Explore the Outer Hebrides, Shiants and Skye with adventure sailing yacht Steady.
Join yacht Steady in the rugged west coast of Scotland as she sets sail from the picturesque port of Ullapool to explore the outer islands, Shiants and the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Steady will show you the hidden side of the islands with remote anchorages in secluded bays from the water, with the chance to explore ashore on foot. Relax in sheltered anchorages and watch picturesque sunsets, and if we are blessed with dark skies, the stargazing from the deck is breathtaking. With little pollution, sailing in the Hebrides has some of the best opportunities for stargazing in the country.
- Skippered sailing
- Remote island exploration
- Private cabins
- Great for couples & solo travellers
- Full board
- Wildlife watching
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
The Hebrides, Ullapool to Oban
Your sailing adventure begins in the heart of Ullapool, the largest town in the Outer Hebrides. Known for its picturesque harbour, it serves as a gateway to stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Join Steady at 13:50, where you’ll have time to settle in, explore the ship, and meet your fellow guests. It’s the perfect opportunity to get comfortable and start soaking in the excitement of the adventure ahead.
Our voyage starts with a relaxed introduction, discussing the exciting voyage ahead, the incredible places we’ll visit, and the nature we’ll encounter. Jan-Willem and Mariëlle will guide you through what’s to come, ensuring you’re prepared for an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, we will set sail to one of the remote anchorages of the Summer Isles where we’ll drop anchor and spend a peaceful first night surrounded by wild Scottish scenery.
Day 2. To the Bird Paradise: The Shiants
Sail out early towards one of the most unique spots on this trip: the Shiant Islands. After a 20-nautical-mile sail, keeping an eye out for dolphins, seabirds, and perhaps even a whale, we reach this remote archipelago in the heart of the Minch. The Shiants are a bird paradise, home to thousands of puffins, guillemots, and gannets that nest on the steep cliffs.
With plenty of time to explore ashore, we’ll take in the rugged, untouched beauty of these islands, surrounded by nature and tranquillity. The views over the shimmering sea and the constant motion of birds in the air make this place unforgettable. We’ll spend the night anchored off these unique islands at the heart of nature.
Day 3. Tarbert: Harris Tweed and Whisky
Today, we sail to Tarbert, a charming harbour on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Tarbert is famous for its scenic location and cosy atmosphere. We’ll overnight at the marina, and you’ll have the chance to explore the local sights. Visit the distillery to taste some fine Scotch whisky or learn about the history of Harris Tweed, which has its origins here. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture and artisanal traditions of the islands.
Day 4. Duntulm, Skye: Castle Ruins and Breathtaking Views
Duntulm, located at the northern tip of the Isle of Skye, is steeped in history and natural beauty. Here, you’ll find the ruins of Duntulm Castle, once home to the powerful MacDonald clan. Perched on a cliff, the castle offers spectacular views over the Minch and the Outer Hebrides.
The area is perfect for spotting seabirds, seals, and, with a bit of luck, even dolphins. With its serene bay and rugged coastline, Duntulm is a special stop for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Day 5. Rona: Hidden Gem of the Inner Hebrides
We sail to the remote island of Rona, located on the west side of Skye. This island offers a unique combination of peace and untouched nature. Rona has a permanent resident: the island keeper, who oversees the island and ensures its maintenance and sustainability. Enjoy walks along the narrow paths, and you’ll likely encounter red deer roaming freely across the island. Rona is a picturesque island with breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and islands.
Day 6. Plockton: A Picturesque Village with a Tropical Feel
Plockton is a picturesque village on the shores of Loch Carron, famous for its charming atmosphere and the unique blend of mountains, palm trees, and calm waters. Its mild climate, courtesy of the Gulf Stream, allows tropical plants like palm trees to thrive. The village is known for its colourful fishermen’s cottages and scenic harbour, where you can enjoy the local ambience.
