Sailing Adventure from Scotland to Ireland

YOUR SAILING AREA

Scotland to Ireland

Begin your Scottish sailing adventure on the West coast of Scotland in the harbour town of Oban. As we set sail from Oban, Cherokee will head south to cross the ‘Corryvreckan’, a narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba known for its strong currents and whirlpools. This area is also famous because the writer George Orwell spent time here writing the book, 1984. It offers beautiful scenery and is surrounded by many islands. Our plan is to spend the night in Crinan, provided we can pass through the sea lock. In Crinan, we can take a pleasant walk along the canal and through the forest.

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Depending on the wind conditions, we may anchor off the island of Jura and visit the small harbour of Port Ellen on the island of Islay. 

Our next step will be to cross the ‘North Channel’ between Scotland and Northern Ireland. The specific harbour we will sail into depends on the wind and tide, but we will likely head to the atmospheric little port of Portrush, known for its nice pubs and Irish live music.

Continuing along the beautiful Northern Irish coast, which was chosen as a setting in the series ‘Game of Thrones’, we will reach the tiny Rathlin island. Here, we can take a scenic walk to the lighthouse. It’s worth noting that the Scottish king Robert the Bruce sought refuge on Rathlin island in 1307 when he had to flee Scotland from the English King Edward I ‘Longshanks’.

The itinerary also includes a visit to Glenarm, where we can take a nice forest walk along a stream, and Carrickfergus, which is home to a beautiful castle. This is the place where Dutch stadholder William III, known in Ireland as King Billy, landed in 1690 to successfully overthrow the English Catholic king with the Glorious Revolution.

The final leg of our journey will take us to Belfast Harbour, where we will dock close to the city centre, near where the Titanic was built. We will be almost next to the Titanic Museum, which is great for enthusiasts. In the afternoon, we can take a ‘black cab’ tour of the many ‘Murals’ (political murals) depicting the still-dormant ‘Troubles’ between the Catholics and Protestant unionists. We plan to have dinner at one of the most delicious pizzerias in the world and then explore Belfast’s vibrant nightlife, filled with cosy pubs and live music.

Please note that the above schedule is subject to weather, wind, and tide. The daily sailing distances are expected to be between 19 and 31 miles.

All voyages for Cherokee

Cherokee

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Cutter

In 2008, Jouke Lemmer purchased Cherokee after spending years sailing with his father’s ship amongst others. Cherokee was built in 2000 by award-winning boat builders J & J Design and a year after buying her, Jouke refitted Cherokee radically, transforming her into a truly comfortable charter vessel, giving her a cutter rig and space for a generator so as to offer his passengers power and hot showers!

She is a fast, 16m vessel with a stunning teak deck and spacious cockpit, and she operates with two crew members (her skipper and the bosun/chef). Cherokee is exceptionally good at what she was built to do – pure sailing. Read more about what to expect with life onboard here.

Jouke sails his ship all over the northern hemisphere, leaving Cherokee’s home port of Rotterdam in May and sailing anywhere from the Hebrides and the Channel Islands, the Faroe Islands and Ireland or even down to the North coast of Spain before making the journey back to Holland in October. Join him and his wonderful ship for the adventure of a lifetime – think exhilarating sailing, bucket list destinations and top-notch hospitality.

Deck plan

LIFE ON BOARD

Perfect for the adventure traveller, Cherokee is a custom-fit charter vessel, designed to ensure her guests enjoy comfortable but exhilarating sailing.

Getting involved

Sailing with Cherokee certainly ticks the adventure travel boxes with a continuous A to B sailing schedule throughout the season. Skipper Jouke believes this is the best way to experience as many destinations off the beaten track as possible and loves to share his sense of adventure with guests.

Guests are actively encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing under the relaxed guidance of Jouke. Take the helm, help with the winching of the sails, anchoring and basic chart navigation. Skipper Jouke was born at sea, the son of a Baltic Sea Captain and a naval architect when he’s back on land – you could not be in safer hands!

Sleeping & relaxation

With four private guest cabins, comfortable bunks and two bathrooms at either end of the boat, Cherokee can easily cater for solo travellers, adventurous couples or groups of friends or family. A hot water boiler runs off the cooling water of the generator, so there is plenty of hot water for washing and showering!

Below decks, she offers a comfy and spacious saloon perfect for eating, playing cards or simply reading a book. You’ll find beautiful panelled mahogany interiors, giving the ship that classic feel. A well-equipped galley opposite the saloon provides a perfect social space, ready to bring you delicious food after an exhilarating day of sailing. Eat under the stars if the weather allows in the spacious cockpit, offering comfortable couches and a good-sized table.

Authentic Offshore sailing

The boat is owned and sailed by experienced skipper Jouke and there is a ‘bosun’ who also does the cooking. The bosun will be preparing dinner as you arrive and after breakfast on your first morning aboard Cherokee, you can be guaranteed a relaxed start to your sailing holiday.

Jouke and his crew try to use the engine as little as possible, sailing into port as much as they can. Cherokee only clocks up about 180 motoring hours every year, which is pretty impressive. Due to this, as with most of our vessels, the days of your holiday are subject to the weather, using the tide as your clock. Guests aren’t presented with a tight schedule or itinerary for this reason, and it makes the trip much more adventurous and flexible.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Nightwatches?

Kit list

Cherokee has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases – please bring your items in a soft bag.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best (these are optional))
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Swimsuit and swim towel (optional!)
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea, so please bring many layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers. (Skipper Jouke does have average sizing sailing suits and some boots for hire > £35 for a suit and £10 for boots – hire per week. Please get in touch with us if you wish to hire or would like more information)
• Short waterproof boots
• Sun cream (please use 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 
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices (there are European 2pin plugs in the cabins and in the saloon) 
• EU2pin adaptor
• A good book to read!
• We advise sleep masks and/or earplugs!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

What’s included

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Offshore sailing suits are available for hire (please let us know if you need more information when booking)
• 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 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?

  Cherokee has two twin berth cabins and two double berth cabins for guests.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have either a hatch or porthole.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Cherokee has two toilet/shower rooms.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• 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, Cherokee does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating onboard?

  Yes, there is heating on board.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  English and Dutch.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech 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 charging facilities are available when the generator is running.

• What is the currency on board?

  Whatever the local currency is in the sailing destination.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Not at all.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Cherokee is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  You can hire Sailing suits for £35 for the week.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• 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?

  Over 12's on most voyages.

Travel Planning

From: North Pier, Oban

To: Belfast

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

Getting There

Oban, Scotland

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 from London Euston to Glasgow.
Then from Glasgow Queen Street Station trains run 6 times a day to Oban. Oban Station is just a 5-10 minute walk to North Pier.

BY COACH:

You can travel by coach to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station from the rest of the UK with National Express and megabus.

BY AIR:

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban, which takes approximately 2-3hours.Direct flights go to Glasgow Airport (GLA) from London Heathrow with British Airways.

Getting home

Belfast, Ireland

BY AIR:

Flights go direct to most major UK airport.

Belfast Airport (BFS) is about a 1 hour 30-minute bus ride from Belfast Harbour, on a combination of the G2 and 300 bus routes, which each run every 30 minutes and are operated by Translink UK. Alternatively, a taxi is only about 30 minutes.