2021 Sailing the Scottish Islands and Lochs

Join Narwhal in Ullapool, located on the dramatic Loch Broom. Ullapool has good public transport and taxi links with Aberdeen and Inverness airports.

Following initial safety briefings, we will be heading out of port and set sail for the first time. The sheltered waters provide a great opportunity to get used to the boat and get a first glimpse of the local wildlife. There will be plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Scottish landscape or even undertake a first whale survey.

The main part of the expedition will see us working our way south along the highland coast of Scotland, enjoying the best sailing and scenery that the wonderful west coast has to offer. Our exact itinerary will be determined by the weather but we may visit dramatic lochs, the impressive gardens at Inverewe or the famous Eilean Donan castle. These waters are some of the most prolific in Scotland for sightings of dolphins, we are regularly joined by pods of dolphins riding Narwhal’s bow wave as we sail this part of the coast. Throughout you will have the chance to get as involved as you like in sailing as well as our ocean research projects such as microplastics sampling and wildlife surveying.

Sail by dramatic Eilean Donan castle whose images adorns many shortbread tins and even featured in a James Bond film. Pass through the narrow Kyle Rhea with the mainland on one side and the mountains of Skye rising on the other and visit Britains most remote pub, the Old Forge, only accessible by boat. Wildlife is also rife here with ospreys and otters, dolphins and minke whales all regularly seen in these waters.

In the afternoon we will choose one of the many sheltered and secluded anchorages allowing you time to enjoy other activities, including photography, hiking, fishing, joining us on a beach clean, maybe even trying your hand at paddleboarding or simply relaxing and enjoying the easy pace of life far from the hectic modern world.

We will spend our final day enjoying the Scottish scenery before heading into the bustling fishing port of Mallaig. We will moor up for the night and enjoy our final evening on board with a nice dinner and time to swap stories, highlights and pictures from the expedition.

*The exact itinerary that we follow will be chosen each day by your skipper to make the best use of the weather conditions. Since we operate with just a small number of guests on board, we can tailor the areas that we explore based on your interests. All meals and hot/soft drinks and hire of a waterproof all in one are included in your ticket price.

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Narwhal

Guest berths: 6 Rig: Sloop

Narwhal is a 50ft expedition yacht. Made of sturdy steel she is a real go-anywhere boat, ready for adventures to some of the wildest and most remote places on the planet.

A custom made expedition vessel, Narwhal’s interior offerings have been well thought out and she is well equipped to be as comfortable as she can be for guests and crew for long durations at sea. She has twin forward cabins, each with two bunks, and a large stern cabin, a galley, a communal saloon and an extra-cosy additional seating area. With a built-in diesel heater, even when she exploring some of the most remote and coldest locations on the planet, her guests are sure to be kept warm and toasty below decks.

The navigation station is well equipped for all eventualities with Narwhal’s computer system and her top of the range routing software set up for sailing in some of the toughest locations and conditions. She also has a satellite communication system which means we can keep in touch wherever we are in the world. From the necessary modern technologies to the paper charts, dividers and sextants, Narwhal still practices her navigation traditional skills.

Designed to be self-sufficient whilst sailing offshore for extended periods in remote locations, Narwhal has a water-maker as well as large freshwater and fuel tanks. With plenty of room to store food and equipment, Narwhal always has all the things necessary for adventuring in remote locations.

Protecting the environment is at the forefront of Narwhal’s ethos so she is equipped with solar panels and wind and hydro generators to generate power more sustainably. If the wind doesn’t blow however, she does have a 105hp Volvo engine to push along and a generator to keep the lights on.
Narwhal’s voyages are also often focused around the protection of the environment and she regularly runs trips involving beach cleans and marine research.

Narwhal also has kayaks, paddle-boards and fishing gear for guests to use!

Deck plan

More about Narwhal

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.

FAQ

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes we can - please let us know in advance of your trip

• Can I charge my phone and camera?

  Yes we have 12v charging in all bunks although mobile signal can be intermittent

• What language is spoken on board?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Narwhal has a double bed and 2 twin bunks

• How many toilets/showers does she have?

  Two toilets, one shower

• Is there any age limit?

  No under 18's

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals are included in the price unless you go ashore.(Breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft/hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Are sailing suits provided?

  Yes, Narwhal provides all-in-one waterproof suits for all her guests. Please let us know your size when booking.

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are watersports included?

  Narwhal has kayaks, paddleboards and fishing gear for guest use free of charge at the discretion of the Skipper.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently on a boat. We recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: Ullapool

To: Mallaig

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.