Flying Dutchman

Not to be mistaken for the legendary ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman today very much makes port, spending her summers exploring the West coast of Scotland. From whisky distillery-focused voyages to week-long tasters to the Outer Hebrides, the Flying Dutchman has sailed these areas for many years, so the crew know all the best spots to explore.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 22
Number of bathrooms: 11
Cabin configuration: 11x twin ensuite cabins
Smoking policy: On front deck only

Particulars

Port of Registration: Amsterdam, NL
Year built: 1903
Length overall: 39.55m/129'
Draft: 2.5m
Sail Area: TBC
Number of Sails: 7
Rig: Schooner
Crew: 3 - Captain Aries, deckhand and cook

View sailing schedule & book

Description

The Flying Dutchman has a vast 480m² sail area to propel her through the water. The experienced crew will take care of everything aboard; however, if guests wish, they are welcome to join the crew, hoisting the sails or taking the helm. She’s perfect for solo travellers and couples of all ages and abilities.

The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal space to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. Below decks, there are ten ensuite cabins for guests with bunk beds, all with heating and air-conditioning.

On the main deck, there are three different tables and couches to sit on; this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.

Berths on board

Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.

Single berth in shared Twin Plus Ensuite Cabin: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite. The Plus cabin has a little more floor space.

Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.

Life onboard

With the Flying Dutchman, you can feel the romance of the sea…

Offering sailing tall ship holidays in Scotland and the Hebrides, the Flying Dutchman aims to give guests a traditional tall ship adventure. Family owned and operated, the Flying Dutchman is perfect for solo travellers, couples or older families looking for that traditional tall ship experience, making memories that will certainly last a lifetime.

Getting Involved

The crew encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing this fascinating schooner. She is traditionally rigged but also has a winch system, so she can be sailed comfortably by the crew if guests simply want to put their feet up and enjoy the views! From hoisting the sails, basic rope-work and even some simple navigation skills, you can get involved as much or as little as you’d like. Once the sails are up, you can enjoy the beauty of silently crossing the ocean using just the power of the wind.

Dining Aboard

A designated chef ensures that you’re well fed and looked after after a day of sailing the Scottish Seas. With an abundance of local, fresh produce, you’ll be amazed at what comes out of the small galley. Breakfast, lunch and hot drinks are all included in the half-board ticket price. Evening meals aboard are not included (unless you are tucked up in a secluded anchorage!), and this is done so that guests can experience true Scottish hospitality ashore and support the local economy while enjoying sustainable, local produce.

There is a £90pp per week cash payment onboard for guests if they would like to serve themselves beer/wine from the tap, snacks and soft drinks. Snacks are prepared by the chef and are set out in the saloon for guests each day. This payment is optional, but it’s encouraged. (This is cash only, no card payment.) Guests then wash up anything from these snacks themselves (no washing up for actual meals).

Sleeping and Relaxation

The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal area to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. She has ten ensuite twin cabins below decks, and all cabins have air-conditioning or heating, with all bedding and towels provided.

The rear deck is layered with wood, which emphasises the traditional atmosphere of the ship. On the main deck, there are three different tables and couches to sit on; this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.

Flying Dutchman guests toasting Scottish whisky Hebrides, Scotland

A Typical Day

Generally, after a hearty breakfast, the crew will gather guests to discuss the plan for the day, based on the current weather forecasts. It’s time to get the boat ready, prepare lines, lift the anchor, and hoist sails. Usually, you’ll spend the morning sailing before exploring ashore in the afternoon. Lunch is most often served underway with evening meals ashore. For longer expedition voyages, there may be longer hours under sail.

Meet the crew of FLYING DUTCHMAN

An experience with the van Twillert family…

For more than a quarter of a century, the life of Klaas van Twillert was closely related to chartering sailing holidays. His knowledge and experience in the field were guarantees for an unforgettable experience. There is a cosy atmosphere aboard the Flying Dutchman because of the well-cooperative crew. His son Aries has since taken the helm, taking his father’s skill and knowledge onto the next generation.

The crew consists of experienced sailors, and their extended knowledge, helpfulness, and friendliness ensure an unforgettable journey.

The Flying Dutchman generally sails with three crew members: Skipper Aries, a deckhand and a chef combined deckhand. There is a quick briefing twice a day to update guests on landing times. Generally, after dinner, the crew will “clock off” to rest, but guests can easily find them if needed.

The history

Built in 1903, The Flying Dutchman is surrounded by myth and legend…

The Flying Dutchman today is a tall-ship schooner, originally named “KW33”, built in 1903.

Originally built as a herring drifter in Amsterdam, the ship sailed for many years. In the early 1900s, the harbours of the Netherlands bustled with the activity of herring drifters—sturdy sailing vessels designed for the once-thriving Dutch herring industry. These traditional wooden boats, known as bomschuiten or logger drifters, would set out to sea under canvas sails, deploying long drift nets at dusk to catch vast shoals of herring. The Netherlands’ coastal towns, particularly around Scheveningen and Vlaardingen, became hubs of maritime trade.

The Flying Dutchman was carefully and sensitively restored in 2003, featuring a full restoration with comfortable cabins and spacious saloon areas, perfect for sailing across the Scottish Hebrides in comfort.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Breakfast & soft/hot drinks are included. Lunch and evening meals will be a 50/50 split of eating onboard (included) & eating ashore (not included).
Can you cater for dietary needs?
We can cater for Vegetarians only.
Are there any added extra's?
Lunch and evening meals will be a 50/50 split of eating onboard (included) & eating ashore (not included). Any onshore excursion fees are not included. There is a £90pp per week cash payment onboard for guests, if they would like to serve themselves beer & wine, snacks, soft drinks, that are set out in the saloon for guests each day. This is optional and cash only. Guests then wash up anything from these snacks themselves. This is instead of an honesty bar.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
11x twin ensuite cabins
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, every cabin has a porthole.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
11
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, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, the Flying Dutchman does not have laundry on board.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
What language is spoken onboard?
German/English.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms 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, there are 220v sockets in every cabin so please bring a 2pin EU adaptor.
What is the currency on board?
Euros.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
The Flying Dutchman 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, please bring your own.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
Flying Dutchman has some fishing rods that are available for guests to use.
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 18's only - no upper age limit, only one rule: You must be able to climb stairs. 16 years old with a mature guardian is sometimes possible.