• All charges regarding port fees, tourists fees and fuel expenses.
• Bed linen and towels
• Full board, including coffee, tea, milk and juice at all meals.
• The use of a zodiac for landings when we visit places without a harbour.
• The crew: captain, cook and first mate.

• Transport to and from the vessel
• Personal expenses ashore
• Food ashore
• Fees for events that take place outside the ship.
• Beverages besides the included drinks during the meals.

• Open to beginner sailors

Oban, Scotland

Oban, Scotland

Day 1: Oban

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.

Day 2: Scottish West Coast & Islay

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.

Day 3: Caol Ila

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.

Day 4: Laphroaig

The next destination of the whisky tour will be Laphroaig using traditional whisky-making processes and with a rich history of over 200 years.

Day 5: Bowmore

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.

Day 6: Jura

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.

Day 8: Ardbeg

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.

Day 9: Oban

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