YACHT CRUISING ON SCOTLAND'S WEST COAST
"Cumbrae's West Coast Scotland Cruise was fantastic - breathtaking scenery, wonderful wildlife and a friendly skipper! Our cruise was great value for money - will definitely book up again!"
Unlike many other cruising course providers we have no hidden or extra costs. Waterproof hire, fuel and berthing fees are all included and food is provided for the duration of the whole course. You will require to bring your own sleeping bag, light wellies or trainers, warm clothing, towel and toiletries.
The centre boasts 2 superb yachts, which are ideal for learning, improving and gaining advanced qualifications for sailing. All cruises have an RYA Cruising Instructor onboard ensuring your safety and learning. You will live aboard the yacht and stay somewhere different each night.
Cruising Groups - Organise a group of 5 people and 1 goes free!
Late Availability!
- 27/09/2010 Ocean Racer Sailing
Weekend Cruises
Age 16 +
Suitable for all sailors from complete beginners to experienced sailors. They are great courses for exploring the Clyde estuary in and around the islands. The time afloat can count as sea time towards cruising qualifications or for completing the RYA Start Yachting syllabus. Many people go just for fun!
Cruises start and finish at Largs Yacht Haven.
- Related :
Low Season Cost £185
- 9 Apr 10 - 11 Apr 10
- 16 Apr 10 - 18 Apr 10
- 23 Apr 10 - 25 Apr 10
- 30 Apr 10 - 2 May 10
- 7 May 10 - 9 May 10
- 14 May 10 - 16 May 10
- 21 May 10 - 23 May 10
- 28 May 10 - 30 May 10
- 1 Oct 10 - 3 Oct 10
- 15 Oct 10 - 17 Oct 10
- 22 Oct 10 - 24 Oct 10
- 29 Oct 10 - 31 Oct 10
- 5 Nov 10 - 7 Nov 10
- 12 Nov 10 - 14 Nov 10
High Season Cost £205
- 4 June 10 - 6 June 10
- 11 June 10 - 13 June 10
- 18 June 10 - 20 June 10
- 25 June 10 - 27 June 10
- 2 July 10 - 4 July 10
- 9 July 10 - 11 July 10
- 16 July 10 - 18 July 10
- 20 Aug 10 - 22 Aug 10
- 27 Aug 10 - 29 Aug 10
- 3 Sept 10 - 5 Sept 10
- 10 Sept 10 - 12 Sept 10
- 17 Sept 10 - 19 Sept 10
- 24 Sept 10 - 26 Sept 10
5 Day Cruises & RYA Competent Crew/Day Skipper
Age 16 +
These run from Sunday evening – Friday afternoon. A great way to enjoy some sailing whilst gaining instruction. Suitable for clients working towards RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper course completion certificates or those looking to log more sea time sea, or even just for fun! Beginners welcome.
Low Season Cost £405
- 14 Mar 10 - 19 Mar 10
- 28 Mar 10 - 2 Apr 10
- 4 Apr 10 - 9 Apr 10
- 11 Apr 10 - 16 Apr 10
- 18 Apr 10 - 23 Apr 10
- 25 Apr 10 - 30 Apr 10
- 2 May 10 - 7 May 10
- 9 May 10 - 14 May 10
- 16 May 10 - 21 May 10
- 23 May 10 - 28 May 10
- 26 Sept 10 - 1 Oct 10
- 10 Oct 10 - 15 Oct 10
- 17 Oct 10 - 22 Oct 10
- 24 Oct 10 - 29 Oct 10
- 31 Oct 10 - 5 Nov 10
- 7 Nov 10 - 12 Nov 10
High Season Cost £440
- 30 May 10 - 4 June 10
- 6 June 10 - 11 June 10
- 13 June 10 - 18 June 10
- 20 June 10 - 25 June 10
- 27 June 10 - 2 July 10
- 4 July 10 - 9 July 10
- 11 July 10 - 16 July 10
- 22 Aug 10 - 27 Aug 10
- 29 Aug 10 - 3 Sept 10
- 5 Sept 10 - 10 Sept 10
- 12 Sept 10 - 17 Sept 10
- 19 Sept 10 - 24 Sept 10
RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course
Age 18 +
The course aims to give those with previous skippering experience the skills and confidence to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night. A course completion certificate can be awarded at the end of the course. Completion of this course reduces the mileage requirement for those considering going on to take a Coastal Skipper examination. See Exam prep course.
