Discover the Hebrides with tallship Florette

YOUR SAILING AREA

Sailing with the wind out of Oban Florette could sail North-west to explore the coasts of Skye and The Small Isles, sailing West to discover Mull and Treshnish Isles or set the sails South to the islands of Jura, Colonsay and Islay.

Mull and the Treshnish Isles

Mull is the second largest island in the inner Hebrides renowned for its abundant wildlife. From dolphins to whales, to sea eagles and puffins, there is plenty to watch both from the water and on the land. Mull is home to the iconic harbour side village of Tobermory where colourful houses line the waterfront.

The Treshnish Isles are a small cluster of islands and skerries nestled off the West coast of Mull. An important area for marine animals and seabirds, the islands are part of a Special Area of Conservation. The island of Lunga is home to a large puffin colony, where you can sit ashore within metres of the friendly faced creatures. The island of Staffa is home of the famous geological wonder of Fingal’s cave where guests can take the tender to get off, explore the impressive basalt columns and practice their best singing voices!

The Small Isles

A small archipelago with the islands of Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck. Despite their closeness, each island offers a fascinating different geological landscape. 

Rum is a National Nature Reserve, home to the architecturally remarkable Kinloch Castle, and of course some wonderful wildlife. The island’s most famous residents are sea eagles (re-introduced in the 1980s), red deer and the hardy Rum ponies. Eigg offers Britain’s largest pitchstone ridge, eagles soaring over stunning white beaches and the worlds first fully renewably powered electricity grid. Canna, looked after by the National Trust since 1981, is one of the prettier islands. With its high basalt cliffs and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the views here are breathtaking.

Skye

With its rugged landscapes, fairy tale castles, and picturesque fishing villages, the Isle of Skye is a popular destination for the adventure traveller. Admire the majestic Cuillins mountain range and the impressive Storr outcrop. Anchoring against the breathtaking backdrop of Loch Scavaig, nestled at the foot of the Cuillins, is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Jura, Colonsay & Islay

Jura was once the hideout for George Orwell as he wrote 1984  and it’s easy to see how he was inspired by the paradise of untouched nature and natural beauty that the island has to offer. The name Jura comes from Norway and it means “Deer Island” and this still applies today with an estimated 5,500 deer and only around 180 human inhabitants!

The island of Colonsay has a varied landscape with some beautiful sandy beaches. From otters to seals to wild goats and a plethora of wild plants; Colonsay is rich in wild and unspoilt nature and a variety of destroyed ruins and fortresses lie scattered across the island perfect for some onshore exploring.

Islay is probably best known for its many independent whisky breweries and if guests would like, it may be possible to explore these ashore. With many secluded anchorages, Islay provides ultimate tranquillity.

Experience incredible wildlife watching in the Hebrides.

Along the rugged coastline, witness the majestic flight of white-tailed eagles, while flocks of Black Guillemots adorn the skies. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot an array of birds of prey, including Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow-hawks, and the elusive Merlin – so keep your binoculars at the ready!

Delight in the graceful movements of Fulmars and Hooded Crows as they navigate the air, while Gannets create a mesmerising spectacle as they plunge into the open sea. During our sailing holidays, you’ll frequently encounter the playful Common, Bottlenose, and White beak dolphins, and if luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Risso and White-sided dolphins.

Although basking sharks have been less prevalent in recent years, their return to Scotland brings renewed excitement to our voyages. The waters of the Hebrides are home to a variety of marine species including whales. The most common sightings include the graceful Minke whales, with occasional appearances by the majestic Humpbacks. However, the true stars of the show are the resident pod of Orca, their presence in the water an awe-inspiring sight to behold. 

All voyages for Florette

Florette

Guest berths: 28 Rig: Brigantine

Florette is the last active, originally built brigantine in the Mediterranean and one of the last wooden windjammers that are still actively sailing. After nearly 50 years operating as a cargo ship and a world war, she was discovered by the Haynes family at the end of the 70s, lovingly restored to a charter vessel and returned to her original condition.

She still remains in the same family, sailing and exploring the Mediterranean, Scotland and the Caribbean. From week long island hopping around the Aeolian islands to Atlantic crossings and winter sun sailing in the Caribbean, she certainly has something for everyone!

Over the past 45 years, Family Haynes has been faithfully restoring and maintaining her charm with her traditional rigging and still set all her sails by hand.  As she was built to carry over 200t of marble deep sea, her construction is twice as strong as compared to a normal ship of her size. She is constructed with double oak frames and up to 13 meters long, 14 cm thick ironwood planks (azobe). Her topsides are built in the finest mahogany. She was originally launched in winter of 1921 in Italy as a pure wooden sailing ship with no engine to serve as a cargo ship.

Now, she has been equipped with the latest safety standards in accordance with EU guidelines for historic charter and sailing school ships and approved for deep-sea navigation. Below decks she has a combination of twin and triple cabins, authentic hammock bunks in the saloon or even take your chances and sleep on deck beneath the stars!

Read more here about what to expect from a traditional sailing holiday on board Florette.

More about Florette

Kit list

Florette has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is 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 a 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 sailing boots or clean wellingtons
• Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
• Swimsuit and swim towel
• 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 
• Waterproof trousers
• Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Smidge repellent
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• If you wish to sleep on deck under the stars or are booking a hammock berth, please bring your own lightweight sleeping bag
• Refillable water bottle 
• Charging cables for personal devices 
• EU 2pin plug adaptor
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

What’s the weather like in Scotland?!

We get asked this question quite a lot and it is not a simple answer! The geography of the islands and coastline mean that weather can be very localised, changeable and in true Scotland fashion – a little moody at times. 2023 saw a lot of sun and not much wind at the start of the season, and 2022 saw a lot of rain and great sailing winds – there is no rhyme or reason but that’s what makes exploring Scotland exciting for the adventure traveller!

The beauty of localised weather and being on a boat surrounded by islands is that the skipper can plan and chase the better weather windows, finding sheltered anchorages – this is why we don’t commit to a sailing itinerary.

Once you’ve booked, we send a recommended kit list on what to pack to suit all options although we always recommend checking the weather forecast in the week leading up to your holiday.

To give you an idea of the average temperatures…

June, July & August > HIGHS of 18°C and LOWS of 9°C

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• HALF BOARD – All breakfast (includes tea and coffee), six meals (combination of lunch or dinner)
• Use of all facilities on board including snorkelling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
• All bedding (pillow, duvet, bedding)
• All tender trips during the voyage, to and fro the boat
• Full crew, plus tuition

What’s not included

• 6-7 meals ashore (at guests expense)
• Tea/Coffee/Alcohol (cash honesty bar)
• Wash or swim towels
• Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck (only if you want!)
• Domestic flights
• Insurance
• Crew and tour leader tips

EXTRAS?

All guests are responsible for recording their own usage/extras in their honesty tab which is payable at the end of the trip.

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 12miles offshore.

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.

Travel Planning

From: North Pier, Oban

To: North Pier, Oban

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

Getting There

OBAN, Scotland

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.