Chartering

 

Chartering is a good way to start keel-boat sailing after having been a dinghy sailor (as I did on the Clyde in 1974), and a good way to see the west coast until you can buy your own boat (as I was able to do, sharing with a friend, in 1988). Have a look at the Scottish Association of Yacht Charterers and poke around to see what suits you best. To get to the sailing area on this website you could charter from the Clyde from an outfit like Flamingo Yacht Charters in Largs, but you would have to be prepared to avoid denting the boat in  the Crinan Canal (fun and charming) or tackle the Mull of Kintyre (could be challenging). Easier to charter more locally, for example from Alba Sailing at Dunstaffnage.