Superyachts could appear regularly along the Cumbrae coastline thanks to a new drive to market the Clyde as one of the most attractive cruising destinations in the world.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) researchers are partners in Cool Route, a European-funded programme to develop a new yacht cruising route, will be promoted internationally and will have a distinct branding, booking and information system.
And the move has been welcomed by the Save Millport Pier campaign. Spokeswoman Mari Wallace said: "It is another very good reason for Millport to maintain a working pier and step ashore facilities for super yacht tenders."
Part of the strategy includes attracting superyachts to the area to help remote, local businesses share in Scotland’s £3.7 billion marine tourism industry.
An invitational brochure targeting superyachts has been produced and small businesses are being urged to register for free on an online platform, which aims to link local enterprises to their ports, and provide information on what’s available, by way of food and drink, entertainment, things to do and places to visit. Businesses can register here: www.sailcoolroute.eu/get-listed/
GCU’s Moffat Centre is providing logistical, business and marketing support to help increase the number of vessels visiting Scotland and bring wealthy tourists onshore.
Giancarlo Fedeli, principal investigator for the Cool Route at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “One specific part of the project is to target superyachts and a lot of marketing activity will aim at this particular segment. There’s higher spending there.
“We are aiming at small and medium enterprises and trying to get them involved in the booking website, so visitors will consider using their services."
The full Cool Route stretches around southern and western Ireland, across Northern Ireland and up the coast of western Scotland, to the Faroe Islands and Norway and is rated as one of the most attractive sailing routes globally.
The booking platform offers self-registration for local businesses. Over 300 stopovers have been identified across the route, with stopovers every 25 nautical miles.
Researchers from GCU, in partnership with British Marine Scotland, have held workshops with marine operators in Oban and have hosted an event for local businesses at Largs Yacht Haven.