east coast
Dysart Harbour, Fife © Dennis Hardley.
all yachts, and that the Canal is usually closed for two hours either side of low water during normal operating hours. Inverness Marina is a relatively new, fully serviced 150 berth marina located outside the canal entrance on the south side of the Firth, with access available at all states of the tide. This, together with a 75 berth marina at Seaport just inside the canal, makes an excellent base for exploring the city of Inverness, or a point for arranging crew changeovers, taking advantage of excellent road, rail and air links. Boats which are heading on up the coast to Orkney or beyond need not venture up the Firth, but may instead head directly from Lossiemouth to Helmsdale where there are pontoon facilities. Alternatively, the passage may be extended as far as Wick where
there is a new marina and plenty of shelter to be had inside the old harbour. This is the final stopping point before rounding Duncansby Head, where the choice is then whether to head west along Scotland’s northern coastline, northwards to Orkney and Shetland, or north east to Scandinavia. The four main marina operators between Inverness and Shetland have grouped together to create the Viking Trail to encourage greater use of the new facilities and open up cruising routes to the northern isles. Full details are available at www. sailnorthscotland.com Whilst the East Coast may be seen as a cruising route to some sailors, for others it represents their home waters and as a result there many activities which take place during
Anstruther Harbour
Ideally situated for exploring the Firth of Forth or for a stopover whilst sailing the east coast. 100 serviced pontoon berths and a wide variety of shops and restaurants adjacent to the harbour. ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR, SHORE STREET, ANSTRUTHER, FIFE, KY10 3AQ T/F: 01333 310 836 tom.fyall@fife.gov.uk
the summer months. One of the best known is the Moray Firth Flotilla which usually takes place in late June. Participating boats work their way down the Moray Firth from Wick to Portsoy, with the intention being to arrive at Portsoy in time for the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (28th & 29th June 2014, www. stbfportsoy.com). The Festival puts a special emphasis on boat building, restoration and sailing and on associated traditional crafts including knitting, weaving and embroidery and on music and art. The 2014 programme will also include the very popular Food Fayre showcasing all that’s best in Scotland’s food and drink. East Coast Sailing Week (10th – 13th July 2014, www.ecsw.org.uk) is an annual event covering the east coast of Scotland and the
Peterhead Bay Marina
You are assured a friendly welcome at the fully serviced Peterhead Bay Marina. Ideal location for vessels heading along the east coast of Scotland or sailing to/ from the continent. PETERHEAD BAY MARINA HARBOUR OFFICE, WEST PIER, PETERHEAD, AB42 1DW T: 01779 483 600 F: 01779 475 715 marina@peterheadport.co.uk www.peterheadport.co.uk
www.sailscotland.co.uk
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