• 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, and opportunity to fully immerse in life on board.
• Overnight accommodation onboard, your own bunk and bedding
• Waterproof Clothing available to hire

• Travel to and from Oban
• Any food ashore
• Entrance fees to visitor centers or distilleries
• Sailing & Travel Insurance

Comfortable Yacht

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 8 berths, so there’ll be plenty of space on board. She’s perfect for long trips. You’ll have your own berth.

Highly experienced Skipper

A hugely experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner who has sailed almost every ocean of the world. Jim is a well-respected training skipper and examiner, known for his patience and ability to share his passion for ocean sailing with those around him.

Scenic, Adventurous Sailing

Our trip starts in Oban, Scotland. We plan to wind our way Northwards to Stornoway enjoying fabulous sailing with incredible destinations – adapted to the experience of the crew, their wishes and the weather!

Kirkwall

Oban

Sail Scotland in 2025! Join us on our Scottish Northcoast 500, departing Kirkwall for 10 days, and explore some of Scotland’s most iconic islands by yacht with Jim Dobie.

We think this is the perfect combination of bucket List sailing and sightseeing. Real, hands-on sailing including the potential for a long passage and we can even add some night sailing if the group wishes and weather allows as well as evenings, at anchor, allowing us to enjoy time ashore in the sleepy harbor villages along the coast.

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.

Base layer – 2x warm thermal tops + thermal leggings

Mid layer – 2x fleece type mid layers + mid layer trousers

Light waterproof shell (waterproof hiking type jacket and trousers) – for exploring ashore

Down jacket – a down (or synthetic alternative) jacket, the warmer the better

Gillet – optional but a really versatile mid layer, down or synthetic down are great

Hats – 2x warm wool hats, ear flaps are great

Waterproof hat – a waterproof hat or cap (eg Sealskins)

Neck warmer – 2x ‘Buff’ style neck warmers

Gloves – one waterproof pair (ski or fishing type) + 2x thinner fleece liner / spare pairs

Socks – 2x pairs of warm socks for sailing + hiking socks for exploring ashore

Boots – Wellington type boots. These are needed not just for sailing but also for getting ashore from the rib where you may need to stop into mid-calf depth water. They don’t need to be expensive or sailing specific, but they should be waterproof with good grip

Hiking shoes / boots – suitable for exploring on rough or wet terrain ashore

Rucsac – for on land exploring

Underwear – a couple of sets of comfortable underwear

Swimwear – you might not fancy a dip in the Arctic waters but a local hot tub can be a treat that you don’t want to miss out on

Camera, batteries, memory cards etc – it is possible to charge camera batteries onboard but it is a good idea to bring spare batteries and lots of memory card space

Entertainment – books, music etc for rest time

Toiletries – basic wash kit with travel-sized bottles

Eye mask and earplugs – can make sleeping easier in the midnight sun

Any personal medications that you need – ensure you have enough to last the whole trip

Dry bags – recommended for keeping any electrical kit in and for taking things ashore

Head torch – ideally with a red light function

Sunscreen – 24hr daylight can be relentless

Sunglasses

A set of ‘shore clothes’ for travelling in / rest days in town

Passport / visas

Credit/debit card for shore-based activities or travel emergencies

Kitbag – this must be squashy type (not a suitcase) a large barrel type bag is ideal