Stravaigin

Sail Scotland and the Hebrides in comfort and style on Bermudan sloop Stravaigin. Owned and skippered by a Scottish sailing family, Stravaigin offers guests sailing holidays on Scotland’s West coast in some of the best cruising grounds the Hebrides have to offer. Enjoy sheltered coastal sailing, island hopping and wild swimming.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 6
Number of bathrooms: 2 bathrooms
Cabin configuration: 3x double bunks (lea-cloth for single bookings) + crew cabin
Smoking policy: No smoking

Particulars

Port of Registration: Oban
Year built: 2008
Length overall: 44'
Draft: 1.9m
Beam: 4.1m
Number of Sails: 2
Rig: Bermudan Sloop
Crew: 1-2

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Description

Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”. Her owner and skipper, John, says that this encapsulates his ethos of immersive adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods and cultures while creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last forever!

Stravaigin has a modern Bermudan sloop rig with winches and full navigation systems. If you have never sailed before and are looking to learn the ropes, skipper John loves to teach guests and get them involved with all aspects of sailing. Alternatively, she can be sailed single-handedly, so if you’re after a relaxing sailing holiday soaking in the sights and delights of the Hebrides, then that’s fine too!

From taster sailing weekends, guided wild swimming experiences and more adventurous voyages to the outer islands, Stravaigin suits all ages and abilities. Whether you’re travelling solo, or looking to meet like-minded travellers, an adventurous couple looking for something a little different or a group of family and friends looking for a unique private charter experience, sailing with John on Stravaigin is a great choice.

Below decks, Stravaigin has been well-considered and laid out for guests’ optimum comfort. A bright and airy saloon with a large table and TV screen sits next to the generous L-shaped galley, where guests can enjoy local cuisine and home-cooked meals. She has three private double-berth cabins, and two of the double-berth cabins can be separated with a lee-cloth for friends or comfortable solo travellers, and both bathrooms have a shower.

Skipper John also has a passion for sustainability and lessening the impact on the natural world. Stravaigin has a large solar panel array with a large battery bank, which means she can be sailed and operated using significantly less fuel. Sailing with her is an eco-friendly way to travel that minimises carbon emissions and pollution. It encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to appreciate the journey while promoting a deeper connection with nature and enabling exploration of secluded and protected environments.

Stravaigin sailing yacht deck plan information

Life onboard

Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”

Meeting as strangers and departing as friends. Taking away memories to last forever and experiences that inspire and leave you wanting more.

Jump aboard Stravaigin to receive a truly warm Scottish welcome. Settle into your cabin, gather for a safety brief, explore your floating home for the week, and then enjoy some coffee and homemade cake.

Getting involved

Stravaigin requires no previous sailing experience, so you can sit back and enjoy the views, although the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm if you’d like! She’s a great boat for learning to sail, with a modern winch system and a simple gaff rig.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Below decks, she has three double cabins with beds that lea cloths can separate for those travelling as friends or comfortable solo travellers. One double cabin has an ensuite bathroom, and the remaining two cabins share another bathroom located off the saloon area.

A comfortable, spacious saloon makes a great social space for eating, relaxing, and getting to know your fellow travellers. Stravaigin also strives to minimise her impact on the environment, so she is fitted with solar panels and a wind generator.

Dining Aboard

Each day, guests enjoy delicious, locally sourced food as John whips up a feast in the galley, featuring fresh seafood, organic meats and veggies from local islands, not to mention cakes and bread from the Solace Bakery. You’ll be well-fed, and all your hot drinks and meals are included in the ticket price.

Into the water

Skipper John is also a trained snorkel instructor, so if guests want to experience some truly refreshing wild swimming in Scotland, then do let him know as you board. There are also two paddleboards available for guests to explore the nooks and crannies of this fascinating coastline. Wetsuits are not available on board, so please bring your own if you would like. Waterproofs are available to hire; please let us know at the time of booking.

Meet the crew of STRAVAIGIN

Stravaigin is owned and skippered by John Ormiston. Originally from Speyside (therefore with a good knowledge of whisky!), he has lived in Ireland, Malta and France before choosing to settle on the west coast of Scotland near Oban, along with his wife and fellow crew member, to raise their three sons.

Introduced at an early age to the joys and freedom of sailing, John has been working professionally aboard sailing yachts for most of his adult life.

Qualified to Yachtmaster Offshore and taking on trans-Atlantic delivery work, as well as yacht charters and educational trips, he and his wife spent a year living aboard and sailing Stravaigin from Scotland to and around the Mediterranean.

John is a keen sailor, enjoying personal weekend and holiday trips with family and friends in local cruising grounds and also further afield to the Hebridean islands, St Kilda and Northern Ireland.

A qualified mountain guide, sea kayak instructor, and associate educational instructor, he has freelanced for many adventure companies, including Wilderness Scotland, National Geographic, and World Challenge, taking guests on expeditions and trips in Scotland and internationally.

The history

Built in Vendée, France, in 2008, Stravaigin was brought north to the UK and used as a cherished personal yacht on the west coast of Scotland before the Ormistons purchased her in 2015 and converted her for use as a private, skippered charter vessel.

She has been located near Oban ever since, moored a short walk along the sea loch shore.

She has been chartered for the last six years as part of a month-long international summer school cruising on the west coast, delivering sail training and outdoor education. The University of the Highlands and Islands charters her for educational field trips, expeditions, sail training, outdoor adventure leadership, and practical experience in marine and coastal tourism, with students and academic staff aboard, where lectures are delivered alongside exploration and survey work ashore. Stravaigin is proud to be part of shaping the marine and coastal leaders of the future.

John and Eilid embarked on a personal adventure, both taking a year-long sabbatical from work, and sailed her from their home down the Irish Sea and across the Bay of Biscay to Vigo, then continued down the Spanish and Portuguese coast and into the Mediterranean in 2018. A glorious year was spent sailing her from the northern coast of the Med to visit all the Mediterranean islands, eventually reaching Malta, John’s childhood home. Also visiting N Africa and wintering in Sicily, before returning via the Azores and finally tying up again on their home mooring. The year was documented on Eilid’s blog, www.seastravaiger.com, and featured in some national magazine and newspaper articles.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks) Please note that alcohol/soft drinks are not included. There is an honesty bar onboard.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking. Vegan and Celiac can not be catered for on Stravaigin.
Are there any added extra's?
No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
3x double berths.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have portholes/deck hatches.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
2 bathrooms, both with showers.
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, Stravaigin does not have laundry on board.
Is there heating on board?
Yes, in all cabins and shower area.
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 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.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling. Cash or bank transfer only.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Stravaigin is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.
Are Waterproofs provided?
John does have some offshore sailing jackets/trousers for hire. Please contact him if you would like more information.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
There are stand-up paddle-boards and some basic snorkel masks. THere alos some basic hand lines for fishing. Guests are welcome to bring their own rods.
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?
It varies from voyage to voyage so please check in the office.