Taster Sailing in Scotland
- Vessel: Steady
- Where: Oban, Scotland
- Duration: 4 days
- Embark: North Pier, Oban - 17 May 2024, 10:00
- Disembark: North Pier, Oban - 20 May 2024, 15:00
Join adventure yacht Steady for a taster sailing holiday in the inner Hebrides, Scotland.
This four day taster is perfect for those looking for laid back sailing experience in some of the most beautiful sailing ground the UK has to offer. Set the sails from Oban to explore the sheltered sailing grounds around the Isle of Mull as you enjoy fresh local produce and get to grips with the basics of sailing a yacht.
The taster sailing holiday is perfect for those looking for new experiences and adventures even if you haven’t set foot on a boat before!
- Sheltered sailing
- Great for beginners
- 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
Oban, Scotland
Begin your taster sailing experience in the port town of Oban on the West coast of Scotland. After getting acquainted with fellow guests and the boat, we’ll give an introduction and safety briefing over tea and cake. After lunch, we’ll set the sails together for the first time!
This voyage is perfect for beginners and if you have no sailing experience, it’s no problem! Skippers and owners of Steady, Jan-Willem and Marielle, have been sailing with Steady since the 90’s and have sailed in Scotland for many years. They will show you the ropes, hoist the sails with you and you can even take the helm and steer the boat.Â
Our itinerary will be dictated by the wind and weather, ensuring the best experience for guests and enabling us to chose the best sheltered sailing spots. We might sail towards Loch Linnhe where we can explore Lismore or to the colourful harbour town of Tobermory on the island of Mull. The island of Mull has many smaller islands of its West coast with beautiful anchorages and wonderful wildlife watching opportunities.Â
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Each day, after breakfast we will sail for a few hours before anchoring in a new location with plenty of time in the afternoons to explore ashore on foot.
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

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.Â
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
- 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
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: North Pier, Oban
To: North Pier, Oban
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.