LOCH EARN
Sailing on Loch Earn is never dull: the wind strength and direction change constantly providing challenges throughout the season.
The Loch extends for 10.5 km from St Fillans in the east to Lochearnhead in the west. The maximum width is 1.2 km and the maximum depth about halfway along is 87 metres.
The name Loch Earn comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Loch Eire’ and is thought to mean “Loch of Ireland”.
The name Loch Earn comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Loch Eire’ and is thought to mean “Loch of Ireland”. The Loch extends for 10.5 km from St Fillans in the east to Lochearnhead in the west. The maximum width is 1.2 km and the maximum depth about halfway along is 87 metres.
Interestingly there is an apparent “tidal system” on the loch called a seiche which is caused by the prevailing westerly wind blowing along the loch. The wind pressure on the surface causes the water level to build up at one end of the loch. This build up of water eventually returns to the other end of the loch over a 16 hour period.
Loch Earn shares this effect with other bodies of water including Lake Geneva and Lake Garda. In a stiff westerly breeze a significant wave height can build up to add to the fun of sailing.
Being on the Loch is delightful on a warm summers day. If you are lucky you may see the resident ospreys feeding. Venture down towards the fish farm and you will get a spectacular view of Ben Vorlich. The waterskiing at Lochearnhead can provide noisy entertainment as does the seaplane which is seen frequently landing and taking off.
The Loch extends for 10.5 km from St Fillans in the east to Lochearnhead in the west. The maximum width is 1.2 km and the maximum depth about halfway along is 87 metres.
There are few navigation hazards on the loch as long as you steer clear of the hard, dry bit round the edge. The shallow spit where the Tarken Burn flows into the loch has snared many a keelboat, especially those painted bright yellow and named Hooligan. Sailing up this spit will land you on the annual Duffers Trophy as Gone with the Wind found out in 2023.
There is a large partially submerged rock on the north shore towards St Fillans near the Milestone Lodge.
The area between Neish Island and the shore is very shallow as was established by a member of the web team in a cruiser on a hot summer’s day.
The resulting crash and blaming of the crew gave great entertainment to the folk sunning themselves in front of the Four Seasons Hotel.
Finally, it is unwise to navigate where the river Earn flows from the loch unless you fancy a cruise to the River Tay.
Find out more from the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. For those undertaking any activities on or around the loch, you should familiarise yourself with Loch Earn’s Code of Conduct, which lays out the roles and responsibilities of visitors.
REMEMBER
Sailing is not without risk.
The health and safety of club members is the primary concern of the committee. Incidents in the past have underlined for us all that even the most experienced sailor can suffer a mishap on this loch.
Club members are very welcome to use the club outside of normal club operating hours, but if members choose to sail when rescue cover is not available (ie. outwith weekends and diarised events), they do so at their own risk.
Club members and visitors should always make adequate precautions to ensure their own safety.
For example,
- Ensure the boat is suitable and seaworthy for the planned trip,
- Notify a third party of their intended trip and sailing activity, and
- Carry appropriate means of communication and adequate safety equipment.