Location
Loch Ard Sailing Club is in Central Scotland, located eight kilometres to the West of Aberfoyle and nestling in the heart of the beautiful Trossachs region. The club is located in the Trossachs and Lomond National Park. The Loch is fresh water, and acts as the source of the River Forth. Loch Ard is approximately four kilometres long by two kilometres wide, and provides excellent sheltered sailing water.
The Loch lies in the protection of a valley running roughly East-West. The views around the Loch are magnificent, with Ben Lomond dominating the horizon to the West. See the tourist information on the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and photograph collections that include Loch Ard.
You may wish to consult the local map of the Loch. Look at the general pictures and dinghy class pictures for an idea of the club and what happens there.
Facilities
Loch Ard Sailing Club is a dinghy sailing club affiliated to the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) - the governing body for sailing in the UK. At a local level the club works with RYA Scotland and with the area coach. The club is run by an elected Commodore and a committee of around a dozen members.
The club-house contains separate changing rooms and toilets for men and women. The large common room includes a coffee bar where members may purchase snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on racing days. Members have the use of the club-house at all times, though rescue cover is available only during formal races. The club site offers ample parking for cars, and for dinghies and keelboats. A limited number of moorings are available in the bay for keelboats (but not cabin cruisers). The club has its own powered boats for race management and rescue. The club also owns a GP14 dinghy, Optimist dinghies, and canoes for members to use.
The club organises a number of social events during the year. These include a friends and family day, barbecues, formal and informal dinners. The club particularly welcomes children and non-sailing partners of sailors.
Although the club is primarily for members only, visitors may use the club facilities and launch their own boats on application to the club-house and payment of a standard fee.
Note that multi-hulls, power boats and jet-skis are prohibited on Loch Ard.
Information
Information is provided separately on other pages about racing, dinghy classes, training, travel, accommodation and membership.