Explore the Outer Hebrides & St Kilda

YOUR SAILING AREA

OUTER HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND

The Outer 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.

The main focus of this adventure sailing holiday is to reach the Outer Hebridean islands, the Shiants and as long as the weather is favourable, reach the far flung archipelago of St Kilda. The wind and weather will determine your route and destination so it is never 100% guarantee that St Kilda will be reached. The skipper and crew will have a better idea of what to expect from the weather as you board.

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

An early start sees the sails set as we head for our first destination in the Small Isles to the island of Canna. Known as ‘the garden of the Hebrides’, Canna has fertile soils, green meadows and abundant wildlife. Recognised as a bird sanctuary since 1938, it supports over 20,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots. On our way we pass the impressive Duart Castle, which is a beautiful sight from the water.

Our sailing adventure to St.Kilda continues as we stop over on the outer Hebrides on the islands of Harris and Lewis. The Southern part of the islands has deep bays and high mountains with the West side of Harris home to stunning beaches flanked with dunes Machair (a unique flowering part). We will anchor here as we prepare for a good weather crossing to St Kilda.

The UNESCO world heritage site is a volcanic archipelago, with its spectacular landscapes, comprises the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray.  St.Kilda have some of the highest cliffs in Europe, which have large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets.

The archipelago has been uninhabited since 1930, but there are traces of more than 2000 years of human habitation. They contain the fragile remnants of a self-sufficient economy based on the products of birds, agriculture and sheep farming. On land, guests can walk through the abandoned village and take a more energetic climb to the edge of Britain’s steepest cliffs, past hundreds of small stone huts known as openings used to store the Guga. Rare Soay sheep roam here, a primitive breed of today’s domestic sheep.

Sail towards Stac Lee and Boreray to visit the largest gannet colony in the world. This majestic sight will enter you, millions of sea birds circling the cliffs and coming in to nest on the sheer cliff face.

Puffins, guillemots and auks all breed at this time of year. Get close to the caves and capture images! Seals are common, either sunning on rocks or fishing in the sound. Keen eyes can spot basking sharks and minke whales that come to feed in the plankton-rich waters of the western islands. Not to mention the eagles and deer that roam the sky and land.

Set the sails back across open waters as we head for the island Barra, where we moor in Castlebay. Visit the surviving medieval Kisimul Castle before we head back towards the island of Mull for our final night in the fishing village of Tobermory.

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

More about Flying Dutchman

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 life time.

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 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. 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

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Breakfast, lunch, snacks & soft drinks are included. *Evenings meals ashore at guests expense to enjoy the local cuisine! Please note that alcohol is not included. There is an honesty bar onboard.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Vegetarians only.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  German/English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  10x double ensuite cabins and 1x four berth ensuite cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  11

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  TBC

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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 bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim ashore.

Travel Planning

From: Oban

To: Oban

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

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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 – https://witchwoodhouseoban.com/

The Scot – https://thescotoban.com/

Perle Hotels – https://perlehotels.com/oban/