Hebrides Wildlife Sail & Explore Mull & Small Isles

YOUR SAILING AREA

HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND

Join classic boat Maybe on the West Coast of Scotland as she takes guests on a taster sailing adventure to the Isle of Mull and the Small Isles. You’ll be amazed by the stunning natural beauty of the Hebrides, with miles of coastline to explore and swathes of sea to sail. With experienced skippers and crew, you can expect to discover some of the most breathtaking and fascinating sailing grounds in the UK. Explore the Treshnish Isles, home to a large puffin colony, and Staffa, famous for its impressive basalt columns. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, sea eagles, and other amazing wildlife.

As with all our sailing holidays, exactly where you’ll discover will be at the whim of the wind and weather! The skipper and crew are familiar with the sailing area, so they know all the best spots to explore off the beaten track and spot the wondrous wildlife that the Hebrides has an abundance of.

.

Hebridean Sailing Highlights

Over 70 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, make up the inner Hebrides, so you won’t run out of places to explore. Offering miles of coastline and swathes of sea to sail, exploring this area by boat is the easiest and best way to see the Hebrides. The landscape’s geography also makes for great sailing conditions and shelter if the weather takes a turn. The islands below give a good idea of what to expect but please note, we’ll be subject to the wind!

The Isle of Mull is one of the larger inhabited islands in the Hebrides and is renowned for its abundant wildlife. With dolphins, whales, and sea eagles, endless walking trails, and secluded anchorages, you could spend a week alone exploring this beautiful island.

Iona is just off the coast of Mull, and its crystal clear, bright blue waters make it one of our favourite spots in the inner Hebrides. It boasts tranquillity, blue lagoons, and sandy beaches that are only 1.5 x 3 miles long! Keep a look out for oystercatchers, sandpipers, redshanks, plovers, curlews, and greylag geese.

The Treshnish Isles

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 breeding 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 to the famous geological wonder of Fingal’s cave, where guests can take the tender to get off and explore the impressive basalt columns.

The Small Isles

The Small Isles are four main islands – Rum, Eigg, Canna, and Muck – each with its unique personality and story. There are plenty of remote anchorages and hiking opportunities to explore the shorelines and hills for breathtaking views and wildlife watching.

Rum Island is the largest and a National Nature Reserve. It’s home to the architecturally remarkable, now deserted Kinloch Castle, sea eagles, red deer, and hardy Rum ponies.

Eigg Island has a distinctive ridge named the Sgùrr of Eigg. Climbing to the top of the ridge offers fantastic views over the Small Isles and across to Skye. Eigg is only five miles long with one road, and it boasts to be the only fully sustainable island in the Hebrides with an electric grid!

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

SEARCH ALL VOYAGES >

Maybe

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Gaff Ketch

Built in 1929, classic boat Maybe is a beautifully shaped 28m gaff ketch. A strong sea-worthy vessel, she is built with extra strength using steel frames, a hardwood hull and teak decking. After a complete overhaul in 2007 and a restoration to her original Gaff rig in 2011, she now spends her summers sailing Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and winters keeping warm in Spain and Portugal.

She has a rather famous history, once being owned by Jan Jacob Van Rietschoten, father of the flying Dutchman, Cornelis ‘Conny’ Van Rietschoten. Having spent most of her life privately owned sailing around the world, she has been owned by her present owners since 1989.

Guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing Maybe, from hoisting the sails, taking the helm and even some basic navigation. An onboard chef provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot breads and cakes throughout voyages, ensuring you won’t be going hungry after a day on the water!

Read more about Life on board Maybe here.

More about Maybe

Life on board Maybe

Sailing with classic boat Maybe is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. With private cabins and generous communal spaces below decks, she’s perfect for solo travellers, couples or even family groups. The crew are well versed in sailing Maybe with her season running skippered charter holidays and taking Youth Sail training voyages to share this rich maritime history with the younger generation.

Getting Involved

From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew are always on hand to show you the ropes. If you’re new to sailing, don’t worry – the crew will guide you in exactly what to do, even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before. Sailing with Maybe is an experience you won’t forget! A beautifully restored classic tall ship, get involved with hoisting sails and being on hand to tack and jibe.

Sleeping, Eating & Relaxation

Pitch in with the crew to cook locally sourced produce, fresh fish, and home-made bread, hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!

Below decks is a nod to the traditional tall ship era with decorative wooden panelling throughout. A generous saloon area is great for eating hearty home-cooked meals, sharing sea faring tales or maybe a game of cards with your fellow crew. There are three twin bunk cabins and a fourth 4-person cabin that all share a large shower/toilet.

Read more about what to expect from a typical day and life onboard Maybe.

 

Kit list

Maybe has limited space within the cabin with 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 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 boots or wellington boots (dependent on weather forecast)
• Swimsuit and swim towel (optional) 
• 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 and trousers
• Sun cream (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

•  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

What’s included

• Full Board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Wash Towels
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of stand-up paddle-board

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Swim towels
• 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?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Are there any added extras?

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

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin cabins, each has storage and a sink.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  All cabins have deck hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There are 2 toilets/showers for guest use.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  Bedding and towels are provided. Please bring your own towels for swimming.

• 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, Maybe does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  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 UK 3 pin plug in each cabin.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Maybe 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 over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  Yes, for use on the boat only. Please bring a light weight waterproof if needed for going ashore.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  Yes, there is a stand-up paddle board for guests to use free of charge.

• 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?

  We recommend over 8+ years accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio but please check in the office for any under 18's as it can vary from voyage to voyage.

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

Oban, Scotland

PARKING

If you arrive by car, there is ample parking in Oban. Secure parking can be found at MacQueen Bros, or you could try the Tesco car park 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 2-3 hours. Flights go directly to Stansted Airport.