Alpha Explorers head up the West Coast - 07-09-2010

Nine members of the Alpha Explorer Unit from Newton Mearns took part in this summer's expedition aboard Moonrise, a 50 foot sailing yacht. They were accompanied by the Unit Leader/Skipper, a second Leader and an additional Skipper. The plan was to sail the West Coast starting from Croabh and return to Largs via the Crinan Canal or round the Mull of Kintyre.

The expedition began on Saturday 7th August at Craobh marina when the Explorers boarded Moonrise for some practical training. They then sailed to Oban and Tobermory before displaying great teamwork to bring the yacht through the lock system on the Crinan Canal, entering the Clyde at Ardrishaig. They sailed down Loch Fyne, through the Kyles of Bute to Rothesay and finished the week at Largs marina on Saturday 14th August. Moonrise covered 200 miles through the week.

Activities included rock climbing, ice climbing and the aerial assault course at The Ice Factor at Kinlochleven, visits to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and the RNLI Lifeboat in Tobermory, fishing for mackerel and a trying to catch dinner in a lobster creel, and a fast RIB boat trip with Cumbrae Voyages which included grey seal watching.

The Explorers had participated in car washes and other fundraising events between April and June to raise an £800 activity budget for the expedition. They had also attended a training weekend in June which covered the RYA Competent Crew syllabus.

Thanks to Bruce Dick for this story. 

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