Oban to Tobermory, Mull

The Malts Cruise festivities kicked off on Saturday night with a piper leading a parade of rally organizers and participants along the marina pier to shore where more than 100 sailors were waiting for the opening words of welcome, a toast, and a dram of Oban 14 year whisky. This was followed by a buffet dinner complete with a VERY good white Burgundy and a Chateau Neuf du Papes wine. After dinner there was a ceilidh band so folks could dance, but the evening music ended with Johnny Cash for the 12 Kentuckians who had chartered 2 boats and were participating in the rally.

Earlier in the day, we had several lectures about sailing the west Coast of Scotland, the Malts Cruise and it’s beginnings, suggested routes for this year, and possible anchorages. A wildlife conservationist/sailor presented a slide lecture on enjoying local wildlife that we may see and how to approach some of the more impressive creatures such as the basking shark should we sight one. There was also a briefing for all the participants on rally procedures, activities, and schedule.

Sunday morning boats prepared to sail up the Sound of Mull to Tobermory. We had spent 3 nights on a mooring to please the kitties so we headed into the marina to fill our water tanks before taking off. From now on will we rely solely on our water maker because we will be anchoring out for the rest of the rally. We have been running it since we left Port Medoc and it is working very well. We are using more fresh water these days because of our new head.

Our departure began with a parade of sail around Oban Bay, a very pretty sight. There was wind from the northwest to get us started up the Bay but it required a lot of tacking. Most boats started the day under sail but resorted to motoring the last hour or so. We took a mooring in Tobermory and went ashore for a fish and chip dinner and dram provided by the rally.

On Monday we signed up to take a half day bus tour around Mull. The sky was bright and sunny so we had a great tour of this beautiful island where there were sheep everywhere. The evening will begin with a lecture about the history of Mull and its people by a local historian. It will finish up with seafood buffet dinner. The last thing left for us to do here is our tour of the Tobermory Distillery which is scheduled for 11 AM Tuesday morning.

All of these activities have been organized by the World Cruising Association which has the Malts Cruise in its portfolio. Previously Diageo Distillers had sponsored the Classic Malts rally so tastings were only at their distilleries and activities did not extend to tours and wildlife activities (there is an upcoming eagle spotting excursion). Last year the rally did not take place while it was evaluated and reorganized. We are certainly glad we are able to participate in the Malts Cruise version. Some of the participants have been on 7or 8 of these.

Tuesday afternoon the boats go their own way. Anchorages and interesting destinations have been suggested. We all come back together again for shared activities Friday on the Isle of Rum. Every evening there is a whisky tasting with an expert. The host boat will be visiting these suggested anchorages so that you can participate in a tasting evening in the anchorage. The site is announced daily on the VHF.

It is highly unlikely that I will find a wifi access point after this posting for quite a few days. Access has been difficult in most places due to a combination of reasons. I will post what I can when I can. In the mean time, we will be enjoying the wind, the water, and the whisky.