Loch Fyne & Loch Goil Ribbing?

Vandad · 29 March 2011, 20:16

We are off to Scotland again to test a few windfarms... we will have to stay there for about three weeks from tomorrow to get a few windy days to test a few windfarms. I will fly tomorrow and I have arranged for my rib to be transported there by Thursday so I don't go mad over the weekend!

Just wondering if anyone has experience of doing something in these two loches? Any information / experience is appreciated.

I will be staying in Loch Fyne Hotel and will hopefully keep the rib there as well. But I am hoping to launch the rib there and go to Loch Goil as well.

Vandad · 29 March 2011, 20:24

and here is the route:

vintner · 29 March 2011, 20:54

Vandad , I base my boat at Portavadie marina on Loch Fyne . They have petrol and great facilities . Tarbert is well worth a visit as is the Oystercatcher pub at Otter Ferry - they have a pontoon to tie up to so no dingy required . I stay on Loch Long and its worth a trip if you get the weather . Plenty of submarines about at the moment .

Vandad · 29 March 2011, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintner

Vandad , I base my boat at Portavadie marina on Loch Fyne . They have petrol and great facilities . Tarbert is well worth a visit as is the Oystercatcher pub at Otter Ferry - they have a pontoon to tie up to so no dingy required . I stay on Loch Long and its worth a trip if you get the weather . Plenty of submarines about at the moment .

Thank you so much for the info,

The problem is that have to do it over a weekend. Also, another question, I have heard the ferries crossing between Dunoon and Gourock are a bit of safety hazard for smaller ribs? do you have any advice on this?!

Poly · 29 March 2011, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vandad

Thank you so much for the info,

The problem is that have to do it over a weekend. Also, another question, I have heard the ferries crossing between Dunoon and Gourock are a bit of safety hazard for smaller ribs? do you have any advice on this?!

Vandad, it sound like you have a couple of weekends to play with? Then you not only have the Otter Ferry and Tarbet as options, but variations such as "round Bute" or round Arran - either should be quite possible in your size boat in a day.

Like many ferries they may invent a colregs rule along the lines of "I'm here every day for hours on end so have right of way" - but in a rib shouldn't be a problem just to give them a wide berth. I'd say because most people avoid them, they kind of expect it. Their wash and speed isn't exceptional, and if you are used to solent ribbing it will be all quite ordinary (whereas the master of the ferry will not be so used to lots of pleasure craft doing weird stuff).

SeaSkills · 29 March 2011, 21:32

the George at Inverary has good food, and live music. Well worth a visit

vintner · 29 March 2011, 21:43

You could do Loch Fyne in a day and go further afield if you have the time . Ferries are no problem - there is plenty of water . Cal Mac only run one an hour and Western 3 an hour at peak times . Never had any problems with them in a Rib or yacht . As Polwart says if you have two weekends plenty of other places to go . The Goil isn't particulary exciting and its a shlep down the Clyde , Bute and Arran probably a better call . Great run down the Kyles of Bute and Loch Riddon and Callah harbour worth a visit .

9D280 · 30 March 2011, 11:09

Having said that Long / Goil are about as close to a Fjord as you'll get on the Clyde if you are into scenery.

Used to be a good Chip shoop at Lochgoilhead (jetty access, so again no dinghy required) but not been ashore there for ages no idea if its still around or not. Other thing to watch is the Mod Plods. If you stick to the Western shore of Loch Long (i.e away from the MOD stuff) they are less likely to have a conversation with you about your speed. I think (can someone confirm / correct me?) the limit in The Loch Long / Goil area is 12 Knots.

Again if you are looking for a "light snack" There are good Chip shops on the fornt at Largs (the Viking) and Helensburgh (I forget it's name, but bear right at 45 degrees when you come off the pier) Another good one in Rothsay, but it's up a back street and ideally you need someone to sit off with the boat so you don't get charged for mooring! (Do I sound like a Chip addict?

)

If your boat is on the trailer, Oban is not a huge drive from Inverary - probably 45 mins - an hour (assuming you don't know the road & / or get stuck behind a lorry). Plenty of places to launch (Puffin, Dunstaffnage marina, the beach at Taynuilt just for starters), so could maybe spend one weekend pootling about on the west coast?

wavelength · 30 March 2011, 13:16

what you testing the windfarms for? Our present one grows exceptionally good mussels

previous one grew very good cod!

Poly · 31 March 2011, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

I think (can someone confirm / correct me?) the limit in The Loch Long / Goil area is 12 Knots.

Ahem! 7 knots through the Rhu narrows!

http://www.clydeport.co.uk/cms_uploa...Ed_web_(2).pdf

SeaSkills · 31 March 2011, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Ahem! 7 knots through the Rhu narrows!

http://www.clydeport.co.uk/cms_uploa...Ed_web_(2).pdf

Interesting route to Loch Long / Goil .....