Sailing the Hebrides; Firth of Clyde to Oban
- Vessel: Steady
- Where: Hebrides, Scotland
- Duration: 10 days
- Embark: Greenock, Scotland - 10 July 2024, 14:00
- Disembark: Oban, Scotland - 19 July 2024, 10:00
Enjoy a sailing holiday in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland as you sail from the Firth of Clyde to the mainland port of Oban with yacht Steady.
The Firth of Clyde offers some of the most sheltered and picturesque sailing grounds in the Hebrides and is certainly best explored under sail. Spend ten days sailing from Greenock in the heart of the Firth of Clyde as you set course north to Oban exploring the Hebridean islands along the way.
This voyage is perfect for those looked for a relaxed and sheltered sailing experience with a good balance of time under sail with plenty of time to explore ashore on foot at your own leisure.
- Sheltered sailing
- Great for beginners
- Inner Hebrides
- Wildlife Watching
- Private Cabins
- Walking ashore
- Full board
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
Your Sailing Area
Firth of Clyde to Oban, Scotland
Joining Steady in Greenock is a great location to begin your skippered sailing holiday in Scotland. Greenock is only a 45 minute journey from Glasgow which has good transport links to the rest of the UK. Once boarded, we’ll give an introduction and safety briefing over tea and cake before setting the sails together for the first time to find our first anchorage for the night.
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After breakfast, we’ll set sails into the Firth of Clyde and around the picturesque Isle of Arran. On Arran, you’ll find a bit of everything you’d expect from a Scottish island. Arran has a varied coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches, green forests, cultural festivals and lots of local delicacies. There’ll be plenty of time to find a good anchorage and explore ashore.
From Arran, we’ll sail to Campbeltown on the Kintyre Peninsula. This area is normally blowing steady winds making for some great sailing conditions. We’ll spend the evening in Campbeltown, exploring the small town and enjoying it’s single malt whiskies.
The next stop will likely be the Irish island of Rathlin. It’ll be a short open water sail over, where we will be greeted by one of the UK’s largest seabird populations including hundreds of puffins. During summer, the puffins share the cliffs near the island’s western lighthouse with thousands of other seabirds, from kittiwakes to petrels, but they are undoubtedly the star of the show.
Sailing from Rathlin to the Scottish island of Islay, pass many well-known whisky distilleries along the way. We’ll spend the night in Ardbeg and explore Islay with fascinating rock formations, and plenty of seals. Our next island stop is the beautiful Gigha. This tiny southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides is fascinating – with sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, stunning views and sunsets, and many archaeological and historical sites to explore.
We swap Gigha for the island of Jura after a shorter sail with plenty of time to explore ashore. George Orwell famously lived on the island and wrote the famous book “1984” here. The island is home to only 190 human residents to its 6000 strong deer population and the famous Jura distillery is at the heart of the island. There’s plenty of walking trails through the dramatic Hebridean landscape.
We’ll likely make a quick stop in the small Scottish town of Crinan, enjoying a leafy Canal stroll before continuing north towards the island of Kerrera. This little island sits just off the mainland from Oban and its green paradise provides much local produce for the area. We’ll spend our last evening her on anchor with a Captains dinner before disembarking in Oban the next morning.
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 Plan
Deck plan

Life 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 are 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 360degree windows so is great for morning coffee while watching the sunrise or some shelter if the Scottish weather takes a turn!
Below decks gives way for a beautifully appointed galley kitchen and generous, comfortable saloon which has been recently re-fitted to a really 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 own 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.
What’s included
- All meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) *plus one glass of wine with your evening meal.
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
- Full crew plus tuition
- Walking guides
- 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
- 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 12miles offshore.
FAQ
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Are all meals included in the price?
Yes - meals are included in the price (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 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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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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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
4x twin bunk bed cabins.
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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!
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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.
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How many bathrooms/showers does she have?
Steady has a separate toilet and shower.
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Is there WIFI aboard?
No, but you should reach 3/4G from the shore.
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Are there Life Jackets provided?
Yes
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Are there Waterproofs available?
Yes, Steady has sailing jackets for each guest in average sizing while sailing.
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.
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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.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Greenock, Scotland
To: Oban, Scotland
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
Getting There
PARKING
Parking is limited in Greenock. The car parks are for 2 hours at a time, and whilst street parking is free, you still require a [free] permit. Please see Inverclyde council car parks for more up-to-date information.
If you are planning to drive, it may be easier to use a long stay, secure parking in Glasgow and take onward travel to Greenock by way of train as detailed below.
You can also try the RingGo or yourparkingspace apps and search reservable private spots in the Greenock area to park for the duration of your trip.
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 https://www.sleeper.scot/ from London Euston to Glasgow.
Then from Glasgow Queen Street Station and Glagow Central Station take the train to Greenock West.
BY AIR
Glasgow Airport is approx. a 25 minute taxi ride into Greenock, or catch the No. 926 bus to Renfrew Road (Trident House) and then the No.906 bus to Greenock which takes about 30 minutes.
Direct flights go to Glasgow Airport (GLA) from London Heathrow with British Airways.
BY COACH/BUS
You can travel by coach to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station from the rest of the UK with National Express and megabus. You will then need to change for Greenock onto local services operated by McGill’s.