Sailing the Firth of Clyde

YOUR SAILING AREA

Firth of Clyde, 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 sail in. With ancient castles, meandering 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.

Often forgotten in the rush to explore the better know Hebridean islands, the Firth of Clyde is home to over 40 islands and skerries, so has plenty to offer the adventure traveller.

Exactly where you’ll discover will be decided by the wind and weather as with all our sailing holidays! 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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Scottish Sailing Highlights

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.

Holy Loch

Known as the marine gateway to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Holy Loch is a beautiful sea loch with picturesque beaches and plenty of forest trails. On the north side of the loch, you can climb Kilmun Hill at 1262ft with amazing views across to the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. If you are looking for something more easy-going, then Benmore Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit with their Giant Sequoias trees in excess of 148ft tall.

If the wind permits exploring further into the Hebrides, you may visit the islands of Jura and Islay. The infamous Gulf of Corryvreckan divides the two islands and is home to the worlds third-largest whirlpool, Scarba. This fascinating natural wonder can be viewed from a cliff top on Jura. The island was also once the hideout for George Orwell to complete his famous 1984 and has only 200 inhabitants, massively outnumbered by its wild deer population which has been counted at approximately 5000!

All voyages for Maybe

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Sleeping, Eating & Relaxation

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.

What’s included

• All inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• 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
• Wash and/or 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 not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks) Generally, alcohol is not included; *One glass of wine is included with your evening meal on leisure voyages (not expedition/crossings)

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  Bedding is provided. Please bring your own towels for swimming and showering

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x Twin Cabins(& 1x 6berth Cabin for private charters if needed)

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding is provided but towels are not so please bring your own for showering/swimming

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 toilets/showers for guest use

• 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?

  Yes

• Do I need sailing experience?

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

• 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: Greenock

To: Greenock

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

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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.