Crystal Yacht Charter

Crystal Yacht Charter have a fleet of modern yachts from 32′ to 47′ as well as powerful 11 metre RIB for both bareboat and skippered charter based at Ardfern. We are situated 14 miles south of Oban, which is the ideal place from which to begin exploring the beautiful West Coast of Scotland. We aim to provide you with hassle free cruising, route advice and the local knowledge, which will allow you to make the most of your cruise.

Ardfern is our main base for two main reasons – firstly, ease of access to the islands and secondly the facilities it provides.

Sailing Area / Location
Craobh Haven offers access to the picturesque West Coast of Scotland with all its many inland sea lochs & islands. It is situated approximately 2 hours by car from Glasgow and its international airport offering air / road and rail links throughout the UK. It is also only 14 miles south of Oban, which has excellent links to other areas of the West Coast including many of the islands.

Local facilities at Ardfern include a nearby village store, café, bar / restaurant and gift shop. There are also many activities available within easy reach, including horse riding, diving, fishing and boat trips out to the famous Gulf of Corrievrechan situated between Jura & Scarba. There is also a selection of restaurants only a short drive away.

During certain periods of the season we also operate from Largs and Mallaig, which are also both located on the West Coast.

Skippered Charters
Having a professional skipper can add to your experience of cruising by taking a lot of the pressure of you as a new comer to the area.The skipper will not dictate your route to you but he or she will offer advice as to the suitability of your route taking into account the weather and possible diversions.You can if you wish let the skipper take you on a general cruise and be freed of the need to plan your route so carefully.

A professional skipper can be used as a valuable teaching aid in order to improve your own confidence, watch the way they leave the dock, the rope handling and their skill in looking for potential problems from the off. Even having a skipper for a day can take much of the strain off you on the first day of your cruise.

Sail for a Day
Sail for a day allows you to enjoy the lifestyle of the few!

Sail onboard our safe and very comfortable yachts with a skipper for a full day to take in the islands of Argyll. A light lunch is included on the yacht as are waterproofs which are not as tasty but will keep you warm!

The yachts are all inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard agency for safety equipment and have all the home comforts you will need for a happy day at sea.

The typical day will anchor up for lunch near an island and take in some of the most stunning scenery on the coastline of Scotland.

This past season we have seen minke whales, dolphins and killer whales from the comfort of our boats.

If you wish you can steer or just enjoy the waves lapping by secure in the knowledge that your hotel or guest house will have a welcoming supper laid on for your return.

Our Yachts
Our Bavaria yachts provide comfortable and seaworthy boats in which you can explore the islands and bays of the West Coast; for example Jura, Islay, Gigha and Tobermory are all islands and places that are easily accessible by yacht from Ardfern.

All our boats are less than 33 years old and fully equipped with chart plotters, DSC radios and safety equipment to fulfil MCA Category 2 Certification. More importantly each boat has warm air cabin heating just to make life onboard a home from home!

The 36’s provide comfortable accommodation for up to eight people with three double cabins and two single berths in the salon. Each boat has hot water, a shower, and a cool box with plenty of storage space.

Redbay 11 metre RIB
Crystal has an outstanding new Redbay 11 metre rib available for commercial and bareboat charter throught the year.

This vessel has the capacity to transport up to twelve passengers in comfort all over the West Coast of Scotland. In addition to being available for individual charters out to the islands, it can be bareboat chartered to qualified crews for use on the West Coast.

The rib has twin Yamaha 285 diesels with stern drives which allow it to cruise out to the islands at 30 knots:for example Colonsay to Craobh can be achieved within an hour. Craighouse on Jura is readily available from Craobh again within the hour, weather permitting.

‘Integrity’ has all the lastest navigational aids and can operate in poor weather and limited visibility so your task can be achieved. It has onboard facilities to make warm food and a toilet for further comfort when on task.

The rib can be used for:-

• A platform for delivering news crews to remote locations anywhere on the West Coast.
• Private charters for parties requiring quick access to the islands.
• Taking sampling teams/scientists to remote locations to study the wildlife, whales and sharks.
• Emergency transport for urgent parts or medical supplies – we are available 24 hours a day.
• And anything else that is legal!