Day 7. Through the Sound of Sleat to the Serenity of Loch Nevis
We sail through the stunning Sound of Sleat, a narrow strait that separates Skye from the mainland. It’s a spectacular stretch of water surrounded by dramatic mountains and rolling hills. By the afternoon, we’ll reach Loch Nevis, a remote and serene place only accessible by boat. Here, we’ll drop anchor and enjoy the silence and pristine nature surrounding us – a perfect end to a beautiful sailing day.
Day 8. Eigg: Hike to the Top of An Sgurr
Today, we head to the Isle of Eigg, one of the Small Isles, where the striking rock formation of An Sgurr dominates the landscape. This unique peak, formed by an ancient lava flow, offers spectacular views of the other Small Isles, Skye, and Ardnamurchan. For those up for the challenge, there’s a hike to the summit, with a few steep sections rewarded by panoramic views of unparalleled beauty. After the exertion, you can relax in the cosy local pub. A day full of adventure, nature, and unforgettable vistas!
Day 9. Colourful Houses and Atmosphere in Tobermory
After leaving the Small Isles, we sail to the Isle of Mull, where we’ll dock in the fishing village of Tobermory. With its iconic colourful houses along the harbour, the village invites exploration. Tonight, you can enjoy authentic Scottish cuisine in one of the cosy pubs – the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and stunning views.
Day 10. Hike on Kerrera and Captain’s Dinner
On our last sailing day, we head to the idyllic Isle of Kerrera, a peaceful haven close to lively Oban. Here, the rural charm and breathtaking views of the surrounding coast are unparalleled. The absence of cars – except for the locals – makes Kerrera a true paradise for walkers. In the afternoon, there will be plenty of time to explore the island on foot and enjoy the serene nature. In the evening, we’ll conclude this wonderful journey in style with a Captain’s Dinner aboard.
After a delicious breakfast, we sail to Oban Marina for the final leg of our journey. After an adventurous and varied trip, we say our goodbyes at 10:00, taking with us memories of an unforgettable sailing experience.
Things to note
Sailing vs shoretime
Nightwatches?
Will there be Mosquitos?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
Owned and skippered by husband and wife team Marielle and Jan-Willem, sailing with Steady is a relaxed and inspiring way to explore the Hebrides. With a real passion for nature, the landscape and living well, Marielle and Jan-Willem love to share their love of Scotland with their guests.
GETTING INVOLVED
Jan-Willem and Marielle can sail Steady comfortably on their own, but they invite and encourage guests to take part in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, sorting and setting the sails, basic navigation and rope work, Jan-Willem and Marielle provide a safe and supported environment for guests.
A Typical Day
The day starts with a hearty and wholesome breakfast to get ready for a day of sailing. Below decks, everything is cleared, and above deck, the sheets and sails are prepared before you get underway. Departure is around 9.30 am to make the most of the day. The skippers often have a destination in mind, but the weather will influence the decision, so they never guarantee an itinerary. As with all our fleet, the sails are used as much as possible, so Steady will go where the wind takes her.
Usually, lunch will be enjoyed outside when under sail and in good weather. You will then spend the evening and night in a calm anchorage. Being close to shore means you’ll be able to be dropped off by dinghy to stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the diverse landscape that the Hebrides have to offer.
The number of hours of sailing can vary between 4 and 7 hours a day, so you’ll be sure to work up an appetite ready for dinner to be served at around 7 p.m. The evenings are relaxed, with time to chat with new friends or find a quiet spot on board with your book.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Whatever the weather, it is wonderful to be out on the sea. Enjoy the beautiful views and the clean air that fills your lungs – not to mention the exhilaration of seeing Steady’s full rig being filled by the wind. Steady has a spacious deckhouse with views in all directions, so you can still enjoy the surroundings when the weather isn’t behaving. Below decks, there is a spacious, modern, fitted galley with a generous sofa area, dining table, and multi-fuel stove to keep out the evening chill.
After a full day in the open air, you can sleep peacefully in our cosy and comfortable private cabins, ready for a new day of seafaring adventure. There is a full-size domestic shower and a separate toilet for guests to use too.
