Adventure Sailing from Scotland to Spain

Vessel: Florette
Where: Scotland/Spain
Duration: 15 days

Embark: Oban, Scotland - 3 August 2024, 16:00
Disembark: La Coruna, Spain - 17 August 2024, 10:00

Immerse yourself into life at sea on traditional tall ship Florette as she sails from Scotland, via Ireland and onto the coast of Spain.

Join tall ship Florette on the West coast of Scotland as she sails through St George’s Channel, exploring the coasts of Ireland and Cornwall before crossing the Bay of Biscay to reach the La Coruna, Spain. This voyage is the perfect opportunity to tuck some sea miles under your belt and taste life on the open water onboard a traditionally rigged tall ship.

Exactly where you stop over and anchor will entirely depend on the weather forecast but the skipper should have a better of what to expect as you board. The voyage has 15 days to cross the open ocean and there are buffer days included in this to make best use of the wind. If you arrive early, you’ll be able to use the boat as your base as you find your land legs again and explore ashore.

Skipper and crew included
Hands-on sailing
Full board
Offshore sailing
Star gazing
Traditional tall ship

YOUR SAILING AREA

Scotland, Ireland and Spain

Offshore sailing passages can bring conditions fit for only the boldest adventurers seeking the ultimate challenge. This hands-on sailing adventure is perfect for those wanting to experience life on a traditionally rigged tall ship and tuck some sea miles under their belt. We recommend some previous experience of time on the water and some time spent on a boat. Whether that’s a taster sailing weekend, dinghy sailing club or weekends on your grandparents boat, once we have left port, there is no turning back!

The soft, steady up and down of the ship’s hull in the waves, the expanse of the sea, and the gentle creaking of the rigging are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and at the same time, adventurous holiday experience. This voyage will hopefully stop over on the coast of Ireland and perhaps Cornwall, before crossing the English Channel and Bay of Biscay!

Getting involved

The professional and experienced crew will teach you everything you need to know as you will sail with and become part of the crew, hoisting sails, taking the helm and getting involved with all aspects of sailing a tall ship. Florette will run a 3 tier watch system throughout the voyage with all guests and crew. You’ll never be without a crew member and the watch system will be worked out once everyone has boarded to gauge guest abilities.

From plotting our route on the chart to cooking together, some celestial navigation skills, hoisting and trimming sails, and rope work and repairs, there is always something for everyone to do while on watch. The rest of the time is free to enjoy the inky black of the night sky, reading a book or three or playing cards together; the ocean gives guests the chance to switch off from the demands of the modern world and fill their souls with vitamin-Sea.

Sailing by the stars

Far from land, miles into the open ocean, you’ll see the night sky as you have never seen it before. The stars light the sky as we sail away from any man-made light pollution creating a truly spectacular sight. Although each boat certainly has all the modern GPS equipment, there will likely be the chance to try your hand at celestial navigation, using the stars to plot your position and guide your route! An age old skill used by sailing ancestors of years gone-by.

Weather

Part of the beauty of an ocean-going adventure is experiencing all the elements. From wind, rain and sun, we will certainly see them all. Whatever comes our way, the crew will use weather radar technology to plan our route as best they can to ensure we cover the most miles as safely as possible. Expect strong winds and big waves, perfect sailing to glassy seas with not a breath of wind and everything in-between.

LIFE ON BOARD

AUTHENTIC TALL SHIP SAILING

Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands on deck approach – which is surely part of the magic to this adventure sailing holiday.

Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boats chef, cooking up fabulous cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.

HAVE FUN!

Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. There is also fishing gear available which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!

Sleeping and Relaxation

Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming. For Atlantic crossings and Caribbean voyages only, under 30’s have the chance for a true authentic pirate experience to stay in a hammock! Each hammock will be allocated a seamans chest for any belongings and will strung up in the saloon between 9pm and 8am.

A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish. Above decks there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset.

Eating

Nicole prepares meals using local fresh ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish to make excellent, healthy dishes. Breakfast onboard everyday and six meals are included in the ticket price. These six meals can be a combination of lunches or dinners with the rest of guest meals eaten ashore at guests expense. The ticket price reflects this and gives guests the opportunity to sample and enjoy the local cuisine. If for some reason, Florette cannot get guests ashore, meals will be offered from the boat at a reasonable price.

Please check the What’s included tab for a breakdown of the ticket price and the board cash.

FAQ

Are all meals included?
It varies between voyages so please check each individually. Most are Half board (breakfast & 6 meals - a combination of lunch or dinner) Some voyages are Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner & hot drinks).
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
Are there any added extra's?
There are water and waste fees which require bringing board cash. A breakdown of this will be within your ticket/booking. Soft drinks & alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Every cabin has a large deck hatch.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower.
Is bedding included?
All bedding is included but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag!
Is there a hair dryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Not on week long voyages but on longer crossings it is possible.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
What language is spoken onboard?
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms 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 2pin European adaptors
What is the currency on board?
EURO's
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
Florette is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder. There will always be a crew member to steady.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No
Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.
Do I need sailing experience?
On her week-long voyages, no - just a love for adventure! On her Ocean crossings, some previous time on the water is recommended.
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?
No min. age technically -but ideally 5+ with sailing experience. Over 70's must provide a medical certificate . For Caribbean voyages - it's 60+ Children go free when under 12 and sharing with adult parents in one cabin.

Guest Reviews

"I just wanted to write and say a massive thank you. A few months ago myself and my partner, wrote to you with an unusual request; to hold a wedding on Florette as part of our holiday sailing around the Aeolian Islands. We never expected the absolutely wonderful, magical experience that was created for us. Captain Ron and wife Nicole went way above and beyond for us creating the most magical setting by mooring us off Salina, organised flowers, and a swordfish BBQ. Nicole even lent me her bracelet & father's blue hanky as something borrowed/blue. We are literally speechless! It was simply the best day of my life. The holiday was truly magical. Every day we did something unforgettable but at a pace which suited everyone. The food was out of this world and the sailing experience was amazing. We will never forget it."Debbie - 2023

"It was great. We truly enjoyed Florette and the food of Nicole and crew was delicious (I am Italian and can say Nicole cooks Italian food at the highest standard). Calabria and Eolie are fantastic places. We had good hiking and swimming, too … I never slept so well in the last 10 years Highly recommended!!!" Constanza - 2021

"Food was excellent. Everything cooked fresh and very abundant. Breakfast was more continental (hams and cheese) but the main meals always Italian and delicious. Usually a pasta starter, then meat with salad/veg/potatoes. And fruit or cheese for desert. There were no complaints from anyone. Overall and excellent voyage." John - 2021