Sailing the Feis Ile: Islay Whisky Festival in Scotland
Sail to the Feis Ile, Islay’s world-famous whisky festival, aboard traditional tall ship Flying Dutchman.
The Feis Ile is one of the whisky world’s great celebrations, and arriving by tall ship is surely the finest way to experience it. Aboard traditional sailing vessel Flying Dutchman, you’ll sail through the rugged Inner Hebrides to Islay, the island that produces some of
Scotland’s most celebrated single malts, arriving as the festival opens its distillery doors to visitors from around the world. This voyage is perfect for those who want to combine the adventure of sailing Scotland’s west coast with a genuine immersion in Scottish island culture, whisky and the sea.
- Sail to the Feis Ile whisky festival by tall ship
- Iconic Islay distilleries visited by sea
- Inner Hebrides coastline and anchorages
- Seals, dolphins, puffins and possible whale sightings
- Perfect for solo travellers and couples
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Sailing to the Feis Ile: The Inner Hebrides and the Road to Islay
Oban → Inner Hebrides → Islay → Feis Ile Festival
Flying Dutchman heads out into the Inner Hebrides, threading through some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Scotland on the way to Islay. Rugged coastlines, quiet anchorages and remote islands set the tone from the outset, with the pace of life on these islands still very much shaped by the sea and the weather. Small fishing villages, sheltered bays and the occasional glimpse of wildlife: seals hauled up on rocks, puffins skimming the surface, dolphins riding the bow wave make for a passage that is as rewarding as the destination itself.
As with every true sea voyage, wind, weather and tides play their part in shaping the route. The itinerary adapts as conditions evolve, and that flexibility is exactly what makes a voyage aboard Flying Dutchman its own particular adventure. The crew know these waters well and will always make the most of what the Hebrides offer on any given day.
The Feis Ile: Islay’s World-Famous Whisky Festival
Arriving at Islay during the Feis Ile is an experience unlike any other. Scotland’s most celebrated whisky festival, held each year at the end of May, opens the doors of Islay’s iconic distilleries to visitors from around the world. Tastings, tours, live music and the warm hospitality of the island’s communities make the festival a genuinely special occasion, and experiencing it having arrived by tall ship adds a layer that very few visitors ever get.
Islay is home to some of the world’s most distinctive single malts, and the distilleries here, from Laphroaig and Ardbeg on the south coast to Bunnahabhain in the north, each have their own character and story. Visiting them from the sea, on your own schedule and without the crowds that arrive by ferry, is one of the quiet privileges of this voyage.
- Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Bunnahabhain distilleries on Islay
- Feis Ile festival tastings, tours and live music
- Arriving by tall ship, ahead of the ferry crowds
- Islay’s island communities and local hospitality
- Peat, smoke and the particular character of island whisky
Wildlife, Anchorages and the Hebridean Pace of Life
Beyond the festival, this voyage is about the adventure of sailing itself. The Inner Hebrides offer some of the finest wildlife watching in Britain, and the waters around Islay and the surrounding islands are no exception. Seals are a constant presence, puffins return to their clifftop colonies in late spring, dolphins are frequently spotted from the deck and, with a little luck, whales surface in the deeper channels between the islands.
Evenings at anchor in a quiet Hebridean bay, with the hills above and the water still, are among the simple and lasting pleasures of a voyage like this. The crew know the best spots, and Flying Dutchman can reach anchorages that no ferry or larger vessel ever will.
Traditional Tall Ship Flying Dutchman
Not to be mistaken for the legendary ghost ship, Flying Dutchman very much makes port, spending her summers exploring the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides. Family owned and operated, she’s traditionally rigged with 480m² of sail area and an experienced crew who know these waters well. Below decks, 11 twin ensuite cabins are warm and comfortable, with all bedding and towels provided.
A dedicated chef makes the most of fresh local Scottish produce throughout, with breakfast and lunch included and evening meals taken ashore to support local communities. Get involved with hoisting sails and navigation, or simply put your feet up and watch the Hebrides go by.
