The
Classic Malts Cruise started today (14th July) with over 100 yachts leaving
from Oban on the West Coast of Scotland. A parade of sail set the event off
from Oban's North Pier around Oban Bay, led by Sir Chay Blyth and a traditional
Scottish piper onboard Challenge 33, one of the fleet of Global Challenge 67ft
race yachts.
Yachts of all size and type started to leave from 10am and will make their way up to Talisker Distillery on the shores of Loch Harport on the island of Skye, choosing where they wish to cruise along the way. A spectacular display of the boats leaving set a dramatic display with the Scottish Coastline as the backdrop with low lying overcast clouds adding to the effect. The weather picked up later on in the day complimenting the fantastic sailing grounds of the West Coast of Scotland.
The
start was the climax for the past few days of preparations and events. All of
the competitors were treated to tours around Oban Distillery and an opening
party, which featured local Scottish fare and, of course, plenty of Classic
Malts!
Host for the opening party was Distillery Manager Steve Blake, who thanked all the competitors for attending before introducing the team and a four-piece Scottish pipe band. The party eventually finished with a pipe band leading the participants out of the distillery and down to the North Pier where a number of the boats were moored.
New
for this year's event, which is now partly organised by World Cruising Club,
was a skipper's briefing, giving sailors new to the area all the information
for a safe and enjoyable cruise.
Andrew Bishop, General Manager for World Cruising Club, comments: "This year's event start was extremely successful. This year there were entrants from 7 countries which is always good to see and we hope the word will be spread abroad about what a fantastic event the Classic Malts Cruise is and what spectacular sailing ground the West Coast of Scotland provides. The event was oversubscribed demonstrating how popular the event is becoming.
The yachts are due to arrive in Skye on Thursday for a traditional Ceilidh
at Talisker Distillery, where there will also be the opportunity for participants
to partake in a Classic Malts nosing, enabling them to learn about the distinct
characteristics that classify each of these very different single malts.
World Cruising Club, 120 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7AX, England
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