Intermediate Season Cost £405
- 25 Apr 10 - 30 Apr 10
High Season Cost £440
- 6 June 10 - 11 June 10
- 12 Sept 10 - 17 Sept 10
RYA Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Exam Preparation
Age 18 +
Five day courses tailored to deliver the skills required to succeed in obtaining the above qualifications. The instructor will support you in the desired areas and provide a worthwhile experience before the examiner comes on board on the Thursday.
If you require to be examined you need to apply to RYA Scotland to organise this aspect – 0131 317 7388
A SRC (GMDSS) and First Aid certificate are required if being assessed.
Low Season Cost £405
- 4 Apr 10 - 9 Apr 10
- 2 May 10 - 7 May 10
- 26 Sept 10 - 1 Oct 10
High Season Cost £440
- 13 June 10 - 18 June 10
- 4 July 10 - 9 July 10
- 22 Aug 10 - 27 Aug 10
Passage Making Cruises / Venture Further Cruise
Age 16 +
LARGS / DUNSTAFFNAGE
These cruises provide excellent opportunities for logging sea miles and furthering sailing experiences. The West Coast of Scotland is the best cruising area in the British Isles and sailing here you are rewarded with remote anchorages, strong tidal influences, dramatic scenery and a whole new pace of life. Transport is supplied back to your starting point.
- Related :
- Mile Builder Cruises
- Mile Builder Cruises
Largs - Dunstaffnage Cost £485
- 18 July 10 - 24 July 10
Largs - Dunstaffnage Cost £260
- 21 July 10 - 24 July 10
Dunstaffnage - Largs Cost £260
- 15 Aug 10 - 18 Aug 10
Mile Builder Cruises
Age 16 +
A great way to experience fast cruising. More sailing and less stopping is the name of the game on this trip. Great course to build experience, sail offshore and log sea miles.
Cost £595
- 16 May 10 - 23 May 10
Hebridean Cruises
Age 16 +
Starting and finishing at Dunstaffnage these are great cruises undertaken in the UK’s most spectacular sailing waters, even our staff draw lots to do them! The route will be made in conjunction with your preferences and the weather forecasts. This cruise is offered over seven or eight nights, allowing you plenty of time to sail and explore the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s west coast and discover its many remote island destinations. Transport can be provided from Largs if required.
Cost £615
- 24 July 10 - 31 July 10
- 8 Aug 10 - 15 Aug 10
Cost £705
- 31 July 10 - 8 Aug 10
Professional Yachtmaster Training
Age 18 +
sportscotland’s National Centre Cumbrae delivers an intensive course that will lead to all the sailing qualifications necessary for you to become a yachtmaster.
The intensive style of the course is ideal for creating career opportunities as well as for those wishing to gain RYA qualifications for personal recreational use.
Over the 18-week course you will work towards RYA Yachtmaster (commercially endorsed). This qualification could create opportunities to work onboard yachts, become a skipper, cruising instructor, provide yacht deliveries or confidently cruise your own yacht throughout the world.
Other qualifications gained include:
RYA Competent Crew and Dayskipper practical
RYA Watch Leader
RYA Dayskipper and Yachtmaster shorebased Theory
RYA Short Range Certificate (VHF) incl GMDSS Operations
RYA First Aid Course
RYA Sea Survival
RYA ISAF Offshore Safety
RYA Small Craft Radar Operations
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Dinghy Start Sailing
RYA Start Windsurfing
The sailing areas will encompass the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde and its many islands, the Irish Sea and the west coast of Scotland.
