Sailing in the Hebrides; Mull, Jura & Islay
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Discover the Hebrides with modern yacht Stravaigin as she explores Mull, Jura and Islay under sail.
Join modern sailing yacht Stravaigin in Oban, Scotland for an adventure sailing holiday that will take you on a journey of exploration to the stunning islands of Mull, Jura, and Islay.
These islands are located on the West Coast of Scotland and offer some of the best sailing grounds in the UK. With wild landscapes shrouded in mystery, secluded anchorages, and an abundance of wildlife-watching opportunities, the inner Hebrides are a perfect destination for a thrilling sailing adventure.
- Skippered sailing experience
- Island hopping & exploration
- Wildlife watching
- Great for small groups
- Private cabins
- Full Board
- SUPS
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Oban Sailing Holiday Aboard Modern Yacht Stravaigin
Oban → Isle of Mull → Iona → Jura → Islay → Corryvreckan
One of the most rewarding sailing destinations in the UK, the west coast of Scotland offers extraordinary variation for sailors and explorers alike. Remote anchorages where mountains run straight into the sea, miles of atmospheric landscapes, secret coves and uninhabited islands; it’s easy to see why guests return year after year. The main focus of this Hebridean adventure is the islands of Mull, Jura and Islay, each with its own distinct character and a wealth of experiences to offer.
Stravaigin’s owner and skipper John has lived and sailed in the Hebrides for many years and knows all the best spots well off the beaten track. Once aboard, he’ll have the latest weather forecast and a clear picture of what to expect from the week ahead.
Island Hopping: Mull, Jura and Islay
Over 70 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, make up the Inner Hebrides, so there’s no shortage of places to explore under sail. The geography of the landscape makes for great sailing conditions and natural shelter if the weather turns, while a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna spreads across several of the islands. Many are home to fascinating ruins with evidence of the clans and communities that once inhabited these remote lands.
The Isle of Mull is one of the larger inhabited islands in the Hebrides, renowned for its wildlife, endless walking trails and secluded anchorages. Just off the coast of Mull, Iona sits glistening in crystal-clear blue waters, with sandy beaches, blue lagoons, and a tranquillity that’s hard to find anywhere else.
If the wind permits southerly sailing, Jura and Islay await. The Gulf of Corryvreckan is home to the world’s third-largest whirlpool, a remarkable natural wonder best viewed from the clifftops of Jura. The island was once George Orwell’s hideout as he completed his famous 1984, and today its 200 inhabitants are massively outnumbered by a wild deer population of around 5,000. On Islay, world-renowned whisky distilleries open their doors to visitors, making for an unforgettable afternoon ashore.
- Explore Mull, Iona, Jura and Islay under sail
- View the Corryvreckan whirlpool from Jura’s clifftops
- Whisky tasting at Islay’s famous distilleries
- Fascinating ruins and clan history ashore
- Secret anchorages well off the beaten track
Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides
Wildlife watching on this Oban sailing holiday is a real treat. Black guillemots gather in their hundreds while white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing with Stravaigin regularly brings sightings of buzzards, kestrels, sparrowhawks and peregrines, and the sound of puffins, guillemots and razorbills echoing off the cliffs is something quite unlike anything else.
In the water, common, bottlenose, and white-beaked dolphins are frequent visitors to the bow, and with a little luck, you may even spot a minke or humpback whale on the horizon.
- White-tailed eagles and seabird colonies
- Dolphins regularly spotted in the bow wake
- Possible minke and humpback whale sightings
- Puffins, guillemots and razorbills off the cliffs
- Skipper John is a trained snorkel instructor
Life Aboard Modern Yacht Stravaigin
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning to wander with no particular intent, and that spirit runs through every voyage she makes. She’s a warm, welcoming boat with three private double cabins sleeping up to six guests, a spacious saloon for dining and relaxing, and a well-equipped galley.