Dining Aboard
Both Jan-Willem and Mariëlle love good food and cooking. The menu includes meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Throughout the day, guests are offered coffee & tea and soft drinks to keep hydrated in the salty sea air.
Breakfast is varied each day, often including bread, cheeses, jams and spreads in addition to yoghurt and porridge or granola – sometimes there are boiled eggs, or fried bacon and eggs on offer if you’re doing a longer sailing day.
Lunch is a relaxed affair on deck, usually consisting of soup or salad, served with a selection of different breads. Examples include pumpkin, tomato or lentil soup, fish chowders, tuna salad or couscous salads; all made with the finest fresh produce.
Dinner is heartier, really filling you up after a day in the fresh air. It’s really varied but uses the best ingredients and draws on cuisines from around the globe, from Moroccan lamb stew to a simple lasagne to an authentic chicken curry made with fresh herbs and spices. Sometimes, if the skipper has bought some fresh fish, it’ll be barbecued up on deck. Dinner is always served with a selection of vegetables or salad.
There is, of course, dessert, which includes Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit, a selection of ice creams or simply coffee and chocolates.
Sample menu
All food is freshly prepared on board using locally sourced produce as much as possible. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST
- Scottish Porridge
- Fresh fruit, yoghurt
- Toast and preserves
- Eggs (how you like them!)
LUNCH
- Homemade pumpkin soup with naan bread
- Fish soup served with a canapé with smoked salmon
- Tuna salad with bread
DINNER
Appetisers: toast with different cheeses, nuts, olives
Mains
- Mussels from the Isle of Mull, served with bread, potatoes and mixed salad
- Lamb stew served with couscous salad and green beans
- Crispy-skinned salmon, served with sweet potatoes, bimi, salad and homemade mayonnaise
- BBQ with meat from Kerrera Balliemore Farm, served with baked potatoes, salad and fresh vegetables
- Pumpkin curry, Jack fruit with coleslaw (V)
DESSERT
- Homemade chocolate mousse and cream
- Homemade cheesecake with lemon sorbet
- Crepe with ice cream, fruit and chocolate sauce
After dinner, coffee/tea with chocolate or bonbons
- All meals are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)
- One glass of wine with your evening meal
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and from the boat
- Lifejacket
- Musto waterproof suits whilst on the boat (standard sizing)
What’s not included
- All other alcohol and soft drinks
- Any flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel Insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
Steady has limited storage in the cabins. Please consider travelling as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid/hard cases. Please pack your items in a soft bag or rucksack, something that can be packed flat or rolled up.
We recommend a travelling-light approach with lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items. It can be a few degrees colder out at sea; please bring layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week. These are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are all lightweight and quick-drying)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers for onboard use (with good grip)
- Please consider waterproof rubber/wellington/sailing boots (something to keep your feet dry)
- Swimsuit and swim towel
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/trousers. There are some offshore Musto waterproof sailing jackets and trousers for guests on Steady to use whilst onboard, but these are not permitted to be taken off the boat and are limited. Please let us know in advance of the voyage if they are needed, and sizing.
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best; these are optional)
- Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Sunglasses, a cap and a warm hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
- Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- A small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binoculars
- Charging cables for personal devices (there are Dutch sockets, but we have the good connections available for UK plugs. There are 2 type A USB power outlets in the sleeping cabins, we recommend bringing an adaptor for USB C leads)
- Cash as required
- A good book to read!
- Consider using sleep masks and/or earplugs if you’re sharing a cabin
- Midge repellent – only necessary when sailing in Scotland
Travel Documents
- Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for the country/as required.
From: Ullapool
To: North Pier, Oban
BY AIR
There are direct flights into Inverness (INV) Airport, which is about one hour to Ullapool by car/taxi. This is the easiest way to Ullapool. There is a bus service from the airport into Inverness which takes about 30 minutes.
