Remote Islands & Wonderful Wildlife: Sailing the Hebrides
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- Vessel: Steady
- Where: Oban, Scotland
- Duration: 7 days
- Embark: Oban, Scotland - 2 September 2024, 14:00
- Disembark: Oban, Scotland - 8 September 2024, 10:00
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Sail with Steady on the West coast of Scotland offering some of the most stunning cruising grounds in the world.
Join yacht Steady on the West coast of Scotland for an adventure sailing holiday exploring the Hebrides. Set sail from the port town of Oban as you make the most of the wind and sail to discover the islands and miles of coastline that make up the inner Hebrides.
Steady will show you the beauty of the islands from the water but you will also have the chance to explore ashore on foot. Relax in sheltered anchorages and watch picturesque sunsets, and if we are blessed with dark skies, the stargazing from the deck is breathtaking. With little pollution, sailing in the Hebrides has some of the best opportunities for star gazing in the country.
- Skippered sailing
- Island hopping & coastal exploration
- Private cabins
- Great for couples & solo travellers
- no experience needed
- Full board
- Tickets & Booking
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Kit list
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
YOUR SAILING AREA
Hebrides, Scotland
Sailing in the Hebrides boasts some of the most scenic and atmospheric landscapes for sailing in the UK and you’ll quickly see why guests return here year on year. Steady’s route will entirely depend on the weather and wind so there is no set itinerary but will either see you sailing North towards the Small Isles or South around the Isle of Mull and through the Treshnish Isles.
From panoramic mountain landscapes to ancient castle ruins on the water’s edge and sea eagles soaring the coastline, sailing in the Hebrides has something to offer everyone.
There is just so much to take in and experience with a sailing holiday in the Hebrides that Steady does not run to specific itineraries. From bustling harbour towns to remote anchorages off the beaten track, from long stretches of sandy beaches and an abundance of wildlife, you won’t be short of things to do or see.
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If the wind takes us South…
Follow the majestic coastline of Mull down past Treshnish and on to Staffa. A visit to Fingal’s cave is a must, but landing is very much dependent on the swell. The sacred isle of Iona is a beautifully secluded anchorage with turquoise waters and sandy beaches. Explore ashore and visit the abbey ruins. On Lunga, we can quietly get within a few metres of the puffins who are one of the island’s only inhabitants!
If the wind takes us North…
Steady will sail out to the Small Isles. Rum, by far the largest island, possesses a cluster of formidable volcanic peaks, Askival (Ash Mountain) the highest peak, dominates the landscape, and the name itself tells of the Vikings that once settled here. Eigg, which measures just 5 by 3 miles, is by far the most vibrant, populous and welcoming of the Small Isles. There are wonderful views of Muck and Rum from An Sgurr. Canna, in many ways, is the prettiest of the isles with its high basalt cliffs which are home to a colony of Puffins. Spend time lying on the cliff edge as they hover a few inches away before darting off to catch more eels.
WILDLIFE
Sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots can be seen in their hundreds and white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing on Steady is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow hawks and Peregrines and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the diminutive Merlin. The sound is magnificently overwhelming, with the call of seabird colonies, Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills, echoing off the cliffs.
There are frequent encounters with Common, Bottlenose & Whitebeak dolphins on board these trips, and Risso & White-sided dolphins are also occasionally sighted. There are plenty of whales in this part of the world too. Our most common encounters are with Minke – Humpbacks are a less frequent visitor, while the real star of the show is the resident pod of Orca if you’re lucky enough to see them gliding through the water. So keep your eyes peeled and have your binoculars at the ready!
All voyages for Steady
Steady
Guest berths: 8 Rig: Staysail Ketch
Join husband and wife team, Jan-Willem and Mariëlle Kerkmeer aboard their 1993 Dutch ketch as they take guests on sailing holidays exploring the wonders of the Hebrides in Scotland.
Steady is true to her name with a sturdy steel hull and was originally built as a charter vessel giving a considered layout below decks. Fitted with all the mod-cons and keeping guests comfort at the forefront, she sleeps eight guests in four comfortable twin cabins sharing two bathrooms with a generous shower. Newly re-fitted for 2022, the galley and saloon area live at the heart of the boat with a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.
On deck level there’s a spacious cockpit with a navigation station and more seating, perfect for breakfast and morning coffee as the sun rises. There’s plenty of room on deck too to take in the surrounding views and learn the ropes alongside Jan-Willem and Mariëlle who love sharing their passion for Scotland and sailing with their guests.
Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing of this eye-catching vessel, and Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are excellent guides if you do want to get involved. They cater for all abilities and ages, so if you’d rather sit back and relax with a book, then that’s fine too!
Steady’s voyages explore the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda; an area of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking beauty in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her sailing adventures give you access to the most captivating and remote hidden secrets of this incredible and beautiful place. As you sail through this stunning marine landscape you will likely be lucky enough to experience close encounters with rare wildlife and have time to soak up the unique and fascinating history and culture of the Hebrides and St Kilda.
Watch this short video of Steady sailing around Oban.