This year two PYT courses are being run from 14th March – 18th July and 1st August – 5th December. Both course have a FREE information day.
The FREE Information Days explain in more detail the course, syllabus, structure and the career opportunities of the Professional Yachtmaster Training course, also providing opportunities for discussion and informal talks. These days are FREE with no obligation whatsoever, however Pre-booking is essential. 01475 530 757. For an information PDF please click here. An info pack can also be posted out please phone the centre and ask for a PYT info pack.
- Related :
- Professional Yachtmaster Training
Course One Cost £8800
- Info Day31 Jan 10
- Course 114 Mar 10 - 18 July 10
Course Two Cost £8800
- Info Day13 June 10
- Course 21 Aug 10 - 5 Dec 10
Ocean Racer Sailing
Age 18 +
Experience life on board a 72ft ex BT Ocean Racing Challenge Yacht. Cumbrae will be running two courses on the fantastic yacht "Alba Endeavour". Milebuilding, watch keeping, fast sailing, fun and ocean yacht experienceis the name of the game on these exciting courses
Ocean Racer Sailing Cost £365
- Dec - Dec
- 10 May 10 - 14 May 10
- 27 Sept 10 - 1 Oct 10
Close Quarter Yacht Manoeuvring
Age 16 +
A chance to spend valuable time on the most duanting of the skippers roles. Berthing and manoeuvring on and around pontoons, two days offers time to discuss and practice the many scenarios and situations that you are likely to encounter. The emphasis is on hands on practical solutions to every day berthing problems.
high season Cost £205
- 11 June 10 - 13 June 10
low season Cost £185
- 2 Apr 10 - 4 Apr 10
- 29 Oct 10 - 31 Oct 10
Intensive Yachtmaster Offshore Exam Preparation
Age 18 +
For those who have the experience and would like time to hone their skills and confidence before sitting the Yachtmaster exam. This course offers the opportunity to consolidate all the practical and theoretical skills. Sailing with those of similar ability and aspirations our Yachtmaster Instructors includes mock exams and the coaching is tailored to the requirements of the individuals.
A SRC (GMDSS) and First Aid certificate are requred if before examination.
Candidates requiring an exam must mention this at time of booking to recieve an RYA/MCA Exam Application form.
Cost £1600
- 28 June 10 - 18 July 10
- 15 Nov 10 - 5 Dec 10
Traditional Schooner Sailing
Age 16 +
Experience life on board the 92ft Gaff rigged Schooner "Spirit of Fairbridge" as she sets sail on this new venture with Cumbrae. Traditionally rigged this vessel provides a unique sailing opportunity, with not a winch in sight 8 people are needed to hoist just the mainsail! The experience of traditional sailing, watch keeping, mile building and the cameraderie of being part of her crew all make for great fun and experience on this classic designed sail training vessel.
- Related :
- Ocean Racer Sailing
Cost £365
- 1 Nov 10 - 5 Nov 10
| Course | Duration | Age | Requirements | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RYA Start Sailing | 2 days | 16 | None | None |
| RYA Competent Crew | 5 days | 16 | None | None |
| RYA Day Skipper | 5 days | 16 | None | 10 days, 200 logged sea miles and 8 hours night sailing |
| RYA Coastal Skipper | 5 days | 18 | Valid First Aid | 30 days with 2 days as skipper, 800 Certificate VHF licence logged sea miles and 12 hours night sailing |
| RYA Yachtmaster | 5 days | 18 | Valid First Aid Certificate, VHF licence | 50 days, 2,500 logged sea miles including 5 passages of over 60 miles which must include 2 as skipper and 2 overnight passages |
| All other cruises | 2- 5 days | 16+ | None | None |












