands often swells with large numbers of visitors.

Oban is renowned for its glorious gardens, its fabulous views, the ocean promenade, islands all around, ancient monuments and castles, and outdoor activities such as diving, hiking, fishing, bird-watching – even whale spotting - especially from pilot cutters and tall ships.

Queen Victoria visited the town and gave it the royal seal of approval when she described it as "one of the finest spots we have seen".
 

Getting to Oban

By Road
Head up the A82 from Glasgow and keep going all the way past Loch Lomond and its steam ships. When you get to Tyndrum turn to port (left) onto the A85 for Oban. Find the North Quay and then further into Town and near Tesco you will find secure paid for parking at Oban Car Hire which does have to be paid for.

By Coach
CityLink offer connections from Glasgow Buchanan Street train and Bus Station and Glasgow Airport.

By Train
ScotRail has trains for Oban that also leave from Buchanan Street Station.

By Plane
You can fly from Central Glasgow to Oban on Loch Lomond Seaplanes - probably the most dramatic way to arrive - certainly the quickest from Glasgow.
 

Accommodation
There are lots of places to stay in Oban, The Official Oban Tourist Office has the best local directory.
 

Photo cuortesy Fr Paul Hackett

Oban
 

Oban has been described as one of the most scenic travel destinations. The sheltered port of Oban (“little bay” in Gaelic) is surrounded by views of earth, sea and sky, which have enthralled artists, authors, composers, and poets for centuries.

Known as the gateway to Argyll and the Western Isles, Oban is the perfect origin for your own journey to discover the enchantment of the west coast of Scotland.

Oban has always been known as the traveller’s rest. As a small town with a resident population of 8,500 this unofficial capital of the West Highlands often swells with large numbers of visitors.

Oban is renowned for its glorious gardens, its fabulous views, the ocean promenade, islands all around, ancient monuments and castles, and outdoor activities such as diving, hiking, fishing, bird-watching – even whale spotting - especially from pilot cutters and tall ships.

Queen Victoria visited the town and gave it the royal seal of approval when she described it as "one of the finest spots we have seen".
 

Getting to Oban

By Road
Head up the A82 from Glasgow and keep going all the way past Loch Lomond and its steam ships. When you get to Tyndrum turn to port (left) onto the A85 for Oban. Find the North Quay and then further into Town and near Tesco you will find secure paid for parking at Oban Car Hire which does have to be paid for.

By Coach
CityLink offer connections from Glasgow Buchanan Street train and Bus Station and Glasgow Airport.

By Train
ScotRail has trains for Oban that also leave from Buchanan Street Station.

By Plane
You can fly from Central Glasgow to Oban on Loch Lomond Seaplanes - probably the most dramatic way to arrive - certainly the quickest from Glasgow.
 

Accommodation
There are lots of places to stay in Oban, The Official Oban Tourist Office has the best local directory.
 

Lizzie May sister ship to Eve of St Mawes sailing together in the Fal with St Mawes in the background.

Click here for all Lizzie May Voyages 2010

Lizzie May—Specifications

Lizzie May was built new in 1999 by Luke Powell of Working Sail using traditional construction techniques to create a wooden pilot cutter with real character. Her frames are oak with larch planking and hardwood deck. Lizzie is 42ft on deck with a long 13ft bowsprit and lofty topmast. Her beam of 12ft gives her plenty of flat deck space and her low profile coach house is barely visible so all onlookers see is a traditional boat with lovely sheer lines.

The coach house also provides outward facing seating so you wont miss the scenery. All the rigging is ash blocks and tackles so you wont be sitting down for long.

There are no winches on board so everybody keeps warm and active pulling together. Sailing in Scotland requires a good anchor and true to her working boat origins Lizzie May has a barrel windlass to raise the anchor.

The vessel weighs 18 ton with a long deep keel—ideal for open sea sailing. The large mainsail can be slab reefed and even the staysail can be reefed in strong winds, so with a storm jib too she can make the most of the wilder days.. On light wind days she can glide up the lochs and narrows with a large flying jib and gaff topsail. 

Below Decks

Below decks is very light with loads of character and varnished wood. There are two single berths in the forepeak, three berths in the saloon and a double berth in the starboard quarter with limited headroom (back of the boat). Please remember this is only a 42ft boat with an elegant raked stern so spaces are communal, there are a few low beams and limited storage.

Lizzie has a lovely oak table, a small heater in the saloon, hot and cold water and WC, galley and modern navigational equipment. She carries all safety equipment required for her commercial coding under the MCA (Marine Coastguard Agency) and licensed to sail offshore up to 60 miles from a safe haven.

Lizzie May Skipper Jerry & Skipper- Chef Laurie

Jerry Headley bought Lizzie May in 2007- with the intention of setting up his own charter company, after a rather life changing voyage to Paimpol Shanty Festival on 'Eve of St Mawes.' He was not the only Eve crew on that voyage to find themselves owning a classic wooden boat. (Classical Guitarist James Boyd bought classic yacht Concord - currently nominated for Classic Boat Magazine Restoration of the Year)
 

Jerry's enthusiasm for pilot cutters shone through and it was evident he would make a sociable and relaxed charter skipper. Classic Sailing were thrilled to work with Jerry to establish Eve's  'sister ship' on the West Coast of Scotland, near Jerry's home.  Either Jerry or Laurie Mills will usually be your skipper on Lizzie May.

Skipper Laurie is also a chef. When he is not on Lizzie May he has his own company cooking private dinner parties and performing chef cooking demonstrations at farmers markets with fresh organic produce. Laurie is a former restauranteur and made his name running an award winning restaurant in Royal Deeside.

Photo: Jerry - mid English Channel on Eve's bowsprit  2007

What to bring

Boats have very limited stowage space so please limit yourself to one soft collapsible bag or rucksack (not a suitcase).
Bring a sleeping bag (we provide pillows and pillow cases).
We can supply waterproof jackets and trousers but you may prefer to bring your own if you have them.
A hat for sun or cold weather.
Swimsuit, towel and sun cream.
Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies as the sea can wash over the deck (an alternative to boots in the summer is another pair of trainers in case the first pair get wet).
A small rucksack is useful for going ashore.
Camera, binoculars, sketchbook and a good read.
Any medication, spare spectacles, seasick tablets (check which brand with your doctor if you are on any medication)

RYA Cruising Logbook if you are keeping a record of your experience for qualification purposes.

Musical instruments are most welcome.
 

Click here for all Lizzie May Voyages 2010