A Sailors Voyage from Oban to Liverpool

YOUR SAILING AREA

Scotland to Liverpool

As you set sail from Oban, there is a plethora of serene anchorages in the Hebrides to choose from before we make our way to the final destination of our port of Liverpool.

Sail down through St George’s channel offering some great opportunity to take the night watch (with a crew member of course!) and sail under stars, gently swaying with the rhythms sailing at night. There’s a great sense of peace as the ship settles down for the evening and your eyes become adjusted to the night sky with little light pollution from land – its a spectacular sight on a clear night.

This voyage will see mainly open water sailing both by day and possibly by night as we sail to reach our destination of Liverpool while making best of the weather. Harbour calls and anchorages will be dictated by the weather and tides but we could stop anywhere from the Isle of Man to the coast of Northern Ireland before continuing South.

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

Life on board Blue Clipper

Sailing with tall ship 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. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is a luxury tall ship experience. Perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for that added touch of luxury with private en-suite cabins and top-notch all-inclusive food.

Getting involved

From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable crew are always on hand to show you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes – there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch!

Eating on board

Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board too 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!

Sleeping and relaxation

Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is certainly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.

Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this and buoyancy vests are also provided.

Read more about what to expect from a typical day and life onboard Blue Clipper.

As with all Blue Clipper’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft drinks. There are six ensuite twin cabins with all bedding and towels provided per guest.

SAMPLE MENU FOR BLUE CLIPPER

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
• French toast, bacon, maple syrup
• Porridge, fruit selection
• Toast, preserves and cereal selection
• Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice

AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads

LUNCH

• Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
• Open sandwiches, salad, crisps
• Cous cous salad, goats cheese, roasted red pepper
• Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
• Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish

DINNER

• Starters; Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot smoked salmon crostini
  
• Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
• Pork belly, maple glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
• Roast chicken thigh, saute new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
• Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
• Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo

Dessert

• Cranachan
• Coffee and cake
• Cheeseboard

What’s Included 

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of boats kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Waterproof coat or trousers
• All flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

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.

This voyage will be more than 12miles offshore.

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: Oban, Scotland

To: Liverpool, UK

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

Getting There

Oban

PARKING:

There is ample parking in Oban if you arrive by car. Secure parking can be found at MacQueen Bros, or you could try the Tesco carpark and pay for 24 hour parking on arrival using the Your Parking Space app.

BY RAIL:

Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.

STAY IN OBAN:

There are plenty of places to stay in Oban. Try Witchwood House, The Scot or Perle Hotels Oban.