2023 Maybe Firth Clyde – Greenock/Oban

YOUR SAILING AREA

Hebrides, SCOTLAND

Sheltered from the Atlantic swell by the Kintyre peninsula with an archipelago of rugged islands, the Firth of Clyde is a fascinating area to start your sailing holiday. With ancient castles, meandering sea lochs and an abundance of wildlife, this part of Scotland is definitely best explored under sail. The Kyles of Bute are said to be one of the prettiest sailing passages in Britain and with fjord-like lochs and heather-clad hills, these waters make for perfect sheltered sailing on board a tall ship.

Over the next few days you’ll work your way North to the town of Oban, exploring the Firth of Clyde and the inner Hebrides along the way. Exactly where you’ll discover will be decided by the wind and weather as with all our sailing holidays but you’ll likely pass and explore the islands of Islay, Jura and Colonsay before departing the boat in Oban.  The skipper and crew are familiar with the sailing area so know all the best spots to explore off the beaten track and spot the wondrous wildlife that the West Coast of Scotland has an abundance of.

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The Firth of Clyde

The Isle of Arran

Often referred to as “Scotland in miniature” because of its obvious highland and lowland geography, the Isle of Arran is one of the larger and better known islands in the Clyde. Famous for its whisky distilleries set in picturesque bays. The Lochranza Bay is said to be one of the most stunning anchorages on the Isle of Arran with its lush green hills rolling down to meet shingle shores lined by quaint cottages. There’s also a wealth of history waiting to be explored ashore, from the standing stones on Machie moor to the ancient castle of Lochranza sitting on the waters edge.

The Isle of Bute

The Isle of Bute offers medieval ruins, Victorian architecture, botanical gardens and sandy shores. The perfect spot for walking and exploring ashore, it measures only 15×2.5 miles boasting a Victorian Fernery and Gothic Mansion at Rothesay. Its lush green rolling hills,  heather covered moorland and sandy shores make the island a paradise for outdoor lovers.

Jura, Islay & Colonsay

The island of Jura was once the hideout for George Orwell to complete his famous 1984 and with only 200 inhabitants, its massively outnumbered by its wild deer population which has been counted at approximately 5000!

The Gulf of Corryvreckan joins Jura and Colonsay and is home to the worlds third-largest whirlpool, Scarba. Don’t worry though, Maybe will steer clear and if the weather permits, you can watch this natural wonder from the cliff on the coast of Jura.

The Isle of Colonsay is one of the smallest inhabited Hebridean islands and is known for its tranquillity and unspoilt natural beauty. Kiloran Bay is the most famous of many sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. From otters to seals to wild goats and a plethora of wild plants; Colonsay is rich in wild and unspoilt nature.

Islay is famous for its whisky distilleries dotted all over the island. There’s plenty to discover across the island with an ancient settlement, including a prehistoric fort and medieval tombstones near Loch Finlaggen.

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!

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2023 Maybe Firth Clyde – Greenock/Oban

Guest berths: Rig:

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. From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable 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.

Maybe has a dedicated chef onboard too so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a days sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish and home-made bread with hearty home-cooked meals and plenty of tea, coffee and cake! Your ticket price includes one glass of wine with your evening meal too.

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.

Your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and soft drinks. Bedding is provided – you just need to bring your own towels.

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 not be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

Travel Planning

From: Greenock

To: Oban

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

PARKING

Parking is limited in Greenock. The car parks are for 2 hours at a time, and whilst street parking is free, you still require a [free] permit. Please see Inverclyde council car parks for more up-to-date information. 

If you are planning to drive, it may be easier to use a long stay, secure parking in Glasgow and take onward travel to Greenock by way of train as detailed below.

Reservable parking on JustPark app;

Driveway on Finlaystone Road (near Kilmacolm)

Driveway on Port Glasgow Road (near Kilmacolm)

You can also try the RingGo or yourparkingspace apps and search reservable private spots in the Greenock area to park for the duration of your trip.

BY RAIL

You can travel by rail to/from Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street, depending on where you’re coming from in the country. You can also travel overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper https://www.sleeper.scot/ from London Euston to Glasgow.

Then from Glasgow Queen Street Station and Glagow Central Station take the train to Greenock West.

BY AIR

Glasgow Airport is a approx. a 25 minute taxi ride into Greenock, or catch the No. 926 bus to Renfrew Road (Trident House) and then the No.906 bus to Greenock which takes about 30 minutes.

Direct flights go to Glasgow Airport (GLA) from London Heathrow with British Airways. 

BY COACH/BUS

You can travel by coach to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station from the rest of the UK with National Express  and megabus. You will then need to change for Greenock onto local services operated by McGill’s.

Oban

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.