UK Sailing Mile Builder: Cornwall to Scotland

YOUR SAILING AREA

Cornwall to Scotland

Leaving the shores of Cornwall on the horizon, you’ll get stuck into life aboard straight away, hoisting the sails with the crew and planning your course up through St George’s channel. This voyage will offer some great opportunities 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 Oban in the Hebrides while making best of the weather. Harbour calls and anchorages will be dictated by the weather and tides but we could might stop on the Isle of Man.

Expedition Sailing

During this trip, you will develop a love of sailing, and the best way to make a start on any boat is to feel you are a vital and competent part of the crew.  We will teach you the seamanship skills of steering, setting sails, reefing, and tying knots with conviction! The skills you learn will be relevant for modern yachts, but you should also feel at home on traditional boats and tall ships with blocks and tackles. This a passage trip where guests have the option to become part of watch system, but this is not essential as there are plenty of crew on board to manage some of the night sailing that is needed to cover the many miles from Cornwall to Scotland.

There is a whole new language to learn and by the end of the week you won’t be fazed by terms like sheet, fender, windlass or ‘bear away’ and all the things that make going onboard a tall ship a bit bewildering. This adventure will require some full days at sea and maybe some overnight sailing if the weather dictates. Ideally this adventure is for those with some previous time on board a boat or those that want to increase their miles at sea.

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 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. 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 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.

Read more about Life on Board Blue Clipper here.

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.

Getting involved

From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable 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!

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.

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

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Do I need to take part in night- watches?

KIT LIST

Blue Clipper has plenty of space within the cabin (including hanging space) to put your things away but no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
•  Waterproof boots or wellington boots (dependent on weather forecast)
• Swimsuit and swim towel (optional)
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers
• Sun cream (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars
• Personal wash kit (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
• ‘Smidge’ midge repellent
• EU 2pin plug adaptor
• Charging cables for personal devices
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

•  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

What’s Included 

• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• All food and drinks
• 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

• There will be no chef onboard (just a boat cook preparing simpler meals than Blue Clipper’s usual voyages.)
• 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 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft/hot drinks)

• 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?

  No. there is no guest laundry facilities aboard.

• 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.

• 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 lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  She has 3 kayaks and 2 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.

Travel Planning

From: Penzance, Cornwall

To: North Pier, Oban

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

Getting There

Penzance, Cornwall

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.

STAY IN PENZANCE:

There are plenty of places to stay in Penzance. Try Chapel House Hotel, The Dock Inn or Hotel Penzance.

Getting HOME

Oban

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.