Sail from Cornwall to Scotland with tall ship Blue Clipper. This voyage is perfect for those looking to spend more time on the open water with a hands-on tall ship sailing experience.
Join tall ship Blue Clipper as she makes her way north from Penzance to Oban on this hands-on tall ship sailing holiday, up the coast of the UK with longer hours at sea, night sailing, and real seamanship from day one.
This is the perfect opportunity to gain some serious sea miles aboard a traditionally rigged tall ship, working with the crew as you make your way north through St George’s Channel and up towards the Scottish coast. This voyage is perfect for those who want to go further, stay out longer, and truly get to grips with life under sail.
- Penzance to Oban passage voyage
- Night sailing under open skies
- Gain sea miles & seamanship skills
- Hands-on watch system with crew
- Traditional tall ship, en-suite cabins
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
A tall ship passage from Cornwall to Scotland
Penzance → St George’s Channel → Irish Sea → Isle of Man (weather permitting) → Oban
Leaving the shores of Cornwall behind, this tall ship sailing holiday gets underway straight away. Hoist the sails with the crew, plan the course north, and settle into the rhythm of life aboard Blue Clipper. This is open-water sailing, and the route will be shaped by the weather and tides. The skipper will brief you on what to expect as you board, and all decisions along the way will be made with seamanship and safety in mind.
Heading north through St George’s Channel, the miles begin to build. The weather and tides will dictate exactly where Blue Clipper stops along the way, but there may be an opportunity to call in at the Isle of Man before continuing north towards Oban and the Hebrides. By the time you arrive in Scotland, you’ll have covered serious sea miles.
Night sailing and seamanship on the open water
One of the defining experiences of this tall ship sailing holiday is sailing through the night. As Blue Clipper settles into her evening watch, the land lights fade, the sky opens up, and the ship finds her rhythm. On a clear night over the Irish Sea, with little light pollution from shore, the stars are a remarkable sight, and one that very few people ever get to experience from the deck of a tall ship.
Guests are welcomed into the watch system on this offshore voyage, taking the helm and sailing alongside the crew through the night hours. You will never be on watch alone, and there is always an experienced crew member with you.
- Learn to steer, set sails, reef and handle lines in open water
- Take the helm on night passages with crew alongside
- Gain seamanship skills relevant to modern yachts and traditional vessels
- Learn the language of sailing — sheets, windlass, bearing away and more
- Build real confidence at sea over the course of the voyage
Aboard tall ship Blue Clipper
Built in Sweden in 1991, Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. Her clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern give her a classic tall ship character, while her relatively modern build means guests enjoy an authentic experience alongside all the comforts you’d hope for.
Blue Clipper’s professional crew will show you everything you need to know, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed, sociable and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a friend, this voyage has a way of drawing people together.
- Six en-suite cabins sleeping up to 12 guests
- Full-size bunks, with a porthole in every cabin
- Heating and air conditioning throughout
- Spacious on-deck saloon, wheelhouse and galley
- Hands-on sailing with a professional crew
- Three kayaks and three paddleboards on board
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Do I need to take part in night- watches?
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 not be more than 12 miles offshore.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the 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, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s 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, sauteed 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
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
- Full board* (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 from the boat
- Lifejacket
- Use of boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle-boards
- Onboard chef
What’s not included
- * one meal ashore, per person (Caribbean voyages only)
- 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
Blue Clipper has plenty of space within the cabin (including hanging space) to put your things away, but no storage for rigid/hard cases. Please pack your items in a soft bag or rucksack, something that can be packed flat or rolled up.
We recommend a travelling-light approach with lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items. It can be a few degrees colder out at sea; please bring layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week. These are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are all lightweight and quick-drying)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers for onboard use (with good grip)
- Please consider waterproof rubber/wellington boots/sailing (something to keep your feet dry)
- Flip flips, sandals
- Swimsuit and swim towel
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/trousers
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best; these are optional)
- Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Sunglasses, a cap and a warm hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
- Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- A small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binoculars
- Charging cables for personal devices (there are EU 2-pin plug sockets – please bring an adaptor as required)
- Cash as required
- A good book to read!
- Consider using sleep masks and/or earplugs if you’re sharing a cabin
- Midge repellent – only necessary when sailing in Scotland or Portugal
Travel Documents
- Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for the country/as required.
From: Penzance
To: North Pier, Oban
PARKING:
The Harbour Long Stay carpark (TR18 2JX) is a 5 minute walk from the quay. It’s recommended that guests purchase a day parking permit using the JustPark app on arrival.
BY RAIL:
Penzance train station is about a 10 minute walk from Penzance Harbour. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway from Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington into Penzance.
BY AIR:
Newquay Airport requires taking either a taxi to Redruth Train Station and then the train to the end of the line at Penzance, or a taxi direct to Penzance.
Getting HOME
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.
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
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.
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 three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan

Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths and an ensuite.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Young Sailor 18-25 yr (4-berth shared cabin): Four single bunk berths in a mixed gender cabin.
More about Blue ClipperAre all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft/hot drinks). On Caribbean voyages it is usual for one meal to be eaten ashore at the guests expense.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know when making your booking.
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for alcohol.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
6x Twin Ensuite Cabins.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, each cabin has a porthole.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.
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, but you can bring a travel hair dryer if you wish.
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Guests on longer voyages will be able to wash their clothes at an additional cost, and only when there is shore power connected to Blue Clipper.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes, there is heating throughout the boat.
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 tech 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 - please bring EU adaptors.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling.
Can I pay for onboard extras on my card?
Yes, card payments are preferred
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Blue Clipper is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure and a want to get actively involved. On her Atlantic crossings, we do recommend that you have some experience of time on the water.
Does the boat have any water toys?
She has 3 kayaks and 3 stand-up paddle boards for guests to use free of charge.
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?
Over 12's for normal voyages. No age limit for private charters.
Guest Reviews
More holidays in Cornwall, Scotland or UK
Hands-on Offshore Sailing to the Outer Hebrides
Scottish Short Break Taster Sailing around the Isle of Mull
Sail through Scotland’s Caledonian Canal to Oban
Sailing and Wildlife Holiday in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides
More holidays on Blue Clipper
Tall Ship Sailing Across the Atlantic to the UK
Caribbean Tall Ship Sailing to Antigua from Guadeloupe
Sailing to Shetland and Norway from the Faroes
Tall Ship Sailing Holiday in Cornwall
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
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