The Sail Clyde Project Sailing in the Clyde Estuary FIRTH OF CLYDE FORUM Robin Cole. 7 th November V2

Introduction A study commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and HIE areas around estuary to review the potential for future development of sailing on the Clyde was completed in The study involved detailed research with berth holders and visiting leisure boats, hotel and accommodation providers, marinas and marine trade operators Preliminary findings discussed with interested organisations in spring 2006

Map of study area

Key Findings – UK and Scotland There are 250,000 yachts in the UK. Around 15,000 yachts are berthed around Scotland in marinas and harbours. In the UK tourism spend related to boating is estimated at just under £2 billion Leisure boating supports around 60,000 tourism jobs in the UK Marine leisure industry has a similar economic impact to golf which is a national priority for Visit Scotland

Key Findings – Clyde Estuary There are over 2,700 permanent Marina berth holders and 2,060 moorings in the Clyde Estuary. Annual spend per permanent boat is around £7,000. There has been a increase in English boats in Scottish marinas, rising from 20% to 30% in the last 10 years. Of the £250 million generated in Scotland, it is estimated some £80 million is based on the Clyde. £40 million of this is directly generated by yachts visiting or berthed on the Clyde.

Key Findings – Clyde Estuary Of those surveyed, 31% of visiting boats came from England. 82% were cruising in their own boat. 78% were in yachts Sailing visitors are in general high spenders. Overall the average daily spend is £125 Satisfaction levels were generally high, although there is a need for more step ashore facilities away from the marinas

Key Findings – Clyde Estuary Scenery and safe waters were the main reason for visiting boats selecting a marina

The Sail Clyde Initiative After presenting the findings of the study to interested parties it was decided to develop a strategy to attempt to double the number of yachts using the Clyde, this is the Sail Clyde Initiative. Initially this was done through the Enterprise Network but is was quickly extended to the industry and other partners. A strategy is being developed to show how this can be achieved.

Areas of activity Marinas The prime location for marinas with major well established facilities and further scope for growth

Established marinas Marinas have successfully attracted non boating usage as a result of good restaurants and shopping opportunities The study identifies that this puts pressure on the facilities during events and can lead to criticism from berth holders This ‘visitor attraction status’ is good for business but needs careful management

Areas of activity Marinas Destinations The most popular areas for touring with demand for better step ashore facilities

Arran The development of a marina in Brodick and a yacht station in Lochranza to improve access to the existing moorings at that location Arran consistently mentioned as a location where sailors would welcome step ashore facilities. The island is central to the study area and is a key location for the transit of boats across the Clyde Estuary There are active proposals for both locations

Tarbert and Sea Lochs Very popular destination and connection for journeys further afield Need for more permanent and visiting moorings to support growth There are opportunities to develop further step ashore facilities in the sea lochs generally These facilities should be linked to restaurants and bars

Areas of activity Marinas Destinations Power boats Linked to regeneration on the Clyde development of facilities to encourage visitors to travel up the river

Dumbarton and Bowling Dumbarton has potential at mouth of Leven as part of waterfront development British Waterways have ambition for saltwater marina at Bowling Harbour to complement existing fresh water facilities at end of canal British Waterways are also working on feasibility of a new Lomond canal along River Leven from Loch Lomond to Dumbarton

Clydebank, Renfrew Pacific Quay Potential for visitor berth at Queens Quay Clydebank near restored Titan Crane Development of Rothesay Dock as repair and storage facility Potential for homes with own moorings plus a restaurant with visitor mooring at Pudzeoch basin in Renfrew Potential for city marina and visitor facilities at Pacific Quay 1909 picture

Areas of activity Marinas Destinations Safe havens links to Irish Sea Power boats A series of small scale facilities linking the main Clyde sailing areas to the Irish Sea and facilities in Ireland, Isle of Man and North West of England to encourage travel between areas

Girvan & Maidens Develop a 70 berth transitory marina at Girvan and a medium size marina at Maidens South Ayrshire lacks sufficient pontoon berths that would provide shorter transits between ports in Northern Ireland and the lower Clyde Estuary Shorter cruising distances would attract more boats as well as smaller craft if a network of these facilities was established

Business and skills development Business Growth and innovation. Targeted support for sailing related businesses and the identification of business development opportunities and requirements. Future Skills. There are a number of skills shortages that exist within the sector. Specialist training is limited causing skills gaps throughout the sector. There is a requirement to match future training supply and demand. Events Strategy. Events play a key role in promoting the Clyde. There is an opportunity to build on the work undertaken by EventScotland and the Scottish Sailing Institute. Marketing. The preparation of an agreed marketing strategy for the Clyde. Research suggests that this will be primarily targeted at the English market.

Progress Several of the locations identified are achieving practical progress in designing and implementing facilities Sail West, a public sector group has been established to support a joint Scottish and Irish bid to secure European funding. A steering Group led by the industry has been established. As well as 5 industry representatives this group includes VisitScotland, EventScotland, Local Councils, HIE and SE. It aims to complete a Sail Clyde Strategy, to be launched in the Spring of 2008.

In summary The marine leisure sector in Scotland continues to sustain growth. Marina operators see this trend continuing. Investment to date has increased the number of southern sailors who keep their boats in Scotland. If Scotland is to maintain its market position there will be a need to provide new berths and destinations. The number of berths could double in the next 10 – 15 years, yielding a further £50 million to the Clyde economy. Any increase in berths will have to be matched with increased marketing activity. If it is a success the Sail Clyde idea could be extended to the rest of Scotland