Experience Scotland's incredible West Coast from a 1903 tall ship as you set sail on this awe-inspiring whisky expedition
8 nights: May 28th - June 5th, 2022
Standard cabin: €1485 / £1280 per person*
Standard Plus cabin: €1635 / £1410 per person*
Single Cabin: €2250 / £1940 per person*
Join this relaxing trip along the Scottish west coast for the Islay Whisky Festival, anchoring off in front of some of the nine distilleries we will visit. For some more information about the festival please visit: https://www.islayfestival.com/
Explore idyllic harbour towns before anchoring in tranquil bays far from civilisation, taking in the stunning scenery as well as the diverse wildlife as you go. Visit the isle of Jura, famous for its distillery but also for the thousands of deer outnumbering the small human population. Sail to Islay, a whisky lover’s paradise, where you will moor up on the distilleries’ own jetties in the tall ship. Experience the incredible acoustics of the awe-inspiring Fingal’s cave and keep an eye out for whales, sharks, dolphins and other marine life as you sail.
Work and play with a fantastic group of like-minded adventurers, taking part in all aspects of crew life as you learn to navigate, trim and set the sails, and helm the ship. A professional crew on board means you can get as stuck in as you like on this stunning adventure.
You will be welcomed on board at 18.00 pm and you will meet the crew and your fellow passengers. Around 19.00 there is a welcome dinner with a small whisky tasting, and we raise the glass on a nice trip. Oban is beautifully situated at the foot of the Lorn mountains. High above the city is McCraighs Tower, a nineteenth-century replica of the Colosseum. Oban is sometimes called the pearl of the western highlands, with its winding streets and a picturesque bay full of yachts, ferries and small fishing boats. The Flying Dutchman is located on the north pier, less than a hundred meters from the famous Oban whisky distillery.
Leaving early morning to Islay there will be a rich breakfast before receiving sailing instructions. Throughout the route, you will see some breathtaking sights seeing the rough nature of the Scottish West Coast. Whilst travelling you will be able to see the epic Corryvreckan whirlpool. Ardbeg released a whisky named after the whirlpool with swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peppery taste lurking beneath the surface! After this, the ship arrives at Port Ellen, then taking a bus journey to Bruichladdich where everyone can get stuck into the activities and tastings of the whisky festival.
On this day the Flying Dutchman will arrive at Caol Ila, home to a historic distillery started by Hector Henderson. The barley used is still malted locally at Port Ellen and using pure spring water from limestone in Loch Nam Ban, then falling at Caol Lla in a clear stream.
The next destination of the whisky tour will be Laphroaig using traditional whisky-making processes and with a rich history of over 200 years.
Continuing the Islay Whisky Festival with a visit to Bowmore for an open day and a small music festival. The Flying Dutchman will stay in port Ellen but everyone can travel there via bus. Bowmore is the capital of Islay and very well known for its whitewashed houses and Bowmore Round Church. Later on in the day, the Flying Dutchman will then sail to Jura for the next stop of the adventure.
Today we visit the Isle of Jura distillery for its open day. The island of Jura is a paradise of untouched wilderness and natural beauty. The name Jura comes from Norwegian and means “Deer Island”, still an appropriate name because about 5,500 deer exceeds the human population of 180.
Wild nature lovers can find more than 100 species of birds, such as golden eagles, but also goats, seals, rabbits, hares, ermines and otters.
Today we are welcomed to the Ardbeg distillery with a chance of receiving a unique Islay festival bottle! Later on that day we head back to Oban to enjoy the last evening with a delightful dinner.
Unfortunately, this beautiful Whisky Festival Sailing Trip has come to an end and after a very nice breakfast, it is time to say goodbye.
Oban, Scotland
Oban, Scotland
You will be welcomed on board at 18.00 pm and you will meet the crew and your fellow passengers. Around 19.00 there is a welcome dinner with a small whisky tasting, and we raise the glass on a nice trip. Oban is beautifully situated at the foot of the Lorn mountains. High above the city is McCraighs Tower, a nineteenth-century replica of the Colosseum. Oban is sometimes called the pearl of the western highlands, with its winding streets and a picturesque bay full of yachts, ferries and small fishing boats. The Flying Dutchman is located on the north pier, less than a hundred meters from the famous Oban whisky distillery.
Leaving early morning to Islay there will be a rich breakfast before receiving sailing instructions. Throughout the route, you will see some breathtaking sights seeing the rough nature of the Scottish West Coast. Whilst travelling you will be able to see the epic Corryvreckan whirlpool. Ardbeg released a whisky named after the whirlpool with swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peppery taste lurking beneath the surface! After this, the ship arrives at Port Ellen, then taking a bus journey to Bruichladdich where everyone can get stuck into the activities and tastings of the whisky festival.
On this day the Flying Dutchman will arrive at Caol Ila, home to a historic distillery started by Hector Henderson. The barley used is still malted locally at Port Ellen and using pure spring water from limestone in Loch Nam Ban, then falling at Caol Lla in a clear stream.
The next destination of the whisky tour will be Laphroaig using traditional whisky-making processes and with a rich history of over 200 years.
Continuing the Islay Whisky Festival with a visit to Bowmore for an open day and a small music festival. The Flying Dutchman will stay in port Ellen but everyone can travel there via bus. Bowmore is the capital of Islay and very well known for its whitewashed houses and Bowmore Round Church. Later on in the day, the Flying Dutchman will then sail to Jura for the next stop of the adventure.
Today we visit the Isle of Jura distillery for its open day. The island of Jura is a paradise of untouched wilderness and natural beauty. The name Jura comes from Norwegian and means “Deer Island”, still an appropriate name because about 5,500 deer exceeds the human population of 180.
Wild nature lovers can find more than 100 species of birds, such as golden eagles, but also goats, seals, rabbits, hares, ermines and otters.
Today we are welcomed to the Ardbeg distillery with a chance of receiving a unique Islay festival bottle! Later on that day we head back to Oban to enjoy the last evening with a delightful dinner.
Unfortunately, this beautiful Whisky Festival Sailing Trip has come to an end and after a very nice breakfast, it is time to say goodbye.
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 –
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
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
Feel inspired. Stay informed. Discover the world's latest and greatest sailing expeditions.
Leave us your email address and you will be one of the first to be informed as soon as we have space available.
We take data privacy seriously here at Kraken. You can read more here - Privacy Policy.