Sail Caledonia - Sailing Programme

Having run a very similar programme for the last three years we have decided to alter things a bit to make the event more challenging whilst retaining the essential ingredient of fun and Scottish hospitality.

The experience of sailing coast-to-coast, including racing in both the Atlantic and North Sea waters is special so we have 'stretched' the end of the event to include a race on the Moray Firth. We also recognise that some Raid crews are very proficient with boats specifically designed for this type of event and hence we have introduced something really challenging for them - the 'Loch Ness Challenge'. . . Are the 'new' raid boats really as good as they say? We will see!

Arrive at Fort William and launch boats. Early evening regatta in Loch Linnhe (sea loch) joined by local boats followed by welcome reception, buffet and ceilidh.

Ascend the majestic 'Neptune's Staircase' from sea level to 25m whilst 'extra' crews enjoy the 'Treasures of the Earth' exhibition or a cable car ride to 800m above sea level at Aonach Mor. Lunch at Banavie followed by a gated race along the canal reach to Gairlochy, some 10km to the north-east.

Evening barbecue at Gairlochy with opportunities to visit the Clan Cameron museum, ride an Icelandic Horse or explore the local forests on a mountain bike.

Race the length of Loch Lochy between hills rising either side to 900m. Lunch at Laggan followed by a rowing race along the 2km section of canal to Laggan Bridge.

Arrive at the Great Glen Water Park (or nearby campsite) on the shores of Loch Oich in time for a relaxing swim (in the pool) or take part in laser clay pigeon shooting or a visit to the historic Well of the Seven Heads. Evening barbecue/buffet and informal ceilidh in the accommodation boats or local bar.

Course race on Loch Oich possibly joined by local boats followed by lunch at Cullochy Lock. In the afternoon we rally along the canal reach and through the lock at Kytra, congregating around 1km south of Fort Augustus. The final leg will be a 'speed' pusuit rowing race into Fort Augustus with the finish line right at the top lock and in sight of Loch Ness. We expect plenty of local support for this leg of the journey. Ând finally, we lock the boats down the flight of locks at Fort Augustus to Loch Ness ready for the following day.

Wednesday is the day of the Loch Ness Challenge where the top boats attempt a gruelling 54km passage up the full length of Loch Ness and half way back to the overnight stop at Foyers! The final course will be weather dependant and may be shortened (in the event of stiff NE breeze) so as to provide the possibility of one or two boats completing the challenge within the time limit. The greatest total distance sailed will set the challenge for the following year!

Complete the passage of Loch Ness, stopping for a picnic lunch on the shores of Loch Dochfour and arriving at Dochgarroch in the early afternoon. Car drivers will then be ferried by coach back to Fort William to collect their vehicles and trailers whilst others recover from the rigours of Loch Ness.

Complete the passage of the Great Glen with 11km of canal reach and a flight of five locks in Inverness within sight of the Moray Firth.

Stop for lunch at Clachnaharry before locking out to sea for the final race of the event on the Moray Firth in the afternoon.

The day ends with boats being hauled out of the water onto trailers at North Kessock before returning to Dochgarroch where we hold the closing party in the village hall consisting of barbecue/buffet supper, prize-giving and ceilidh.

The event closes on the Friday night so competitors are able to leave early on the Saturday to travel home.