18th August 2024 to 27th August 2024
Scottish Isles Sailing Adventure
From £2995 per person
Deposit Payment in full
Price from £2,995 per person
Scottish Isles Sailing Adventure
Duration: 10 days from 18 to 27 August 2024
Join us on our Scottish Isles Sailing Adventure, departing Oban for 10 days and explore some of Scotland’s most iconic islands by yacht. This is the perfect combination of bucket list sailing and sights. It includes real, hands-on sailing including a long passage to visit the UNESCO heritage site at St Kilda and through the Pentland Firth. We will combine some night sailing as well as some evenings at anchor, allowing us to enjoy time ashore in sleepy harbour villages like Tobermory with its colourful buildings, along the coast.
Jim Dobie is a hugely experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner meaning you can use the trip to brush up on sailing skills, with plenty of time for one-to-one mentoring, or simply enjoy being part of the voyage. With a maximum of six crew aboard our comfortable yacht, you will have space to relax and plenty of opportunity to adapt the itinerary to the group's wishes.
Visit the ancient abbey on the symbolic Isle of Iona, witness the famous Fingal's Cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa and explore the Isle of Skype and the Isle of Rum. This journey promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, natural beauty, and Scottish heritage.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- Experience the thrill of real sailing and hands-on participation, including the opportunity for a long passage to the UNESCO heritage site at St Kilda and a trip through the sound of Harris – a narrow channel between the isle of Harris and the national scenic area of Uist.
- Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Scotland's Scottish Isles, with dramatic coastlines and ancient rock formations. We will aim to visit the ancient abbey on the symbolic island of Iona, the legendary Fingal's Cave with its mesmerising acoustics on Staffa and the islands of St.Kilda which have the highest sea cliffs in Britain. We will explore the Isle of Skye, and other famous islands like the Isle of Rum with its Celtic and Norse history.
- Experience charming towns like Oban and Tobermory in the isle of Mull, and go ashore to explore.
- Encounter fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. Otters, dolphins, seals, whales, and basking sharks all take residence in these waters. St Kilda has the most important seabird breeding station in northwest Europe.
Who The Trip Is For
- Those who want to experience the thrill of sailing through vast blue waters, exploring remote islands, and experiencing the raw beauty of nature as a member of a working crew.
- Nature lovers who want to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Including bucket-list animals like whales and puffins.
- Social explorers who want to connect with like-minded travellers, engage with locals in harbour villages, and create lasting memories while sharing stories and experiences.
Itinerary: Scottish Isles Sailing Adventure
Day 1: Welcome
Join us at 1 pm for a welcome on board. Meet your fellow crew and your skipper, Jim Dobie. Once you’re introduced to your cabin, we will complete a full safety brief and yacht orientation. Dinner will either be on board or if preferred, we can head into Oban where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Day 2: Depart towards Tobermory
We depart Oban and will route towards Tobermory under sail. This is a nice 23-nautical mile trip and perfect to ease into the adventure ahead. You will become comfortable with handling the yacht under Jim’s expert supervision with plenty of time to ask questions and practice or learn your sailing skills.
Day 3: Time ashore, setting sail towards Rum and Isle of Skye/Coll
After breakfast, either on board or ashore, we will have time to explore this charming village. We will set sail late afternoon, heading towards Rum and then on to either the isle of Skye or Coll. This is around 80 miles of sailing which will put us into the harbour late in the evening.
Day 4: Exploring the Isle of Skye and the Sound of Harris
After a morning exploring the Isle of Skye, we will depart and head through the sound of Harris – a narrow channel between the isle of Harris and the national scenic area of Uist. The sound is the main sea passage through the Hebridean archipelago and the various reefs and islets make this a great exercise in passage planning. Depending on the crew’s wishes we may sail overnight towards St Kilda.
