Sailing the Hebrides Mallaig- Blue Clipper 2022

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

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. As you board, the skipper will have a better idea of the weather forecast and what to expect from the voyage but below is a summary of the possible locations you could explore;

Coll and Tiree

Tiree is known as the sunshine isle or ‘Hawaii of the North’ and boasts some of the highest recordings of sunshine in the UK with idyllic white sand beaches and turquoise water. Neighbouring Coll is more rugged with sandy coves and not a soul in sight. It is also known as a “dark sky park” as with no street light pollution, it has some of the darkest skies in Europe and is perfect for star watching.

Treshnish Isles and Staffa

For wildlife lovers this is a must! Walk along the cliffs of Lunga and meet the large colony of comical puffins.  Guillemots, Shags and Gulls can also be spotted along with whales and dolphins and eagles. If the weather is favourable we hope to pass by Fingals Cave on Staffa with its impressive basalt columns.

The Small Isles 

Consisting of Rum, Canna, Eigg and Muck, the Small Isles offer landscapes from high basalt cliffs and dramatic volcanic landscapes to rocky shorelines and sandy beaches. Each islands boasts a different personality and a multitude wildlife spotting opportunities from Golden eagles to red deer and hardy wild ponies on Rum.

 

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 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! 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.  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 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

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 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: Mallaig

To: Mallaig

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

PARKING

Mallaig offers limited long stay parking in a car park to the left on the Train Station as you drive into Mallaig. Alternatively try another long stay spot at 24 East Bay, Mallaig.

BY RAIL

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

BY AIR:

Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to Mallaig. From either of them take a train onto For William and then onto Mallaig which takes approximately 2-3hours. There are good links direct from the airport to the train and bus terminals for onward travel to Fort William.

STAY IN MALLAIG:

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