Sail Over the Top of Scotland; Orkney, Skye & Mull

Join the magnificent classic tall ship the Flying Dutchman for a 10 day voyage sailing the coast of Scotland from Inverness to Oban.

Visit the finest whiskey distilleries and we are likely to encounter dolphins and whales at sea. Our sailing holiday in Scotland starts in Buckie (Inverness) and takes us along the beautiful north-east coast to the Orkney Islands. We will dock in small idyllic harbour towns, but also drop anchor in beautiful secluded bays.

The itinerary specified below is a guide. Changes due to the effects of weather, currents and wind are possible. A minibus will be available from Inverness airport to take guests to the boat in Buckie.

Day 1: Arrival to Inverness.
We welcome you aboard the Flying Dutchman. Upon arrival, you will get to know the crew and your fellow guests before we raise glass to a good journey. After dinner there is time to throw off the lines and head for the Orkney Islands, experiencing the untouched, wild nature of the Scottish coast. The rugged beauty, the silence on the water, the rugged coastline with its surprising bays, the quiet fishing villages and the magnificent view of the islands in the distance.

Day 2: Orkney Islands – Kirkwall
During the day we will reach the Orkney Islands on the island of Mainland. The Orkney Islands form a group of about 200 small islands in the north of Scotland. Approximately 21,000 inhabitants live on the islands, about 7,000 of them in the capital Kirkwall. Characteristic is the St. Magnus Cathedral, which was built between 1137 and 1152.

Day 3: Kirkwall
Today we have a rest day, to explore the island in full. In Kirkwall you can visit the famous distilleries of Highland Park and Scapa. And of course, there’s a nice tour to the island’s attractions, including Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness, the Broch of Gurness and the Grain Earth House in Kirkwall.

Day 4: Stromness
After breakfast, we set sail to Stromness, which is located at a natural harbour. Towards evening we leave the Orkney Islands with a favourable tide and set course for Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Day 5: Harris & Lewis
Stornoway is a busy fishing port and also the only :ci”y” on Lewis. There are good roads along the coast with small villages and in the mountainous southwest we find white sandy beaches. The west coast of Harris Island consists of a series of breathtaking beaches, all flanked by dunes and the local machair (the unique species of these islands). With the normal bus connections you can visit the entire island. On Harris is the new Isle of Harris Distillery, which is well worth a visit.

Day 6 and 7: Skye
Next stop is a sail to Skye, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. The Isle of Skye is an absolute must and features some of the most stunning scenery: sharp hills, scenic coastlines, the famous Talisker distillery and many more attractions. We dock in the capital Portree and the next day we can explore the island and also a visit to Talisker should not be missed.

Day 8: Rum (Small Isles)
The island of Rum belongs to the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides. The island has about 30 inhabitants. A well-known building on the island is Kinloch Castle. In the afternoon we make our way to Tobermory on Mull. We sail between the islands and the beautiful Scottish west coast, enjoying the views of the island of Mull and the beauties of unspoiled Scotland.

Day 9: Tobermory
Tobermory is a cosy, characteristic village with its famous local Distillery. The small Mull Museum and the Marine Visitor Center are also worth a visit. During the afternoon we continue sailing the Sound of Mull, passing the Duart Castle before reaching Oban, the final destination port of our journey.

Day 10: Oban
Unfortunately, our wonderful journey around Scotland has come to an end. After a good breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye.

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

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.

FAQ

• 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: Inverness

To: Oban

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

Buckie is very close to Airport Inverness. There will a free minibus from Inverness airport to take people to the boat in Buckie.

To get from Oban, the bus is the best means of transport, whether you’re flying from Edinburgh or Glasgow (15 minutes difference). From both airports there is a transfer bus every 30 minutes to Buchanan (Glasgow) Bus Station, from where the bus to Oban departs.
For more information: Citylink.co.uk
If you wish to travel by train, first take the bus to Glasgow. Then you can take the train from Glasgow: Scotrail.com

Klm flies to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
EasyJet flies to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.
Flybe flies to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Ryanair flies alone to Edinburgh.