John cooks all meals from scratch using locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, organic meats and vegetables from the local islands, with bread and cakes from the Solace Bakery. Two paddleboards are available for exploring the coastline, and Stravaigin is fitted with solar panels and a wind generator to minimise her impact on the environment.
- Three private double cabins
- Locally sourced, home-cooked meals included
- Two paddleboards available on board
- Relaxed sailing, as hands-on as you like
- Solar panels and wind generator fitted
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Do I need to take part in night watches?
Are there midges in Scotland?
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 12miles offshore.
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”
Meeting as strangers and departing as friends. Taking away memories to last forever and experiences that inspire and leave you wanting more.
Jump aboard Stravaigin to receive a truly warm Scottish welcome. Settle into your cabin, gather for a safety brief, explore your floating home for the week, and then enjoy some coffee and homemade cake.
Getting involved
Stravaigin requires no previous sailing experience, so you can sit back and enjoy the views, although the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm if you’d like! She’s a great boat for learning to sail, with a modern winch system and a simple gaff rig.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Below decks, she has three double cabins with beds that lea cloths can separate for those travelling as friends or comfortable solo travellers. One double cabin has an ensuite bathroom, and the remaining two cabins share another bathroom located off the saloon area.
A comfortable, spacious saloon makes a great social space for eating, relaxing, and getting to know your fellow travellers. Stravaigin also strives to minimise her impact on the environment, so she is fitted with solar panels and a wind generator.
Dining Aboard
Each day, guests enjoy delicious, locally sourced food as John whips up a feast in the galley, featuring fresh seafood, organic meats and veggies from local islands, not to mention cakes and bread from the Solace Bakery. You’ll be well-fed, and all your hot drinks and meals are included in the ticket price.
Into the water
Skipper John is also a trained snorkel instructor, so if guests want to experience some truly refreshing wild swimming in Scotland, then do let him know as you board. There are also two paddleboards available for guests to explore the nooks and crannies of this fascinating coastline. Wetsuits are not available on board, so please bring your own if you would like. Waterproofs are available to hire; please let us know at the time of booking.
Stravaigin
Guest berths: 6 Rig: Bermudan Sloop
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”. Her owner and skipper, John, says that this encapsulates his ethos of immersive adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods and cultures while creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last forever!
Stravaigin has a modern Bermudan sloop rig with winches and full navigation systems. If you have never sailed before and are looking to learn the ropes, skipper John loves to teach guests and get them involved with all aspects of sailing. Alternatively, she can be sailed single-handedly, so if you’re after a relaxing sailing holiday soaking in the sights and delights of the Hebrides, then that’s fine too!
From taster sailing weekends, guided wild swimming experiences and more adventurous voyages to the outer islands, Stravaigin suits all ages and abilities. Whether you’re travelling solo, or looking to meet like-minded travellers, an adventurous couple looking for something a little different or a group of family and friends looking for a unique private charter experience, sailing with John on Stravaigin is a great choice.
Below decks, Stravaigin has been well-considered and laid out for guests’ optimum comfort. A bright and airy saloon with a large table and TV screen sits next to the generous L-shaped galley, where guests can enjoy local cuisine and home-cooked meals. She has three private double-berth cabins, and two of the double-berth cabins can be separated with a lee-cloth for friends or comfortable solo travellers, and both bathrooms have a shower.
Skipper John also has a passion for sustainability and lessening the impact on the natural world. Stravaigin has a large solar panel array with a large battery bank, which means she can be sailed and operated using significantly less fuel. Sailing with her is an eco-friendly way to travel that minimises carbon emissions and pollution. It encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to appreciate the journey while promoting a deeper connection with nature and enabling exploration of secluded and protected environments.
Deck plan
More about Stravaigin
More holidays in Scotland
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Historic Sailing Explorer; Skye & the Small Isles
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Remote Scottish Island Adventure: Outer Hebrides & Shiants
More holidays on Stravaigin
Sail and explore Mull & Iona
Short Break Sailing & Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides
Sailing in the Hebrides; Mull, Jura & Islay
Short Break Sailing & Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
