Sailing the Outer Islands & St Kilda

YOUR SAILING AREA

THE OUTER HEBRIDES AND ST KILDA

This voyage is perfect for those looking for a once in a lifetime sailing adventure with longer passages at sea. The exact itinerary and route will be entirely weather dependant but Pellew’s main focus will be to work with the weather to reach the UNESCO world heritage site of St Kilda. Guests are encouraged to get involved with sailing Pellew but it is not mandatory and overnight sailing participation is not expected – rather, part of the experience if guests wish to part-take.

Please note that the wind and weather will determine your route and destination so it is never 100% guarantee that St Kilda will be reached – guests safety is paramount.

From white sandy beaches with crystal clear water to stark rocky hills patched in purple heather, the Outer islands feel untouched by humans, a place that just simply commands a connection with nature. Each day there will be time to walk ashore, climb a mountain or wander along these perfect beaches before heading back for a cosy evening on board.

Pellew is a modern replica of a traditional wooden Pilot Cutter, a specific type of classic sailing boat designed to deliver specialised crew quickly to larger ships coming into port, whose own captains may have not had the knowledge to navigate treacherous waters that the local skippers knew so well. Due to this historic need for a rapid response, Pellew is designed for speed and agility – so getting involved with hoisting sails, taking the helm and being on hand to tack can offer a truly exhilarating sailing experience.

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Rugged Scotland

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to feel the magic and solitude of the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda from the water. Lying out in the Atlantic, 45 miles west of the Outer Hebrides, UNESCO world heritage site of St Kilda is an isolated and volcanic archipelago that was once home to Britain’s most isolated community. The last inhabitants were evacuated in 1930 with the islands now providing a home to over a million nesting seabirds. The history of the people, its inaccessibility and amazing wildlife make the islands an exceptionally desirable destination for anyone interested in natural history.

St Kilda is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the UK’s only site to have been given status for both its unique cultural and natural heritage. Humans have been recorded living in St Kilda for over 2000 years but archeological research has dated human traces on site as far back as the Neolithic period. With the history of its people, its inaccessibility and amazing wildlife, the islands are an exceptionally desirable destination for anyone interested in natural history and looking for that bucket list adventure travel experience. You will be able to soak up these rugged islands whilst keeping eyes peeled at all times for exotic flora and fauna.

Wonderful Wildlife Encounters

From stags to sea otters, a sailing holiday in the West Coast of Scotland is a wildlife seeker’s dream so remember to bring your binoculars and your guidebook. You’ll most likely encounter huge sea eagles and see hundreds of species of sea birds with the chance to get friendly with wild puffins when you go ashore – they’re very inquisitive and always come to say hello. Whales and the odd Orca are also sighted on occasion, but it’d be an unusual trip if you didn’t see bottlenose dolphins or porpoises at least once!

All voyages for Pellew

Pellew

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Pilot Cutter

Pellew is a faithful recreation of the Falmouth Pilot Cutter Vincent, originally built in 1852 and based in St Mawes she was a familiar sight on the Fal estuary for 70 years, eventually retiring from service in 1922. Today, the spirit of tradition lives on and Pellew is strongly built to sail the oceans of the world with her guests travelling in utmost comfort and safety.

Originally designed and built for speed and seaworthiness, these sturdy vessels would carry pilots out to sea, meeting ocean-going ships arriving with cargos bound for Europe. Whatever the weather and however rough the seas these courageous cutters were an integral part of maritime life in the south-west of England.

With her vast sail plan, think fast, invigorating sailing with the lee rail kissing the waves, Pellew is certainly not for the faint-hearted. So if you are looking for that next adventure at sea on a beautifully powerful wooden vessel, then Pellew is the boat for you.

Below decks, you are welcomed into a cosy saloon with cushioned seating around a large table and a generous galley. Delectable home-cooked meals will be freshly-prepared on board by our dedicated cook using locally sourced produce wherever possible. The 8 guest berths are arranged around an open-plan cabin with a shower and two toilets for guest use.

