by Ed Wingfield

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Introduction

The Firth of Forth is a good cruising venue for the experienced dinghy sailor. The mix of open and sheltered sailing allows for a satisfying cruise in most conditions. In all but our least common easterly winds you can work a weather shore. The lower Forth is exposed to occasional North Sea swell that causes surging in affected harbours. Even then there are good opportunities upstream, especially above the bridges. Dinghy sailors are treated with the usual kindness and many harbours do not take dues!

West Wemyss (pronounced weems)

A pretty little drying harbour. Enter –3 to +3HW and dry out on shingle to west of the large white house under the red cliff. Autobank in shop. Bus No 13 to Kirkaldy. Local Boat Club members very helpful. Improvements such as mud clearance are taking place.

Inchcolm

The wake of  vessels using the main deepwater channel to the south of the island will cause disturbance to the three anchorages facing that side. If anchoring off Inchcolm a trip line on the anchor is recommended as there are many abandoned power cables coming ashore in all the sheltered bays. Both South Bay and the northernmost bay are suitable for drying out if you stay with your craft as she dries. West Bay is a good temporary anchorage or HW landing at the jetty as the deep water channel is nearby and you can watch the big ship movements. South Bay gives protection until half-tide then watch out! It is then very exposed to shipping wash. Watch out for angry skuas and gulls during the nesting season. Only use the upper end of the jetty on the north side (wooden) as the passenger ferry will use the lower (concrete) part. Suitable for drying out only at top of tide. Stepping ashore will make you liable for a small landing charge payable to the Guardian who will advise where suitable to barbecue. The ruined Augustinian Abbey and the fairly unobtrusive defensive works make this island beautiful and a very worthwhile visit.

Bass Rock

Offers no shelter but is a ‘must’ to examine at close quarters. Geologists tell us it is the core of a volcano! With deep water allowing you close in it is awesome. There is a cave worth exploring on the SE side but you will need to take an inflatable dinghy at LW, it is said to extend for 170yds.  Most of the top of the Rock is crammed with bickering Gannets and the constant traffic of arriving and departing birds makes for a busy scene. The Rock once housed political and religious prisoners. Birdwatching parties from North Berwick land by launch to stone jetties on the south side near the lighthouse but whether landing by dinghy is allowed is unknown but landing and anchoring both look to be impractical because of swell and deep water. Go to www.waimea.demon.co.uk/bass.html for detailed history and natural history. For views of the birds by remote interactive cameras visit the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick or www.seabird.org

Whilst this information is given in good faith and every effort has been made to avoid errors, no responsibility is accepted regarding its complete accuracy and the author or the DCA will accept no responsibility for damage or loss arising from any mistake or omission arising from its use.