Tall Ship Sailing Skye & the Small Isles

YOUR SAILING AREA

The Small Isles, Scotland

Made up of four islands; Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, the Small Isles have much to offer. Breathtaking coastal landscapes, untouched nature, secluded sandy beaches and idyllic retreats, make for the perfect sailing holiday destination.

The island of Rum is a paradise for wildlife and is home to the impressive but now derelict Kinloch Castle. The island of Eigg attracts archaeologists and ornithologists with its fascinating geology and biodiversity. The island of Muck is the smallest of the islands and is easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Canna is finally the westernmost of the Small Isles and is run by the National Trust for Scotland as a farm, but also offers a cafe-restaurant, an excellent meeting place for guests and inhabitants of the island.

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Hop aboard the Flying Dutchman at 6 pm and after an introduction to the crew, dinner will be served at 7 pm where you can get to know your fellow guests. (If you are arriving in Oban earlier, just let the boat know and you can drop your luggage off and spend some time exploring.) The route will be entirely dependent on the wind direction so there is no fixed itinerary.

The island of Muck is our first destination as long as the weather and wind permits. Only 3 km long and 1.5 km wide, it is the smallest of the “Small Isles” with 38 permanent residents. With a fertile hillside landscape and white sandy beaches, there are plenty of places to explore. Take a hike to the highest point of Beinn Airein for some impressive highland views or visit the prehistoric fortress of Caisteal an Duin Bhain.

Our next stop is the island of Rum. The island offers extensive hiking trails into the mountains with rum ponies, sea eagles and deer to name but a few island residents. Rum inspires scientists worldwide with its unique geology, including the core of an ancient volcano that formed the now-visible Rum mountains. One of the most popular day trips is a tour of Kinloch Castle, giving visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the Bullough family who built the castle between 1897 and 1900. The castle houses an “orchestrion” made in Germany, which imitates the sound of a whole orchestra by scanning punched paper rolls.

All voyages for Flying Dutchman

Flying Dutchman

Guest berths: 24 Rig: Schooner

Built in 1903, the Flying Dutchman has been recently re-fitted to a high standard for comfortable sailing holidays in Scotland. There is a huge 480m² sail area to propel you through the water and on the Flying Dutchman you will have the option to participate in helping the different sails up and getting to know all the different crafts. You will be guided by an experienced crew to help you with all the different crafts on the ship. If you want to steer the ship, do not hesitate to ask the captain.

The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables make it a great communal area to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area too. Below decks, there are ten ensuite cabins for guests with bunk beds, all with heating and air-conditioning depending on where you are in the world.

The rear deck is layered with wood, which emphasises the traditional atmosphere of the ship. On the main deck there are 3 different tables and couches to sit on, this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.

Deck plan

One of traditional sailing, sea-faring tales and breath-taking destinations, sailing with the Flying Dutchman is a far cry from its ancestral name. Although a traditionally rigged vessel with an authentic wooden boat feel throughout, the Flying Dutchman has been fitted as a charter vessel to a high, modern standard – providing guests with an authentic sailing experience while ensuring comfort and mod-cons are not forgotten.

Enjoy a balance of traditional sailing harnessing the power of the wind to spending time exploring ashore in hard-to-reach locations away from the tourist hustle and bustle. 

Life on board…

Offering sailing tall ship holidays in Scotland and the Hebrides, the Flying Dutchman aims to give guests a traditional tall ship adventure. Family owned and operated, the Flying Dutchman is perfect for solo travellers, couples or older families looking for that classic tall ship experience making memories that will certainly last a lifetime.

Getting Involved

The crew encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing this fascinating schooner. She is traditionally rigged but also has a winch system so can be sailed comfortably by the crew if guests simply want to put their feet up and enjoy the views! From hoisting the sails, basic rope work and even some simple navigation skills, you can get involved as much or as little as you’d like.  Once the sails are up you can enjoy the beauty of silently crossing the ocean using just the power of the wind.

Sleeping, eating and Relaxation

A designated chef ensures that you’re well fed and looked after after a day of sailing the Scottish Seas. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft and hot drinks are all included in the half-board ticket price. Evening meals aboard are not included (unless you are tucked up in a secluded anchorage!) and this is done so that guests can experience true Scottish hospitality ashore and support the local economy while enjoying sustainable, local produce.

The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal area to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area too. She has ten ensuite twin cabins below decks and all cabins have air-conditioning or heating with all bedding and towels provided.

The rear deck is layered with wood, which emphasises the traditional atmosphere of the ship. On the main deck, there are 3 different tables and couches to sit on, this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.

Sample Menu for the flying dutchman

Our menu varies on location, the weather and the rotation cook but this should give you an idea of what to expect.

Breakfast

(Alternating Full English and Continental)

• FULL ENGLISH – Eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, haggis
• CONTINENTAL – Waffles, scones, croissants, eggs, porridge
  served everyday…
• Cereal, yoghurt, fruit salad
• Cold cuts & cheese platter
• Orange juice, milk

Lunch

• Soups with bread (garlic, mini-pizza, onion)
• Pasta salad with side dishes
• Mussels
• Local seafood

Dinner

All meals are served in dishes per table. Every dinner consists of a main course, including a salad and some sides and a dessert. The last evening we’ll have a more extensive meal including a starter (scallops, prawns, smoked venison, etc. depending on availability). Normally the diners are alternating fish or meat.

• Home-made shepherds pie
• Casserole
• Fish or chicken curry
• Fresh salmon
• Beef stew
• Paella

What’s included

The Flying Dutchman works on a half board basis to give guests a chance to experience the local cuisine. All breakfasts, tea, coffee and juice are included in the ticket price. Lunch and evening meals will be a 50/50 split of eating onboard (included in the ticket price) and eating ashore (not included in the ticket price). If the Flying Dutchman is not able to go ashore for any reason (weather related), guests will be able to eat onboard!

• 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

What’s not included

• Eating ashore
• Waterproofs
• Any 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 no more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Breakfast, lunch, snacks & soft drinks are included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Meat eaters and vegetarians only.

• Are there any added extra's?

  Evening meals are not included - these are eaten ashore at guests expense.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  10x twin ensuite cabins and 1x four berth ensuite cabin.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, every cabin has a porthole.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  11

• 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, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, the Flying Dutchman does not have laundry on board.

• 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?

  German/English.

• 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, there are 220v sockets in every cabin so please bring a 2pin EU adaptor.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euros.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  The Flying Dutchman 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, please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• 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 18's only - no upper age limit, only one rule: You must be able to climb stairs!

Travel Planning

From: North Pier

To: North Pier

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

Getting There

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.