Transitioning from a dinghy to a cruising yacht is a significant milestone for any sailor. This May, Go West Sailing hosted the Clyde Cruising Club (CCC) Dinghy Section for their 2026 Sailing Weekend, providing adult members with an opportunity to experience big-boat sailing.
Organised by Hugh McLean and Jimmy Watson, this annual weekend is a vital fixture for the club. Driven by Hugh and Jimmy’s enthusiasm and commitment, the programme continues to create valuable opportunities for adult members to step out of smaller craft and experience the world of yacht sailing.
Working in partnership with us, the initiative has opened the door for many members to develop their sailing skills and confidence beyond dinghy sailing. For a number of participants, these experiences have gone on to inspire further training, including completing RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper theory and practical qualifications.
Much of this success is down to Hugh McLean. Over many years, Hugh has introduced countless sailors to yacht sailing, generously sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and lifelong passion for being on the water. Through his efforts, many members have gained valuable experience, confidence, and memorable days afloat on the Clyde. Ultimately, the weekend celebrates not only sailing itself, but also the spirit of friendship, mentorship, learning, and opportunity that makes the Dinghy Section such an important part of the Club.
The training platform: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 Voyager
To match the focus on learning and development, the weekend took place aboard Voyager, the 2013 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379. Designed by Marc Lombard, this 37-foot cruising yacht is an ideal platform for sailors moving up from dinghies, offering an effective balance of performance and straightforward handling.
Voyager features a modern hard-chine hull and a twin-wheel, single-rudder configuration. This setup delivers excellent stability under sail and highly responsive handling at the helm—a feel that dinghy sailors appreciate immediately.
The deck layout is engineered for safe, efficient crew operations. All sail controls lead directly back to the cockpit, including a double-ended mainsheet accessible right from the helm. Under the shelter of the sprayhood, the crew could practice sail adjustments and handling techniques safely, managing the slab-reefing mainsail (with lazy bag) and roller-furling jib.
We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the CCC Dinghy Section and look forward to welcoming the next generation of sailors aboard Voyager as they expand their horizons on the water.
