Oban Marina welcomed over 100 yachts, with crews from 12 countries, prior to the start of the popular Classic Malts Cruise.

The 200-mile voyage – the UK’s largest non-competitive sailing event – offers participants a unique two-week voyage following the spectacular coastline of north-west Scotland and combines superb sailing with visits to some of the most famous single malt whisky distilleries in Scotland.

Cruise organiser, Jeremy Wyatt commented: “We are delighted that the Cruise brings many sailors to explore the west coast of Scotland for the first time, using Oban Marina as a base from which to explore the wonderful sailing around the inner Hebrides. This year, in addition to cruisers from around the UK, we have significant entries from Germany, Scandinavia, and from as far away as Canada and the USA.”

“The sight of the marina was wonderful,” added Marina manager Susan Price. “We were full to capacity and it was really colourful as the yachts are encouraged to ‘dress’ overall to help create a festival atmosphere with flags flying. The larger ferry we invested in this year made it easy for crews to get back easily to their yachts on Kerrera from Oban.”

The Classic Malts Cruise is organized by the World Cruising Club and runs from 11 to 24 July, starting from Oban and ending at Lagavulin on Islay. For more info, visit www.classicmaltscruise.com .