Cruising Club of America - Western Isles Cruise - 19 to 31 July 2025
The Cruising Club of America (CCA) have chosen to cruise the Western Isles of Scotland in 2025
The details are below but in outline will involve:
- An opening Event in Kerrera
- A Cruise or Race to Tebermory
- A sunflower in Loch na Droma Buidhe (Drambuie)
- A lunch at the Talisker Distillery Loch Harport
- A beach Barbecue in Vatersay
- Another event on route back to Kerrera
- A finale Party at Kerrera
Spaces for the event are limited. Those wishing to participate are required to pay a deposit direct to the CCA via their website by 10 March 2025. There ill be a charge per crew member for the event to cover all the various activities with an understanding that a dividend will be forthcoming if the event comes in under the forecast price.
More details on the various events are below.
Please find below more details of the Cruise from the Cruising Club of America and the link to register and pay your deposit before the 10th March.
The deposit (non-refundable) is $150 per boat which can be paid here https://cruisingclub.com/cruise/western
The Western Isles Cruise 2025
Just over 5 months to go before we all get together in one of the most beautiful cruising areas of the world!
As of Feb 7th, there are 127 (paid their initial deposit) on 33 boats. But 45 boats have signed up (no fee) suggesting 206 crew members. Some of you have only recently heard about the Cruise so we expect more to sign up. There is a limit on the number of boats.
A further charge will be made late Spring once all final costs of the events are known.
If you have not already done so, please do sign up and pay for each crew member. Also sign up your boat, no charge, with potential crew numbers.
The Cruising Club of America is indebted to our partner clubs who have kindly taken on the organising of several events. This is a true inter club event! To the Clyde Cruising Club, Irish Cruising Club, Ocean Cruising Club, Royal Cruising Club and Royal Highland Yacht Club, thank you!
The Events are listed below.
Kerrera Marina Dockage for the two CCA Events, July 19th and 31st, 2025
A berth at Kerrera for both CCA events is included in your cruise registration
Using the Subject line: Western Isles Cruise, Please email Kerrera at office@kerreramarina.com with the following information:
- Name of the boat,
- Boat Length
- Skipper's name
- Number of people on board
Kerrera will then allocate berths or rafting spots accordingly.
The Marina's online booking system is closed off for July 19th and July 31st
For any additional berths required, please email the Marina, so they can manually book you in.
The Tobermory Race will start from Oban Sunday July 20th, 2025. Entry details will follow, but for anyone wishing to race you will need either an IRC Handicap for ratings between 1 and 12.00; or a CYCA handicap.
CYCA handicaps are available at http://www.cyca-online.org.uk/handicaps.asp A one year handicap is £30. On the website choose 'Handicap' under application forms.
Anyone interested in staying on, West Highland Yachting Week will follow on from the CCA Cruise. Details of this are available here: https://whyw.co.uk/news/
Western Isles Cruise Events:
Saturday, July 19th - Kerrera Marina, Oban - CCA's Meet & Greet Party
1200 - 1800 Marina check-in and Cruise check-in at their Waypoints restaurant.
A night's berth is included
The Bar will be open, Pizza's and Burgers, coffee and cakes available - Cash or CC
6pm Extra Bars open, Rum Punch, Wine and Beer
7pm Buffets set up in the Boat Shed and Waypoints - Seafood - Meat - Salads - Vegetarian
Assigned seating by Boat and Buddy Boat to meet your fellow cruisers
Sunday, July 20th - CCC's Tobermory Race from Oban
Watch for more details
Monday, July 21st - Loch Drambuie - RCC's Sunflower Raft
0800 Weather check to confirm that the Sunflower remains a seamanlike activity
0900 Commence building with Cardinal boats and hopefully completed by around 1500
Boats should be dressed overall
Thursday, July 24th - Talisker Distillery, Loch Harport - ICC's Lunch Event
Welcome marquee at pier to guide guests to Talisker
Welcome dram and/or cocktail upon arrival
Exclusive distillery tours (including sampling) 1015 - 1600 every 15 mins and bookable on day
Cold Buffet provided 1200 - 1500
Exclusive use of tasting rooms
Gift bag for event guests
The CCA is indebted to Diageo for hosting and making the Distillery available to us
Sunday, July 27th - Vatersay Beach Party - RHYC's and CCC's Event
The Local Community Center's Sarah MacLean, Locals and Chef will cater Surf and Turf for all on Vattersay's glorious Eastern beach
Local band will perform
The famed eastern anchorage can accommodate many boats. Walk over to the western beach and maybe even have a swim. Wild swimming, as it now appears to be called, is quite in vogue these days!
Monday, July 28th - Wednesday 30th - OCC's Impromptu Alfresco Pot Luck Party
TBD and announced during the Cruise
Held on the way back to Kerrera
Weather permitting there are many spots for an informal lunch stop whilst heading east
So be prepared with goodies to bring ashore and share. BYOB
Thursday, July 31st - Kerrera Marina, Oban - CCA's Finale Party
1200 - 1800 Marina check in
A night's berth is included
1700 Two Pipers to welcome all ashore
1700 - 2000 Food and Drinks Stations. Using vouchers from your Welcome Pack.
Mussels - Langoustines - Oyster bar - Curry - Chilli - Pizza -Burger - Soups and a Pudding bar.
Seating in The Shed, the Beer Garden and Waypoints
2000 - 2200 Ceilidh Band and Dancing - some tartan (plaid!) would be appropriate
Friday, August 1st - Kerrera Marina, Oban - Fleet disbands
0800 - 1000 Bacon and Egg rolls and Coffee - Cash or CC
Further information will follow in March.
Kind Regards
Clive Reeves
Rear Commodore / Sailing Secretary
Last updated 15:19 on 16 February 2025
