Left Tarbert for Ardrishaig at 1100 hours for a short sail up Loch Fyne; the final sail in the Firth of Clyde before entering the Crinan Canal to go across to the western Islands. Tarbert is an excellent sailing harbour with good shelter in an attractive setting.
The Firth of Clyde is a superb cruising ground; uncrowded, modest tides, sheltered anchorages, magnificent scenery. It must qualify as one of the best sailing areas in the world. One topic of debate on Alcyone over the last day or so has been which is be best anchorage we have been into during the week; the majority vote would be for Carrick Castle as just magical. Before setting off one correspondent suggested that the Clyde was a better cruising ground than the western islands – not having yet sailed in the western islands I cannot comment but look forward to forming a view. However, I am sorry to be leaving the Clyde.
Turning into Ardishaig harbour and staringht into the sea lock for the Crinan Canal gave rise to a “different type of sailing”. Several boats arrived together making for a full lock and a turbulent ride as the sluices had to be opened fully to get the downstream gates to close. Alcyone then proceeded along the canal for the first four locks to Oakfield Bridge. It is odd taking Alcyone through what is a normal inland canal but with much debate about how many people it takes to operate a lock - the consensus view is that William and I are due for a demanding time taking through the other locks.
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