Life on Board Steady

Life onboard Steady

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

Steady is true to her name with her simple rig and winch system easy to navigate, providing a great base for guests to learn the ropes. 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 9.30am to make the most of the day, and the skippers often have a destination in mind, but the weather will influence the decision so we cannot 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 has 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 7pm. The evenings are relaxed; chatting with new friends or finding 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 surrounding views so you can still enjoy your surroundings when the weather isn’t behaving. Below decks there is a spacious and modern fitted galley with a generous sofa area, dining table and multi fuel stove to keep away 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 use too.

EAT

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, normally 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 to really fill you up after a day of being in the fresh air. It’s really varied but makes use of the best ingredients and draws influence from cuisines around the globe, from Morrocan lamb stew to a simple lasagne or 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.