Day 5: Towards Saint Kilda
Weather permitting, we will continue our sail towards Saint Kilda, the isolated archipelago of volcanic islands that lie 40 miles to the west of the main archipelago chain. With the highest sea cliffs in Britain, St Kilda is the most important seabird breeding station in northwest Europe. Sailing to St Kilda is a truly magnificent experience with wildlife and the glorious isolation of the North Atlantic all around us.
Day 6: St Kilda to the Isle of Iona
From St Kilda, we will sail to the isle of Iona, probably sailing overnight to arrive in the morning. We will then anchor in the Iona Sound which will permit us to go ashore and spend a day visiting the ancient abbey and exploring this symbolic centre of Scottish Christianity.
Day 7 – 8: Isle of Iona to Staffa
Departing Iona in the morning, we will sail towards the uninhabited island of Staffa, famous for the mighty sea cave known as Fingal’s Cave. The natural basalt columns give the cave a unique atmosphere and it is famous for its acoustics – however, the sea state is often rough in this area meaning we may not venture too close!
Day 9: Back to Oban
From Fingal’s cave, we will sail back towards Oban – a wonderful passage that will give us plenty of ocean mileage under sail. We will arrive in Oban towards the late afternoon, just in time for dinner ashore and to share experiences of a wonderful adventure.
Day 10: Breakfast and goodbyes!
After a final breakfast on board, it will be time to say our goodbyes.
- All food and drink (non-alcoholic) on board
- Safety equipment including life jackets
- All mooring and port entry fees for the boat
- Hands-on sailing, watch keeping, helming an opportunity to fully immerse in life on board
- Overnight accommodation onboard, your own bunk and bedding
- Waterproof clothing is available to hire
- Transportation – to the departure destination / from the arrival destination
- Clothing – we will provide a recommended kit list
- Any shore-based activities /food/drinks
- The route may change depending on the weather but we have allowed plenty of margins so we can make the arrival dates. You can therefore book onward travel with confidence
Skipper – Jim Dobie
Jim Dobie will be your Skipper for the duration of the trip. A highly experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner who has sailed every ocean of the world, apart from the Arctic Ocean. Jim is a well-respected training skipper working for some of the world’s best-regarded training centres such as UKSA, Flying Fish Australia, and Sailing Logic.
Sailing
A true “trip of a lifetime” which will live forever in your memories. Only 6 places per boat – small group, personalised to your needs. We will contact you in advance to adapt the trip to your level of experience and needs. Ideal for single travellers, couples, or small groups. No sailing experience required. Full Covid refund Guarantee. Book with confidence.
Vessel
Our Oceanis 523 Clipper, Big Blue has a large, comfortable, and practical cockpit. She has an uncluttered layout with high-quality teak finishes in the cockpit. The twin wheels allow a choice of comfortable helming positions and easy viewing when berthing. She’s comfortable and beautifully kitted out, with plenty of space on board. She’s perfect for long trips. You’ll have your own berth.
Accommodation
Spacious large double and smaller double cabins. All cabins are en-suite. Bedding is provided. Onboard comfort is a priority – the layout offers privacy and there are heating outlets in all cabins. Comfortable saloon with 6-seater dining table.
Fly to Oban Connel Airport. Trains and buses from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.
Fly from Oban Connel Airport. Trains and buses to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.
Itinerary: Scottish Isles Sailing Adventure
Day 1: Welcome
Join us at 1 pm for a welcome on board. Meet your fellow crew and your skipper, Jim Dobie. Once you’re introduced to your cabin, we will complete a full safety brief and yacht orientation. Dinner will either be on board or if preferred, we can head into Oban where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Day 2: Depart towards Tobermory
We depart Oban and will route towards Tobermory under sail. This is a nice 23-nautical mile trip and perfect to ease into the adventure ahead. You will become comfortable with handling the yacht under Jim’s expert supervision with plenty of time to ask questions and practice or learn your sailing skills.
