Sailing a 78' Maxi

Most Connoisseur Golf clients sensibly insert a 'day-off' into their itinerary. A run of consecutive days on the golf course puts a lot of walking miles on the clock, but it's also nice to take time out and enjoy what else Scotland has to offer besides it legendary links.

The question then becomes, " What to do on our day off? "

Some go sightseeing in Edinburgh, others like to explore the multitude of whisky distilleries, and quite a few groups like nothing more than spending the day in the pub - telling everyone how close they were to making par on The Road Hole at St Andrews...

In 2010, for something a little different, Connoisseur Golf will be offering chartered sailing on Scotland's most famous racing yacht - The Arnold Clark Drum.

Originally commissioned by Simon Le Bon (lead singer of Duran Duran) in 1985, this 78 foot Maxi was designed by Ron Holland and built by Vision Yachts of Cowes for top racer Skip Novak. Drum went on to finish 3rd overall in the following year's Whitbread Round The World Yacht Race.

It is based at Rhu Marina, 45 minutes from Glasgow or a mere 15 minutes from Cameron House on the shores of Loch Lomond. You can choose to actively participate in the sailing of the yacht under the watchful eye of the skipper and his crew, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery.

I can personally vouch - golfing aside, there is no more enjoyable a way to spend a day in Scotland. You begin the journey by sailing out from the shores of The Gareloch, and entering the Firth of Clyde before heading down through the stretch of water between Dunoon and Gourock. A couple of hours further down the coast brings you to a nice sheltered spot at The Holy Loch where the anchor is lowered for a spot of lunch. A wonderful three course meal is then served, with wines, beer and soft drinks complimentary throughout the day. Eating haggis, neeps & tatties and watching the sun reflect across the sea towards the Ayrshire coastline is about as Scottish as it gets.

The crew know how to adapt the level of involvement to each individual's experience and skills, but even our group of novice yachtsmen managed to master the art of tacking and we all got to enjoy a few minutes alone on the wheel. Sailing equipment isn't necessary because oilskin trousers and jackets are supplied before setting off. The only requirements to note in advance are trainers (rubber soled tennis shoes) and a warm hat.

If you have any further questions about sailing on the 78' Drum, or the possibility of adding it to your itinerary then contact me through the main website at http://www.connoisseurgolf.com/.