The second is to establish pontoon facilities in key locations between a half and a day's sail from the main facilities: ‘a safe haven to sail to’. Finally, the publication of a users' guide to facilities, similar to the popular but now unavailable ‘Welcome Ashore’ booklet.

A small industry group has been formed to get this project rolling, with representation from marina operators, VisitScotland, the British Marine Federation and the Scottish yachting media.

The co-ordinator of Sail Clyde is Annemarie Burns of Enterprise Ayrshire, who can be contacted on 01563 545018 or annemarie.burns@scotent.co.uk

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's main economic development agency, funded by the Scottish Executive.