A contribution in pictures and words by Mark Unsworth of Islay Studios. Mark: Islay once again hosted the final leg of the Malts Cruise 2011, organised by World Cruising this was formerly the Classic Malts Cruise when sponsored by Diageo. After a break last year because of a clash with the centenary celebrations of Clyde Yacht Club, thirty six yachts joined the cruise with one reportedly travelling from Argentina to take part.

The itinerary was a little different this year, without the sponsorship there was no official involvement from the three former partners of Talisker, Oban and Lagavulin distilleries but the yachts visited amongst others Rum, Mull, Oban, Loch Tarbert and Port Ellen. As usual all the yachts once arrived on Islay were bulled up and dressed with bunting including many flags from previous years cruises and as is usual blue skies at Port Ellen. There was a final night ceilidh organised for the sailors at the Ramsey Hall before the yachts left for home on Friday (22nd).

Yachts at Port Ellen Marina

Yachts at Port Ellen Marina

Tag: malts cruise port ellen