- 22 guest berths | 11 twin ensuite cabins | Half board
- Dedicated chef | breakfast and lunch included
- Evening meals ashore to support local Scottish hospitality
- Well-stocked bar and generous main saloon
- Perfect for solo travellers, couples and older families
[Read more about Flying Dutchman]
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Nightwatches?
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 no more than 12 miles offshore.
With the Flying Dutchman, you can feel the romance of the sea…
Offering sailing tall ship holidays in Scotland and the Hebrides, the Flying Dutchman aims to give guests a traditional tall ship adventure. Family owned and operated, the Flying Dutchman is perfect for solo travellers, couples or older families looking for that traditional tall ship experience, making memories that will certainly last a lifetime.
Getting Involved
The crew encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing this fascinating schooner. She is traditionally rigged but also has a winch system, so she can be sailed comfortably by the crew if guests simply want to put their feet up and enjoy the views! From hoisting the sails, basic rope-work and even some simple navigation skills, you can get involved as much or as little as you’d like. Once the sails are up, you can enjoy the beauty of silently crossing the ocean using just the power of the wind.
Dining Aboard
A designated chef ensures that you’re well fed and looked after after a day of sailing the Scottish Seas. With an abundance of local, fresh produce, you’ll be amazed at what comes out of the small galley. Breakfast, lunch and hot drinks are all included in the half-board ticket price. Evening meals aboard are not included (unless you are tucked up in a secluded anchorage!), and this is done so that guests can experience true Scottish hospitality ashore and support the local economy while enjoying sustainable, local produce.
There is a £90pp per week cash payment onboard for guests if they would like to serve themselves beer/wine from the tap, snacks and soft drinks. Snacks are prepared by the chef and are set out in the saloon for guests each day. This payment is optional, but it’s encouraged. (This is cash only, no card payment.) Guests then wash up anything from these snacks themselves (no washing up for actual meals).
Sleeping and Relaxation
The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal area to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. She has ten ensuite twin cabins below decks, and all cabins have air-conditioning or heating, with all bedding and towels provided.
The rear deck is layered with wood, which emphasises the traditional atmosphere of the ship. On the main deck, there are three different tables and couches to sit on; this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.
A Typical Day
Generally, after a hearty breakfast, the crew will gather guests to discuss the plan for the day, based on the current weather forecasts. It’s time to get the boat ready, prepare lines, lift the anchor, and hoist sails. Usually, you’ll spend the morning sailing before exploring ashore in the afternoon. Lunch is most often served underway with evening meals ashore. For longer expedition voyages, there may be longer hours under sail.
Sample menu
Our menu varies on location, the weather, and the rotation cook, but this should give you an idea of what to expect.
Breakfast
(Alternating Full English and Continental)
- FULL ENGLISH – Eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, haggis
- CONTINENTAL – Waffles, scones, croissants, eggs, porridge
served every day… - Cereal, yoghurt, fruit salad
- Cold cuts & cheese platter
- Orange juice, milk
Lunch
- Soups with bread (garlic, mini-pizza, onion)
- Pasta salad with side dishes
- Mussels
- Local seafood
Dinner
All meals are served in dishes per table. Every dinner consists of a main course, including a salad and some sides and a dessert. The last evening we’ll have a more extensive meal, including a starter (scallops, prawns, smoked venison, etc., depending on availability). Normally, the diners are between fish or meat.
- Home-made shepherd’s pie
- Casserole
- Fish or chicken curry
- Fresh salmon
- Beef stew
- Paella
Flying Dutchman
Guest berths: 24 Rig: Schooner
The Flying Dutchman has a vast 480m² sail area to propel her through the water. The experienced crew will take care of everything aboard; however, if guests wish, they are welcome to join the crew, hoisting the sails or taking the helm. She’s perfect for solo travellers and couples of all ages and abilities.
The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal space to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. Below decks, there are ten ensuite cabins for guests with bunk beds, all with heating and air-conditioning.
On the main deck, there are three different tables and couches to sit on; this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.
Deck plan
Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Single berth in shared Twin Plus Ensuite Cabin: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite. The Plus cabin has a little more floor space.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
More about Flying Dutchman
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Tall Ship Scottish Whisky Sailing Tour
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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