Day 3: Time ashore, setting sail towards Rum and Isle of Skye/Coll
After breakfast, either on board or ashore, we will have time to explore this charming village. We will set sail late afternoon, heading towards Rum and then on to either the isle of Skye or Coll. This is around 80 miles of sailing which will put us into the harbour late in the evening.
Day 4: Exploring the Isle of Skye and the Sound of Harris
After a morning exploring the Isle of Skye, we will depart and head through the sound of Harris – a narrow channel between the isle of Harris and the national scenic area of Uist. The sound is the main sea passage through the Hebridean archipelago and the various reefs and islets make this a great exercise in passage planning. Depending on the crew’s wishes we may sail overnight towards St Kilda.
Day 5: Towards Saint Kilda
Weather permitting, we will continue our sail towards Saint Kilda, the isolated archipelago of volcanic islands that lie 40 miles to the west of the main archipelago chain. With the highest sea cliffs in Britain, St Kilda is the most important seabird breeding station in northwest Europe. Sailing to St Kilda is a truly magnificent experience with wildlife and the glorious isolation of the North Atlantic all around us.
Day 6: St Kilda to the Isle of Iona
From St Kilda, we will sail to the isle of Iona, probably sailing overnight to arrive in the morning. We will then anchor in the Iona Sound which will permit us to go ashore and spend a day visiting the ancient abbey and exploring this symbolic centre of Scottish Christianity.
Day 7 – 8: Isle of Iona to Staffa
Departing Iona in the morning, we will sail towards the uninhabited island of Staffa, famous for the mighty sea cave known as Fingal’s Cave. The natural basalt columns give the cave a unique atmosphere and it is famous for its acoustics – however, the sea state is often rough in this area meaning we may not venture too close!
Day 9: Back to Oban
From Fingal’s cave, we will sail back towards Oban – a wonderful passage that will give us plenty of ocean mileage under sail. We will arrive in Oban towards the late afternoon, just in time for dinner ashore and to share experiences of a wonderful adventure.
Day 10: Breakfast and goodbyes!
After a final breakfast on board, it will be time to say our goodbyes.
It is important to be comfortable as well as safe on board. We provide lifejackets and wet weather gear. You will need to bring with you enough clothing for the trip as well as a sleeping bag.
In our experience, it is not necessary to spend money on lots of expensive kit, but good sailing boots and a sleeping bag are important. Clothes should have UV protection for hot legs, but cheap fleeces and layers are great and do the job just as well as ‘specialist’ marine-branded clothing.
Please consider the season and likely weather when packing.
Contact us directly with any questions on the kit list for your trip. It is much better to ask before you join, than risk being uncomfortable on board.
- Sailing boots (hiking boots or wellies if you have those) and deck shoes – Crocs are fantastic on deck and below deck!
- Sunglasses (cheap as they may go overboard)
- Sun cream (even out of summer season)
- Wash bag and towel (ideally a quick-drying, travel towel)
- Torch (red light preferable)
- Good sleeping bag and travel pillow (suggest an inflatable camping pillow is best. Avoid ‘down’ sleeping bags which will get damp. Look for a marine or outdoor sleeping bag with man-made fibre. You can also put a regular camping sleeping bag inside a waterproof / Goretex ‘bivvy’ bag as an alternative.)
- 5 pairs of socks minimum – merino wool is best
- Merino thermal underwear
- 2 additional thin long-sleeved tops (running or hiking clothing is perfect) – even on ‘hot’ legs, we recommend long sleeves as protection against the sun.
- Hiking trousers and shorts
- Fleece
- Body warmer (the extra night-time layer)
- Woolly hat (cheap as it may go overboard)
- 1 full set of street clothes, including shoes to put on when we are in port (keep in a plastic bag)
- Soft kit bag, ideally a dry bag for easy storage. NO suitcases!
- Digital devices – such as a phone/ camera, but note these are generally not waterproof and are
carried at your own risk - Personal sailing logbook (if you have one)
PS: This is a recommended packing list. Please take into account if there are other items you may need on board.
