Adventure Sailing in the Hebrides

YOUR SAILING AREA

The Hebrides, Scotland

Our local Argyll skipper, John, is passionate about our language, culture and music and is only too keen to share his knowledge with you. Let him introduce you to the wildlife with which we share our marine home and the fascinating animals and plants that make our coastal home the special place it is.

Stravaigin means “To wander with no fixed intent.”

Our route will be determined by the wind, weather, and tides. The only fixed elements are our starting and ending ports, which will be the small harbour town of Mallaig on the West coast of Scotland.

The Isles of Skye, Rona, Raasay, The Shiants and Summer Isles.

Discover the hidden anchorages along the Outer Hebrides from Mingulay & Vatersay in the South, up to Barra, the Uists, Harris, and Lewis in the North. Traverse the Minch to explore the northwest mainland and its numerous inlets and anchorages. Visit towns and harbours, including Mallaig, Portree, Castlebay, Tarbert, Stornoway, Ullapool, Lochinver, and Kinlochbervie. This trip is a genuine adventure, covering several sea miles with the possibility of night sails within a watch system, always under the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable crew.

No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to try and a keen sense of adventure. Picture sailing into the long summer evening and night under a starlit sky, with bioluminescence sparkling in our wake. This unforgettable experience is suitable for both novice and experienced sailors.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife watching in the Hebrides is a real treat with sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots seen in their hundreds while white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing with Stravaigin is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines. The sound of the seabird colonies is magnificently overwhelming, with the call of seabird colonies, Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills, echoing off the cliffs.

Common, Bottlenose and Whitebeak Dolphins are frequent swimmers in the wake of the boats bow and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Minke or Humpback Whale too.

All voyages for Stravaigin

Stravaigin

Guest berths: 6 Rig: Bermudan Sloop

Owned and skippered by a Scottish sailing family, Stravaigin offers guests sailing holidays on Scotland’s west coast in some of the best cruising grounds the Hebrides has to offer.

Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”.  Her owners say that this encapsulates their ethos of immersive adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods, cultures while creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last forever!

Below decks, Stravaigin has been well-considered and laid out for guests’ optimum comfort. The bright and airy saloon with a large table and TV screen sits next to the generous L-shaped galley where guests can enjoy local cuisine and home-cooked meals. She has three private double-berth cabins, and two of the double-berth cabins can be separated with a lee-cloth for friends or comfortable solo travellers, and both bathrooms have a shower.

Stravaigin has a modern Bermudan sloop rig with winches and full navigation systems. If you have never sailed before and are looking to learn the ropes, Stravaigin’s skipper John, loves to teach guests and get them involved with all aspects of sailing. Alternatively, she can be sailed single-handedly so if you’re after a relaxing sailing holiday soaking in the sights and delights of Scotland and the Hebrides, then that’s fine too!

Skipper John also has a passion for sustainability and lessening the impact of the natural world. Stravaigin has a large solar panel array with a large battery bank which means she can be sailed and operated using significantly less fuel. Sailing with her is an eco-friendly way to travel that minimizes carbon emissions and pollution. It encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to appreciate the journey while promoting a deeper connection with nature and enabling exploration of secluded and protected environments.

Sailing holidays on Stravaigin vary from day sails in the Inner Hebrides to week-long sailing adventures exploring the West coast of Scotland. Perfect for solo travellers, couples or families looking for private charters.

Deck plan

Life on board

Wherever you end up with Stravaigin, it will certainly be an adventure to remember and with her owner and skipper born and bred in Scotland, you’re in the best hands to discover all the secret spots. John knows the best trails and as you board Stravaigin, he will be able to give you a rough idea of the itinerary and what can be achieved over the week.

Getting involved

Stravaigin requires no previous sailing experience although it recommended that guests have some previous wild swimming experience. Sit back and enjoy the views under sail with the crew more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm if you’d like! She’s a great boat to learn how to sail, with a modern winch system and simple gaff rig.

Sleeping, eating and relaxation

Stravaigin is fitted with private double cabins, a spacious saloon area and outdoor eating cockpit perfect for those summer evenings. Each day guests enjoy delicious locally sourced food as John whips up a feast in the galley of fresh seafood, organic meats and veggies from local islands, not to mention cakes and bread from the Solace Bakery. You’ll be well-fed and all your hot drinks and meals are included in the ticket price.

Into the water

Aside from the wild swimming and sailing during this voyage, there are also two paddle-boards available for guests to use and discover the nooks and crannies of this fascinating coastline. Wetsuits are not available on-board so please bring your own if you would like. There are waterproofs available to hire, please let us know at the time of booking.

Sustainable Travel

A sailing holiday is a sustainable way to travel that is in harmony with the environment. By using wind power, our vessels reduce reliance on fossil fuels, helping to minimize carbon emissions and pollution.

Sailing at a slower pace allows travellers to appreciate the journey and destinations without feeling rushed fully. This type of travel promotes a deeper connection with nature as the rhythmic movement of the boat and the sound of the wind create a sense of serenity.

Guests can explore secluded coves and untouched coastlines while preserving the pristine environments. With careful navigation and respect for marine life, a sailing holiday embodies responsible tourism, leaving only footprints and unforgettable memories behind.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Do I need to take part in night watches?

Are there midges in Scotland?

Kit list

Stravaigin 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 that have sailed before may have their own 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 are 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 (John does have some waterproofs for hire at £50pp. Please let him know on the number above if you require this hire – cash payable once you board)
• Short waterproof boots
• Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Smidge repellent 
• Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices)
• A good book to read!
• We advise sleep masks and/or ear plugs!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

What’s included

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Soft/hot drinks & plenty of home-made cake!)
• 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
• Use of onboard stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

• Waterproofs – but you can hire (average sizing) at £50 per voyage, please let us know at the time of booking.
• Swim towel
• Personal wetsuit/boots
• Alcohol
• 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 be not more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks) Please note that alcohol/soft drinks are not included. There is an honesty bar onboard.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of booking.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  3x double berths.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have portholes/deck hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 bathrooms, both with showers.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Stravaigin does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms 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.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Stravaigin is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  John does have some offshore sailing jackets/trousers for hire. Please contact him if you would like more information.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  There are stand-up paddle-boards and some basic snorkel masks.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  It varies from voyage to voyage so please check in the office.

Travel Planning

From: Mallaig

To: Mallaig

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE

Mallaig, Scotland

BY RAIL

Mallaig station is only a 5-10 minute walk to the harbour pontoons. So if you need to get back to Oban, take a train to Fort William and change for the Oban connection. You can also travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper to London Euston from Fort William.

BY AIR

Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to/from Mallaig. You can take a train from Mallaig into Fort William and onto Glasgow or Edinburgh (approx journey time 2-3 hours). There are good links direct to the airport at the train and bus terminals.

STAY IN MALLAIG

There are plenty of places to stay in Mallaig. Try Chlachain Inn, Seaview Guesthouse or West Highland Hotel.