A last hurrah

Gordon Baird enjoys the perfect cruise with old friends before putting his high performance trimaran up for sale

- Gordon Baird

We created a perfectly balanced crew: a glass-half-empty pessimist, a glass-half-full optimist and an opportunist enjoying the contents; hybrid and happy. I had been sailing Scotland’s west coast regularly with Eric, since 1978, and with Rod since the 1980s.

Two years ago, to suit our remaining health and fitness, I bought a Dragonfly 32 trimaran. A good size, exciting performance and comfortable accommodation for three or four; it was a superb compromise.

It was time for a late September cruise before Tri Mhor (pronounced tree-vore – translated Big Three) reluctantly went on the market.

My son Iain drove me to Oban, and we spent a night in the special Kerrera marina where facilities have been tastefully upgraded with respect to the beautifully remote location. Nearly 50 years ago when I first sailed to Oban with Iain’s grandfather, the anchorage was foul, surroundings were derelict, ruined by the detritus of war.

Now a well-managed restaurant complements a fully-serviced yard. Nowhere else combines unadulterated remoteness with rapid access to shops, restaurants and pubs courtesy of a 10-minute ferry.

We set off for Puilladobhrain. A gentle beam reach with flat water at 12 to 14 knots, enjoying a cup of tea, sailing south to Easdale then circumnavigating Insh (Sheep) Island before beating back.

Puilladobhran remains unspoilt. We ate aboard in the company of buzzards and seals, watching the early sunset.