Tall Ship Sailing around Skye from Ullapool to Mallaig

Join Blue Clipper in port town of Ullapool – the perfect starting location on the West coast of Scotland to set sail and explore the surrounding islands and coastlines.

The harbour town is the portal to discovering a dramatic highland landscape, rich in its natural and historical heritage. As Blue Clipper sets sail from Ullapool, 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.

The main route will be to pass around the isle of Skye and the west coast of Scotland . Explore this beautifully rugged island and its atmospheric castle ruins and nestle each night in sheltered anchorages and the most amazing night skies.

Known for its picturesque fishing villages, rugged landscapes & castles, there’s an abundance of beautiful anchorages to explore around the coasts of Skye. Nestling at the foot of the Skye Cuillins lies Loch Scavaig, a sea loch with the waters of Loch Corusk pouring magnificently in.

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!

All voyages for Blue Clipper

Blue Clipper

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner

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.

She has spent many years sailing all over the world from the Caribbean to the Arctic and is a frequent participant in the European Tall Ship regattas. Originally owned by the Brandy company Hennessy and named ‘Spirit of Hennessey, she appeared in many TV programmes and commercials before being privately bought in the late 90’s.

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 3 kayaks and 3 paddle-boards for guest use while on anchor so you can explore even further inshore.

A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level while below decks has been well-considered with six ensuite cabins a family cabin that sleeps six. All cabins have a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.

Read more about Life on Board Blue Clipper here.

In 2016 she started her new life with her current owner and now spends her summers sailing  Scotland and the Hebrides and her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal.

Deck plan

More about Blue Clipper

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

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6x Twin Ensuite, 1x six-berth family cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.

• Is there an age limit?

  Over 12's ideally but please check in the over for ages between 12-18 years.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - please bring EU adaptors.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Ullapool

To: Mallaig

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

Ullapool

BY RAIL:

Garve is Ullapool’s closest station. Trains run 1 – 4 times a day from Inverness to Garve. Inverness has good rail and air links from the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Inverness Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes to Ullapool by taxi. There are direct flights to Inverness from the major London airports.

STAY IN ULLAPOOL:

There are plenty of places to stay in Ullapool. Try Creagan Guesthouse, Rosslyn Cottage or Harbour House.

Mallaig

BY RAIL

Mallaig station is only a 5-10 minute walk from the harbour pontoons. From Mallaig take The Jacobite Steam Train or the electric train direct to Fort William. From Fort William you can travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper to London Euston.

BY AIR:

Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to Mallaig. For either of them take a train from Mallaig to Fort William – approximately 2-3hours.

STAY IN MALLAIG:

There are plenty of places to stay in Mallaig. Try Chlachain Inn, Seaview Guesthouse or West Highland Hotel.