Crofters Cruise

Join tall ship Lady of Avenel for five days sailing as she collaborates with Scottish restaurant Crofters Music Bar & Bistro‘ and welcomes guests aboard for a sailing holiday exploring the Firth of Clyde in West Scotland.

Crofters’, owned by Dónal Boyle, is a music bar & bistro on the Isle of Arran, specialising in authentic Scottish hospitality, quality local food and live, acoustic music. Having learned to sail in the Clyde, some 30 years ago, Dónal works regularly as a mate on Lady of Avenel. He has spent many hours with Skipper Stefan discussing the ideal format to offer the best possible combination of a sailing adventure, hospitality and music. The result is Crofters’ Cruises, where they have taken the bistro concept afloat to explore a truly magical part of the world, on an amazing boat, in great company!

Protected by the Kintyre peninsula with an archipelago of rugged islands, the Firth of Clyde is a fascinating area to sail in. With ancient castles, meandering lochs and an abundance of wildlife, this part of Scotland is definitely best explored under sail. The Kyles of Bute is said to be one of the prettiest sailing passages in Britain and with fjord-like lochs and heather-clad hills, these waters make for perfect sheltered sailing on board a tall ship.

There will be plenty of time to explore the many Lochs and waterways, as well as daily stops ashore. Discover hidden anchorages, explore castle ruins, enjoy the local acoustic music and even visit the well-known Lochranza Distillery on the Isle of Arran. The Lochranza Bay is said to be one of the most stunning anchorages on the Isle of Arran with its lush green hills rolling down to meet shingle shores lined by quaint cottages.

The itinerary is entirely dependant on the wind and tides but as you board, the skipper will have a good idea of what to expect. This part of Scotland provides great sailing ground for Lady of Avenel and guests can help hoist the sails or simply sit back, relax and enjoys the views. Along with the Skipper, first mate and deckhand, Lady of Avenel will also have a chef and waitress onboard.

Evenings are a relaxed affair, perhaps with the wood burner lit and the multi-skilled crew even picking up their acoustic instruments for some background music as you relax with a book or board game or just exchange seafaring tales with your fellow guests. This part of the world has a great love of Celtic music with many local villages, pubs and restaurants regularly playing an array of instruments from the infamous bagpipes to fiddles, guitars and even harps and accordions. Lady of Avenel’s crew will have a guitar and fiddle or two aboard, so if you fancy bringing yours to join in, you’re more than welcome

All food is sourced locally (as far as is possible) and is freshly cooked on board by Crofters’ very own gourmet chef every day. Drinks have been specially selected from the very best local distilleries and breweries such as:

• Wild Thyme Spirits Colonsay Gin
• Islay Gin Co. Nerabus Gin
• Beinn Na Tuirc Kintyre Gin
• Isle of Arran Gin
• Isle of Arran Distillery 10-year-old, Fingals Cut Sherry Cask Finish, Arran Gold
• Isle of Bute Gin Co. Oyster Gin
• Isle of Barra Distillery Barra Gin
• Colonsay The Scalasaig Island Hopper whisky
• Belhaven Craft beer range: Pilsner, Oat Stout, Speyside Finish Blonde, Scottish Ale
• Thistly Cross Traditional cider
• Bon Accord & Fentimans soft drinks ranges
• Crofters’ House Red & White wines

*** SAMPLE MENU ONLY ***

Breakfast\
Loch Fyne Smoked Kippers or Apple Smoked Back Bacon
Served with scrambled eggs

Lunch
Philly Cheese Steak
Shredded beef, mushrooms, bell peppers, onion & mature cheddar on ciabatta
Mediterranean Roast Vegetables
Mushrooms, courgettes, aubergine, bell peppers with feta and minted coconut yoghurt on ciabatta
Traditional Cullen Skink 
Creamy potato, leek and smoked haddock soup

Dinner 
Pan-fried Fillet of Ling
Mussels, peas, courgette, new potatoes and cream
Arran Venison Bourguignon 
Pearl onions, button mushrooms, pancetta and buttery mash potato

Dessert
Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding 
Muscovado butterscotch sauce and Arran dairies Icecream
Arran Cheese Board
Arran Chutney and Wooley’s oaties

Please ask if you require information relating to allergens and dietary preferences. Vegan, dairy and gluten-free diets can be fully catered for. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard against cross-contamination, if you have a severe allergy, please advise us at point of booking. 

All food and drink is included in your ticket price. Trips ashore to attractions and/or distilleries are not included in your ticket price.

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Crofters Cruise

Guest berths: Rig:

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance, which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined, so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

Travel Planning

From: Greenock

To: Greenock

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.