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Join tall ship Blue Clipper as she takes guests on a taster sailing weekend around Skye and the Small Isles.
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Join Blue Clipper in small harbour town of Mallaig – the perfect starting location on the West coast of Scotland to set sail and explore the surrounding islands and coastlines.
As Blue Clipper sets sail from Mallaig, you’ll discover an ever-changing terrain of mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches. When it comes to heart-achingly beautiful scenery, the highlands of Scotland certainly deliver.
Life at Sea
Exactly where you explore during your sailing holiday in the Hebrides will entirely depend on the wind and tides but your Skipper is familiar with the sailing area so knows all the best spots off the beaten track. Think remote anchorages, moody landscapes, secret coves and uninhabited islands for walking trails ashore. As you board, the skipper will have a better idea of the weather forecast and what to expect from the voyage but below is a summary of the possible locations you could explore;
Setting the sails
Known for its picturesque fishing villages, rugged landscapes & castles, there’s an abundance of beautiful anchorages to explore on Skye. Nestling at the foot of the Skye Cuillins lies Loch Scavaig, a sea loch with the waters of Loch Corusk pouring magnificently in.
The Small Isles
Rum is a National Nature Reserve and is the largest island, home to the architecturally remarkable Kinloch Castle, and of course some wonderful wildlife. The island’s most famous residents are sea eagles (re-introduced in the 1980s), red deer and the hardy Rum ponies. There is plenty of exploring to be had on the Isle of Rum, taking in the stunning mountain and coastal scenery.
Eigg is the most populated but still only has under 100 residents and is the most welcoming of the Small Isles. Offering Britain’s largest pitchstone ridge, eagles soaring over stunning white beaches and the worlds first fully renewably powered electricity grid, we’re sure you’ll love Eigg as much as its locals.
Muck is the smallest and most southerly island. Its low-lying mostly treeless landscape offers dramatic perspectives and panoramic views of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. Watch out for Golden Eagles!
Canna, looked after by the National Trust since 1981, is one of the prettier islands. With its high basalt cliffs and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the views here are breathtaking. You might even be lucky enough to see Minke Whales from the high cliffs, soaring Sea Eagles and nesting Puffins.
GETTING INVOLVED
Sailing with Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable hands on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable crew are on hand to show you the ropes.
Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef onboard to so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a days sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish and home-made bread with hearty home-cooked meals and plenty of tea, coffee and cake! Your ticket price includes one glass of wine with your evening meal too.
As with all Blue Clipper’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Soft Drinks. There are six ensuite twin cabins and one six-berth cabin with a shared bathroom. All cabins have bedding and towels are provided.
Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book!
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.
You can also read more information on our Insurance guidelines page. Additional information about one of our trusted insurance providers for UK residents is attached to this email.
Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is the perfect tall ship experience.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew always shows you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained, so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes, there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch! For those more adventurous, climbing the rigging or the bowsprit can also be a great experience.
Dining aboard
For her coastal voyages, Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board, too, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a day of sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish, homemade bread with hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
For her expedition and Atlantic crossings, there will be a boat cook on board.
Sleeping and relaxation
Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large, comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is undoubtedly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board, which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this, and buoyancy vests are also provided.
A Typical Day
On her coastal voyages, a typical day starts with a good, hearty breakfast before preparing the boat to hoist the sails. Once the sails are set to the next destination, there will be time to relax, read a book, chat to your fellow travellers or simply find a quiet corner and take in the view. Lunch will likely be served underway or at the next anchorage as you spend your afternoons exploring ashore.
Generally, on her expedition crossings and longer voyages, she will spend more time under sail. The day will still be punctuated by regular meal times, and there will likely be a watch system running throughout the voyage as she sails through the night. Stargazing on these longer voyages is spectacular with no light pollution and a complete view of the horizon.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST
- Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
- French toast, bacon, maple syrup
- Porridge, fruit selection
- Toast, preserves and cereal selection
- Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice
AFTERNOON CAKE
- Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads
LUNCH
- Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
- Open sandwiches, salad, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s cheese, roasted red pepper
- Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
- Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish
DINNER
- Starters: Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt-baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot-smoked salmon crostini
- Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
- Pork belly, maple-glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
- Roast chicken thigh, sauteed new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
- Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
- Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo
Dessert
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
- Full board* (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
- 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
- Use of boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle-boards
- Onboard chef
What’s not included
- * one meal ashore, per person (Caribbean voyages only)
- Alcohol
- Waterproof coat or trousers
- All 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
Blue Clipper has plenty of space within the cabin (including hanging space) to put your things away, but 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 boots/sailing (something to keep your feet dry)
- Flip flips, sandals
- Swimsuit and swim towel
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/trousers
- 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 EU 2-pin plug sockets – please bring an adaptor as required)
- 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 or Portugal
Travel Documents
- Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for the country/as required.
From: Mallaig
To: Mallaig
PARKING
Mallaig offers limited long stay parking in a car park to the left on the Train Station as you drive into Mallaig. Alternatively try another long stay spot at 24 East Bay, Mallaig.
BY RAIL
You can travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. Once in Fort William you can take The Jacobite Steam Train or the electric train direct to Mallaig. Mallaig station is then only a 5-10 minute walk to the harbour pontoons.
BY AIR:
Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to Mallaig. From either of them take a train onto For William and then onto Mallaig which takes approximately 2-3hours. There are good links direct from the airport to the train and bus terminals for onward travel to Fort William.
STAY IN MALLAIG:
There are plenty of places to stay in Mallaig. Try Chlachain Inn, Seaview Guesthouse or West Highland Hotel.
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
Built in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build, giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.
On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing, heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills, and even taking the helm. She has three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan
More about Blue Clipper
Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft/hot drinks). On Caribbean voyages it is usual for one meal to be eaten ashore at the guests expense.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know when making your booking.
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for alcohol.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
6x Twin Ensuite Cabins.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, each cabin has a porthole.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.
Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, but you can bring a travel hair dryer if you wish.
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Guests on longer voyages will be able to wash their clothes at an additional cost, and only when there is shore power connected to Blue Clipper.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes, there is heating throughout the boat.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken onboard?
English
Is there WIFI?
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.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes - please bring EU adaptors.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling.
Can I pay for onboard extras on my card?
Yes, card payments are preferred
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Blue Clipper 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 Waterproofs provided?
No.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure and a want to get actively involved. On her Atlantic crossings, we do recommend that you have some experience of time on the water.
Does the boat have any water toys?
She has 3 kayaks and 3 stand-up paddle boards for guests to use free of charge.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
Over 12's for normal voyages. No age limit for private charters.
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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.
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