Firth of Clyde
The Firth of Clyde, Inner Hebrides cruises and RYA Training weeks on Stormdancer start from our base at Troon which is well known for its golf courses and beaches and as a holiday destination. The marina is close to Prestwick airport and has easy access from Glasgow International airport as well as motorway and rail connections from across Scotland and England.
We are at the gateway to the Firth. We can go north into the largest sheltered sailing area in Europe, or west to round the Mull of Kintyre.
Guests on our Firth of Clyde cruises and RYA Training weeks can enjoy exciting sailing and spectacular scenery in Loch Fyne or Kilbrannan Sound, quiet anchorages on the islands of Arran or Bute and visits to historic towns such as Inveraray or Campbeltown. Thanks to the strong maritime traditions, Royal Navy activities and busy ferry links to the islands, there is ample opportunity to experience navigation buoys and lights.
A week on board might see us circumnavigating the beautiful Island of Arran, which is known as "Scotland in miniature" before heading through the scenic Kyles of Bute. If we are lucky, our sail might coincide with one of the major NATO navy manoeuvres, giving us the chance to see nuclear submarines, warships and supply vessels up close. In general, however, it's difficult to imagine that this gem of a sailing area is so close to the city of Glasgow with its cultural and economic diversity.
Wildlife sightings are common. The spectacular dome of Ailsa Craig, where the special granite for the British Olympic curling team has traditionally been quarried, is now home to thousands of sea birds including gannets, puffins and guillemots. Orca have been spotted on the Clyde as well as Basking Sharks, Minke Whales, dolphins and porpoises.