Largs Yacht Haven — Clyde Gateway for Cruising
Alexandra
Largs Yacht Haven offers 730 berths, 24-hour staffing, full tidal access and CCTV, and lies about 30 miles from Glasgow Airport with a regular train link that places the marina roughly one hour from the city — a practical logistics node for skippers staging west coast passages from the Firth of Clyde.
Marina infrastructure and services
Built by Yacht Havens in 1984 from a stretch of beach south of the town, the marina now operates as a Five Gold Anchor facility. Facilities include secure berthing, shore power, diesel and pump-out, concierge assistance, and slipway access. Staff are available around the clock and the marina is accessible at all states of tide — a key operational advantage for charters and owner-operators coordinating tight schedules or late arrivals.
Onsite activity and community
Largs is home to several clubs and organisations: Largs Sailing Club, Fairlie Yacht Club, the Firth of Clyde Coastal Rowing Club and the Scottish base for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. These groups drive a year-round programme of events, from the August Bank Holiday Regatta Festival to the Scottish Two-handed Race, meaning berths see frequent visitor rotation and lively shoreside facilities.
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Facilities checklist
- 24/7 staffed marina and CCTV
- Fuel berth and pump-out
- Slipway and lifting options
- Visitor pontoons and reciprocal mooring agreements (notably with Troon Yacht Haven)
- Nearby rail and bus connections for crew changes
- Local chandlery, provisioning and repair services
Passage planning and approach
The approach is via the Largs Channel; from the south vessels come between Little Cumbrae and Farland Head. Port and starboard breakwaters are marked by occulting lights (10s) and a lit safe water mark (L.Fl.10s) indicates the deepwater route. The adjacent Cumbrae Islands shelter the marina in most conditions, but be mindful that strong westerlies can produce a significant swell in the channel on approach.
Navigation notes
- Follow the lit safe water mark on final approach.
- Watch for local commercial traffic near Cumbrae and on the inner Clyde.
- Check tidal streams in tight channels — planning at halfway flood or ebb often helps arrival times.
Cruising destinations from Largs
Once berthed at Largs, a wealth of short passages opens up for day hops or longer passages. The Inner Clyde, Isle of Cumbrae, Isle of Bute, Arran and the Kyles of Bute are all within easy reach, and with improved travel links the marina suits crews who fly into Glasgow and pick up a charter, buy a second-hand yacht, or base a season’s cruising programme here.
| Destination | Distance (NM) | Approx. passage time (under sail/motor) |
|---|---|---|
| Millport, Isle of Cumbrae | 4 | ~30–45 minutes |
| Rothesay, Isle of Bute | 6 | ~1 hour |
| Brodick, Isle of Arran | 16 | ~3–4 hours |
| Tarbert, Loch Fyne | 22 | ~4–5 hours |
| Troon Yacht Haven (reciprocal) | 20 | ~3–4 hours |
| Ardrishaig (Crinan Canal start) | 32 | ~6–7 hours |
Local highlights and shore options
Millport, the “Jewel of the Clyde,” offers sandy beach family stops and bike hire; Rothesay provides visitor pontoons close to shops and pubs; Brodick has hiking, golf and Brodick Castle; Tarbert is atmospheric with castle views; Troon is famed for golf and fine dining at Scotts. Reciprocal berthing agreements make multi-stop itineraries practical for charter operators and yacht owners alike.
Tips for charterers and owners
- Reserve berths during Regatta periods and school holidays — demand spikes.
- Confirm lifting/slip availability ahead for maintenance windows.
- Use the rail link to stage crew changes; it's a charterer's dream when flights arrive late.
Whether planning a weekend escape or staging a season-long cruise to the Outer Hebrides, Largs Yacht Haven combines sheltered berthing, strong onshore logistics and a gateway position. For anyone involved in yacht charter, boat hire or looking to rent a berth, the marina’s connectivity, facilities and local cruising destinations make it a practical and attractive base.
In summary: Largs Yacht Haven is a well-equipped marina with 730 berths, reliable 24/7 services and sheltered approaches via the Largs Channel. Its proximity to Glasgow transport links, active sailing community and quick access to Millport, Rothesay, Brodick, Tarbert and Troon mean great options for yacht owners, charter operators and day sailors. Whether organising a yacht charter, planning a boat rent itinerary, considering a sale or captained trip, or simply looking for marinas with good provisioning and clearwater anchorages, Largs stands out as a gateway to yachting activities in the Clyde and beyond — sea, ocean and inland waters alike.
