Sailing the Hebrides – Ullapool to Oban 2022

There is just so much to take in and experience with a sailing holiday in the Hebrides. From bustling harbour towns to remote anchorages and breathtaking lochs, you won’t be short of things to do or see.

LIFE AT SEA

The exact itinerary is dependent on the wind and tides but our crew know all the hotspots off the beaten track and the best places to anchor under the stars. As you board Steady and get familiar with your floating home for the week, the crew will have a better idea of where you might sail.  Sailing from Ullapool, Steady will aim South towards the Isle of Skye and onto Oban. Staying close to the coast as she sails Steady will explore the numerous lochs that form this beautiful part of the Scottish coast. Finding picturesque anchorages in sheltered waters.

Nestling at the foot of the Skye Cuillins lies Loch Scavaig, a sea loch with the waters of Loch Corusk pouring magnificently in. Following the trail, you will feel like you have walked right into middle earth.

This voyage allows you to succumb to the tranquillity of this breathtaking part of the world, knowing there is little to do but sail, explore ashore, watch birds and take in the scenery and the hospitality of this island community. Everywhere Steady travels, you will find that each island provides some good short walks of about an hour before setting sail and heading towards a new anchorage. Sailing in the Hebrides with Steady requires no previous sailing experience so you can sit back and enjoy the views, however, if you wish, the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm!

WILDLIFE

Sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots can be seen in their hundreds and white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing on Steady is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow hawks and Peregrines and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the diminutive Merlin. The sound is magnificently overwhelming, with the call of seabird colonies, Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills, echoing off the cliffs.

There are frequent encounters with Common, Bottlenose & Whitebeak dolphins on board these trips, and Risso & White-sided dolphins are also occasionally sighted. There are plenty of whales in this part of the world too. Our most common encounters are with Minke – Humpbacks are a less frequent visitor, while the real star of the show is the resident pod of Orca if you’re lucky enough to see them gliding through the water. So keep your eyes peeled and have your binoculars at the ready!

Wherever you sail with Steady, be sure that the views will be breathtaking and the wildlife in abundance, so have your eyes peeled and your binoculars at the ready for a wonderful trip. All meals are freshly prepared and cooked on board, and with private cabins and comfy social spaces, this is an adventure not to be missed!

As with all Steady’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Hot Drinks. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased on board. There are three twin cabins with bunk beds and two shared bathrooms. One cabin per trip is available for single occupancy with a 50% surcharge. All cabins have bedding and towels provided. 

There is an age limit on Steady’s trips so if you are over 75years old and are interested in sailing with Steady, please give us a call in the office. 

Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book!

All voyages for Steady

Steady

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Staysail Ketch

Join husband and wife team, Jan-Willem and Mariëlle Kerkmeer aboard their 1993 Dutch ketch as they take guests on sailing holidays exploring the wonders of the Hebrides in Scotland.

Steady is true to her name with a sturdy steel hull and was originally built as a charter vessel giving a considered layout below decks. Fitted with all the mod-cons and keeping guests comfort at the forefront, she sleeps eight guests in four comfortable twin cabins sharing two bathrooms with a generous shower. Newly re-fitted for 2022, the galley and saloon area live at the heart of the boat with a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.

On deck level there’s a spacious cockpit with a navigation station and more seating, perfect for breakfast and morning coffee as the sun rises. There’s plenty of room on deck too to take in the surrounding views and learn the ropes alongside Jan-Willem and Mariëlle who love sharing their passion for Scotland and sailing with their guests.

Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing of this eye-catching vessel, and Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are excellent guides if you do want to get involved. They cater for all abilities and ages, so if you’d rather sit back and relax with a book, then that’s fine too!

Steady’s voyages explore the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda; an area of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking beauty in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her sailing adventures give you access to the most captivating and remote hidden secrets of this incredible and beautiful place. As you sail through this stunning marine landscape you will likely be lucky enough to experience close encounters with rare wildlife and have time to soak up the unique and fascinating history and culture of the Hebrides and St Kilda.

Watch this short video of Steady sailing around Oban.

Steady Deck Plan 

Deck plan

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 all meals included in the price?

  Yes - meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free diets.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin bunk bed cabins.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  No.

• How many bathrooms/showers does she have?

  Steady has a separate toilet and shower for guests.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and shower towels are provided but please bring Swimming towels if you wish to swim in the sea! Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No but you are welcome to take your own onboard for use when the generator is running.

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Steady does not have laundry on board for guests.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes, there is a diesel powered stove for heating and all cabins have central heating.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are Dutch, however they are fluent in English & Mariëlle can speak German.

• Is there WIFI aboard?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech 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 if travelling abroad.

• How do I charge my phone?

  There are power sockets throughout the saloon for charging.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling or Euro's depending on the voyage.

• Are there Life Jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Steady 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 there Waterproofs available?

  Yes, Steady has Musto sailing suits for each guest in average sizing while sailing. Please bring a waterproof if you wish to wear one ashore.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No water toys but there is fishing gear.

• Will I be seasick?

  Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure we recommend you take seasick tablets 24hours before you board.

• Is there an age limit for Steady's guests?

  Yes, her maximum age limit is a guide of 75 years for most voyages. Some of her expedition adventures vary so please check each voyage or give us a call in the office. Please check if you have any under 18's.

Travel Planning

From: Ullapool

To: Oban

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