THE ASYC 5 STAR SERVICES
All our members:
- Meet the safety requirements of the DTp Code of Practice for Small Commercial Vessels.
- Offer the highest standard of equipment and service.
- Are committed to offering the best in yachting holidays and tuition.
- Offer protection for forward payments.
- In the unlikely event of a dispute, offer free, legally binding arbitration through the Association.
This is the web site of the Association of Scottish Yacht Charterers whose members are the major yacht charter companies operating in the west of Scotland.
This expanse of water stretching from the Clyde in the south to Orkney in the north with its many islands, lochs and mountains has long been regarded as one of the finest yacht cruising areas in Europe, where in summer the days are long, sunsets can be spectacular and even rain, often misty and light, adds to the variety of the experience. Historically the Vikings ruled the Islands for centuries and have left many fascinating place names mixed with others of Gaelic and Scots origin and more tangible relics of these times in the many ruined castles. The country suffered in more recent times from depopulation resulting in many now rather forlorn and romantic ruins of crofts and villages. More ancient relics in the shape of standing stones can be found especially on the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. All together shape the romance of the Islands.
Sailing in the Firth of Clyde and its adjoining sea lochs offers comparatively sheltered waters with several marinas on the Ayrshire coast, in the Clyde and on Loch Fyne, most with excellent shore facilities. Children can find sandy beaches and adults may visit castles, play golf or walk and climb. To suit all tastes many quiet secluded anchorages can be found. Connecting the Clyde with the rest of the west coast is the Crinan Canal which cuts across Kintyre avoiding the long journey round the Mull of Kintyre, passing through lush well wooded countryside with white painted canal side houses. The opening of the sea lock gates at Crinan opens to the yachtsman the entire scope of the Western Isles with so many anchorages that a whole life could be spent exploring without seeing them all. You just have to see the flowers of the machir on the islands in summer and the purple of the heather clad hills in August. There really is no better way to see and experience the Western Isles than from a sailing yacht which gives a true sense of adventure and independence. The pace of life slows and the visitor has time to appreciate the birds and sea life with which the whole area abounds.
The members of ASYC are dedicated to providing sailing yachts throughout the area including Orkney, equipped to a high standard and meeting in all cases the requirements of the Code of Practice for charter yachts. Most charters are bare boat or self sail but skippers can be provided where necessary and corporate events can be organised for groups or clubs. Several members can provide tuition to RYA standards. All yachts are equipped with Admiralty charts, comprehensive Sailing Directions, navigation instruments and electronics as well as all necessary safety appliances.