Steady Deck PlanÂ
Deck plan
More about SteadyLife on board
Steady has been sailed in Scotland by Dutch husband and wife team Jan-Willem and Marielle for over 10 years. Their love for Scotland, sailing and the natural world is clear for guests to see and they are well versed in all the secret hot spots.
Getting Involved
Steady is true to her name with her simple rig and winch system easy to navigate, providing a great base for guests to learn the ropes. Jan-Willem and Marielle can sail Steady comfortably on their own but they invite and encourage guests to take part in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, sorting and setting the sails, basic navigation and rope work, Jan-Willem and Marielle provide a safe and supported environment for guests.
A Typical Day
Set the sails after a hearty breakfast with the aim (depending on the weather of course!) to sail for 4-7 hours before finding a secluded anchorage away from the tourist hustle and bustle to settle down for the night. Lunch will either be served under sail or on anchor, made by Jan-Willem and Marielle in the spacious galley.
Spend a few hours exploring ashore in the afternoon before sharing a delicious freshly prepared meal aboard while sharing sea-faring tales and star-gazing on deck.
Sleeping and Relaxation
The main deck is well designed with plenty of open spaces and a cockpit for alfresco dining. The undercover deckhouse has 360-degree windows so is great for morning coffee while watching the sunrise or some shelter if the Scottish weather takes a turn!
Below decks give way for a beautifully appointed galley kitchen and generous, comfortable saloon which has been recently re-fitted to a high standard. The fore leads along a small corridor where there are four well-considered twin bunk cabins with a toilet and separate shower for guests. The crew quarters are situated in the stern so have their facilities.
Read more about what to expect from life on board Steady here.
As with all Steady’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased on board. Single occupancy is available with a 50% surcharge. All cabins have bedding and towels provided. There is a suggested age limit on Steady’s trips so if you are over 75 years old and are interested in sailing with Steady, please give us a call in the office.Â
Things to note
Sailing vs shoretime
Nightwatches?
Will there be Mosquitos?
Kit list
Steady 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 who have sailed before may have their preferences!
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Wash towel – micro fibre is lightweight and quick drying!
- Swimsuit and swim towel
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers (There are some offshore MUSTO waterproof sailing jackets and trousers for guests’ use whilst on board but these are not permitted to be taken off the boat and are limited so please let us know if they are needed)
- Waterproof boots or clean Wellington bootsÂ
- Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Smidge repellent
- Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binocularsÂ
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices)
- A good book to read!
- We advise sleep masks and/or earplugs!
What’s included
- All meals are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)
- One glass of wine with your evening meal
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Musto sailing waterproof suits whilst on the boat (standard sizing)
What’s not included
- All other alcohol and soft drinks
- 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 not be more than 12 miles offshore.
FAQ
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Are all meals included in the price?
Yes - meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & hot drinks)
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free diets.
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Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
4x twin bunk bed cabins.
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Is there a porthole in my cabin?
No.
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How many bathrooms/showers does she have?
Steady has a separate toilet and shower for guests.
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Are bedding and towels provided?
All bedding and shower towels are provided but please bring Swimming towels if you wish to swim in the sea! Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
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Is there a hairdryer on board?
No but you are welcome to take your own onboard for use when the generator is running.
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Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Steady does not have laundry on board for guests.
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Is there heating on board?
Yes, there is a diesel powered stove for heating and all cabins have central heating.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What language is spoken on board?
Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are Dutch, however they are fluent in English & Mariëlle can speak German.
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Is there WIFI aboard?
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 if travelling abroad.
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How do I charge my phone?
There are power sockets throughout the saloon for charging.
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What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling or Euro's depending on the voyage.
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Are there Life Jackets provided?
Yes
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How do I get on and off the boat?
Steady is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
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Are there Waterproofs available?
Yes, Steady has Musto sailing suits for each guest in average sizing while sailing. Please bring a waterproof if you wish to wear one ashore.
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.
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Does the boat have any water toys?
No water toys but there is fishing gear.
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Will I be seasick?
Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure we recommend you take seasick tablets 24hours before you board.
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Is there an age limit for Steady's guests?
Yes, her maximum age limit is a guide of 75 years for most voyages. Some of her expedition adventures vary so please check each voyage or give us a call in the office. Please check if you have any under 18's.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Oban, Scotland
To: Oban, Scotland
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
Getting There
BY AIR
Glasgow OR Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train onto Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct from Stansted Airport for around £30 return. There are good links direct from the airport to the train and bus terminals for onward travel to Oban.
BY RAIL
Oban station is only a 5-10 minute walk to North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day from Glasgow Queen Street Station. Visit First Scotrail for times and fares.
BY COACH
If you are travelling by coach to Oban you can visit the Citylink website for timetables or call 08705505050.
PARKING
For long stay secure parking we recommend Stoddarts of Oban on 01631 564176 . We advise booking early as they can get busy! Another option is to take your chance in an un-metered residential area but Oban is a small town and the summer months can get busy. OR try yourparkingspace.com where you can park in the Tesco car park.