2024 Blue Clipper Mallaig/Oban

YOUR SAILING AREA

Hebrides, Scotland

The Hebrides offers some of the most breath-taking and fascinating sailing grounds in the UK. One of our most popular sailing holiday destinations, the coasts and islands that make up the West Coast of Scotland offer so much variation for ours boats and guests, you will quickly see why our guests return year on year. Think remote anchorages where mountains run straight into the sea, miles of atmospheric landscapes, secret coves and uninhabited islands for walking trails ashore.

This voyage is perfect for those wanting to experience tall ship sailing for the first time and are looking to try something new in a safe and supported environment. Sail from Mallaig to Oban exploring the Sound of Mull, the Small Isles and the South coast of Skye along the way. Once you have boarded, your skipper will have the latest weather forecast and will have a better idea of what you can expect from your taster sailing holiday in Scotland. Blue Clipper’s crew and skipper have been sailing in the Hebrides for a number of years so they are all well-versed in the sailing areas and know all the best spots off the beaten track. Below gives and idea of what you can expect depending on the weather!

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Skye and the Small Isles

Known for its picturesque fishing villages, rugged landscapes & castles, there’s an abundance of beautiful anchorages on Skye. Nestling at the foot of the Skye Cuillins lies Loch Scavaig, a sea loch with the waters of Loch Corusk pouring magnificently in. With plenty of secluded lochs and bays, Skye is an adventurer traveller’s paradise. Spend your days getting to grips with sailing a traditional tall ship before anchoring up and exploring Skye from the shore.

The Small Isles are made up of four main islands; Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck and each certainly has its own personality  and story to tell. All come with a multitude of remote anchorages and opportunities to explore the shorelines or walk into the hills for more breathtaking viewpoints and an abundance of wildlife watching.

The Sound of Mull

Mull is the fourth largest island on the West coast of Scotland and is certainly best seen from the water. Offering panoramic landscapes, breath-taking sunsets and plenty of locations away from the tourist hustle and bustle, Mull is renowned for its abundance of marine life. Its coastline and surrounding skerries and islands are important areas for marine animals and breeding seabirds, forming part of a Special Area of Conservation. From dolphins swimming in the wake of the bow, to whales breaking the horizon and sea eagles soaring in the jet streams; there’ll be something to spot around every corner so keep your binoculars ready.

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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2024 Blue Clipper Mallaig/Oban

Guest berths: Rig:

More about 2024 Blue Clipper Mallaig/Oban

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 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, hot/soft drinks. There are six ensuite twin cabins with all bedding and towels provided per guest.

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.

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 

• 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 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 not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

Travel Planning

From: Mallaig

To: Oban

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

GETTING THERE

Mallaig

BY RAIL

Mallaig station is only a 5-10 minute walk to the harbour pontoons. So if you need to get back to Oban, take a train to Fort William and change for the Oban connection. You can also travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper to London Euston from Fort William.

BY AIR

Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to/from Mallaig. You can take a train from Mallaig into Fort William and onto Glasgow or Edinburgh (approx journey time 2-3 hours). There are good links direct to the airport at the train and bus terminals.

STAY IN MALLAIG

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

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.