BY RAIL
There are no rail links to Ullapool but the nearest station is Garve where you can get train links to the city of Inverness where you can pick up connections to most of the UK. Garve station is about a 40 minute taxi drive from Ullapool. Check ScotRail for timetables.
BY COACH/BUS
There is also a twice-daily coach service running through Scottish Citylink (route 961) which runs from Inverness Bus Station to Ullapool Pier. The Coach journey takes 1 hr and 20 mins.
Inverness has good rail and air links to and from the rest of the UK. If you’re going back to Oban, get the train to Glasgow, where you can get a direct link back to Oban.
PARKING
Ullapool is a small town, so parking is limited. There is a large, free carpark (Latheron) by Tesco where cars can be left at the owner’s risk or try your luck with on-street parking.
Getting Home
Oban, Scotland
BY RAIL
Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station, where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.
BY AIR:
Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.
Steady
Guest berths: 8 Rig: Staysail Ketch
Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing, and Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are excellent guides if you do want to get involved. They cater for all abilities and ages, so if you’d rather sit back and relax with a book, then that’s fine too! She has a modern rig and simple winch system, so she is a great boat to learn the ropes.
Steady’s voyages explore the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda; an area of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking beauty in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her sailing adventures give you access to the most captivating and remote hidden secrets of this incredible and beautiful place. As you sail through this stunning marine landscape, you will likely be lucky enough to experience close encounters with rare wildlife and have time to soak up the unique and fascinating history and culture of the Hebrides and St Kilda.
Steady is true to her name, with a sturdy steel hull, and was initially built as a charter vessel, offering a considered layout below decks. Fitted with all the mod-cons and keeping guests’ comfort at the forefront, she sleeps eight guests in four comfortable twin cabins, with a shared shower and separate toilet. The galley and saloon area lives at the heart of the boat with a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.
On the deck level, there’s a spacious cockpit with a navigation station and more seating, perfect for breakfast and morning coffee as the sun rises. There’s plenty of room on deck, too, to take in the surrounding views and learn the ropes alongside Jan-Willem and Mariëlle, who love sharing their passion for Scotland, the environment and nature with their guests.
Deck plan
More about Steady
Are all meals included in the price?
Yes - meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & hot drinks)
Can you cater for dietary needs?
We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free diets.
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks, wine and beer. Please no spirits on board.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
4x twin bunk bed cabins.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes.
How many bathrooms/showers does she have?
Steady has a separate toilet and shower for guests.
Are bedding and towels provided?
All bedding and shower towels are provided but please bring Swimming towels if you wish to swim in the sea! Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No but you are welcome to take your own onboard for use when the generator is running.
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Steady does not have laundry on board for guests.
Is there heating on board?
Yes, there is a diesel powered stove for heating and all cabins have central heating.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken on board?
Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are Dutch, however they are fluent in English & Mariëlle can speak German.
Is there WIFI aboard?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan if travelling abroad.
How do I charge my phone?
There are power sockets throughout the saloon for charging and Type A USB sockets in each cabin. Bring an adaptor for the newer USB C type charger leads.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling or Euro's depending on the voyage.
Are there Life Jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
Steady is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
Are there Waterproofs available?
Yes, Steady has Musto sailing suits for each guest in average sizing while sailing. Please bring a waterproof if you wish to wear one ashore.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
No water toys but there is fishing gear.
Will I be seasick?
Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure we recommend you take seasick tablets 24 hours before you board.
Is there an age limit for Steady's guests?
Yes, guests must be between 16 - 75 years. (This can vary for private charters only)
Guest Reviews
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Scottish Island Hopping & Tall Ship Sailing in the Hebrides
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Remote Islands & Wonderful Wildlife: Sailing the Hebrides
Adventure Sailing Holiday Ullapool to Oban
Remote Islands & Wonderful Wildlife: Sailing the Hebrides
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL






















