She is oak framed throughout and planked with locally sourced Douglas fir mast and spars. Although she is tiller steered, she does have two large electric capstan winches to help get the sails up and in. Guests are welcomed and invited to get involved in the sailing of Pellew. In fact, it will be hard not to want to feel first hand, the power of this beautiful boat as glides seemingly effortlessly through the water.

She will usually sail with a skipper, mate and dedicated cook, with a fourth crew member joining for longer voyages. She will be spending her sailing season exploring the coasts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands, the Breton Coast and exploring the majestic isles of the Scottish Hebrides.

More about Pellew

Life on board Pellew

Pellew is one of the fastest pilot cutters of her time so a lust for adventure is certainly a must and sailing with her is not for the faint-hearted! You don’t need any experience to join her as the friendly and professional crew are always on-hand to show you the ropes.

You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals and the crew love to share their knowledge with guests, showing them the ropes and feeling the wind power in the sails. They welcome as much or as little participation as you want – from pulling up sails, sheeting in and steering, and even navigation.

A typical Day

Normally, after breakfast, Pellew will set sail for a day on the water aiming to reach a new destination every evening. We enjoy searching out quiet anchorages and hidden coves where we can spend the afternoon exploring ashore and the night enjoying the company, the stars and of course, our freshly cooked evening meal.

All food will be freshly-prepared onboard to the highest standard by a dedicated cook so guests can expect hearty breakfasts, freshly baked bread, delicious lunches and dinners, as well as plenty of home-made cake!

Sleeping and Relaxation

You are welcomed into the main saloon with cushioned seating around a large table next to a generous galley. It’s a great sociable space with the traditionally built wooden finish giving a lovely cosy feeling.

In the fore, there are 8 guest berths in an open-plan cabin with each berth in twin bunk arrangements. She has a generous (for a boat!) shower room and two toilets for guest use.

Sample Menu for Pellew

All food is made on board (including soda & focaccia bread when we cant get artisan loaves!) and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. When we are sailing in Scotland, we try to rendezvous with the local fishermen to get local smoked salmon, kippers and langoustine.

Breakfast

• Fresh fruit bowls
• Yoghurt, muesli & granola
• Artisan or home-made bread & jams
• Cooked breakfast (approx twice on a week-long trip!)

Elevenses/Afternoon Cake

• Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, biscuit, flapjack

Lunch

• Home-made soup, bread and local cheeses
• Risotto and fresh salad
• Home-made savoury tarts and fresh salad

Dinner

• Appetisers; usually a combination of olives, home-made pate and toast, anti-pasti, hummus, crudites and baked camembert
• Greek style roast lamb with cous cous. (V) option; stuffed peppers
• Spanish fish soup with garlic bread
• In Scotland; Haggis, neaps, tatties. (V) option available

Dessert

• Tiramisu
• Home-made meringue with boozy berries
• Chocolate brownies and clotted cream

There is also a huge fruit bowl that guests can help themselves to throughout the voyage!

What’s included 

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• There are off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.

What’s not included

• Wash and/or swim towel
• Alcohol
• 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 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) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Meat eaters and vegetarians only please!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Shared quarters, 8 berths in the open fore cabin with easy access to a toilet

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 toilets, 1 shower for guests

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding is but please bring your own towels.

• Is there an age limit?

  Preferably over 12's accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio but please check with us in the office as each voyage is different.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes, each bunk has a 12v USB charger

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  There are off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Mallaig

To: Mallaig

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

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PARKING

Mallaig offers limited long stay parking in a car park to the left on the Train Station as you drive into Mallaig. Alternatively try another long stay spot at 24 East Bay, Mallaig.

BY RAIL

You can travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. Once in Fort William you can take The Jacobite Steam Train or the electric train direct to Mallaig. Mallaig station is then only a 5-10 minute walk to the harbour pontoons.

BY AIR:

Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to Mallaig. From either of them take a train onto For William and then onto Mallaig which takes approximately 2-3hours. There are good links direct from the airport to the train and bus terminals for onward travel to Fort William.

STAY IN MALLAIG:

There are plenty of places to stay in Mallaig. Try Chlachain Inn, Seaview Guesthouse or West Highland Hotel.