Sailing the Firth of Clyde & the Hebrides

Sailing the Firth of Clyde – Inverkip to the Southern Hebrides

Inverkip → Arran → Sound of Jura → Jura → Islay → Gigha → Inverkip

The voyage starts in Inverkip, a well-protected harbour on the upper Firth of Clyde with easy access to sheltered coastal sailing. The Clyde provides a calm introduction to the yacht and crew with wide channels, wooded hillsides and room to settle into the pace of life on board before heading further west.

While the route remains flexible to make the best use of conditions, the voyage navigates through Arran, Jura, Islay and Gigha. All the islands sit within comfortable day-sailing distance of each other, allowing a good balance of time under sail and time ashore. Noonmark VI will likely head south toward Arran as one of the first island visits, where quiet anchorages such as Loch Ranza offer an easy first landfall and the chance to stretch your legs.

Jura, Islay and Gigha

Continuing west, the Sound of Jura opens into wider water, with the distinctive three mountains of Jura visible for miles and anchorages that feel remote and peaceful. With good conditions, the voyage continues to Islay and Gigha:

• Islay is known for its welcoming harbours and a proud whisky-making tradition – a good place to go ashore and explore on foot
• Gigha is a smaller island with clear-water bays, easy shoreline walks and good swimming
• Evenings may be spent at anchor watching the light change across the water, moored in a sheltered marina, or alongside a small harbour village

There is no such thing as a typical day aboard Noonmark VI. Plans shift naturally with the winds and tides, with some days involving more time under sail, others more time ashore. The return to Inverkip follows a similarly leisurely pace, arriving back into the harbour by mid-morning on the final day.

Wildlife of the Clyde and Southern Hebrides

Wildlife spotting is one of the quiet rewards of sailing in Scotland. It is common to see seals resting on the rocks and gannets plunging into the water. The occasional porpoise or dolphin appears without warning, moving alongside or through the wake before slipping back into the deep. Minke whales are the most commonly encountered, while humpbacks are rarer.

Birdlife is varied throughout the islands with Puffins, razorbills and guillemots gathering offshore during summer. Cormorants and shags dry their wings on the rocks, while White-tailed eagles can sometimes be spotted circling over the lochs and higher ground.

In quieter anchorages, red deer sometimes move across the hills in the early morning or last light of the day. Curious otters slip along the tideline, rewarding patient watchers. Sightings are never guaranteed, but time on the water and varied anchorages offer good opportunities throughout the voyage.

A Modern Yacht in Remote Waters

Noonmark VI is a modern offshore cruiser-racer that has sailed the world and competed in many prestigious events. She is now owned and skippered by Iain Forsyth, a Scotsman from the West Coast who has sailed these waters all his life.

Guests are actively encouraged to get involved, with plenty of opportunities to help set sails, helm, and plan passages. Alternatively, sit back and enjoy the view as she cuts through the water at a good, and sometimes exhilarating, cruising speed.

• Sleeping: berths for up to 6 guests, suited to both private charters and solo travellers
• Comfort: Full heating and air conditioning; Quooker tap for constant hot drinks
• Sailing style: Hands-on encouraged, but relaxed and flexible – join in as much or as little as you like
• Skipper: Experienced, knowledgeable, and at home in these waters 

[Read more about Noonmark VI]

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Do I need to take part in night watches?

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.