Stravaigin Exploring the Hebrides 2022

Join Stravaigin in the quaint harbour town of Oban, Scotland. The perfect starting point for your sailing holiday exploring the Hebrides. Once the sails are set, you’re on the way out of Oban for your adventure holiday at sea. Some spectacular scenery is in store as you explore The Small Isles, Skye or perhaps venture further to the Outer Hebrides where the pounding waves of the Atlantic create perfect white sandy beaches.

From the high basalt cliffs of Canna to the quiet seclusion of Loch Scavaig on Skye, nothing quite prepares you for the spellbinding beauty of this part of the world. There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to explore secret spots ashore far away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Wonderful Wildlife Encounters

From stags to sea otters, a sailing holiday in the West Coast of Scotland is a wildlife seeker’s dream so remember to bring your binoculars and your guidebook. You’ll most likely encounter huge sea eagles in the Small Isles and see hundreds of species of sea birds with the chance to get friendly with wild puffins when you go ashore – they’re very inquisitive and always come to say hello. Whales and the odd Orca are also sighted on occasion, but it’d be an unusual trip if you didn’t see bottlenose dolphins or porpoises at least once!

Life at Sea

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 hikes and trails and as you board Stravaigin, he will be able to give you a rough idea of the itinerary and what hikes can be achieved over the week.

This voyage will, as always, be dictated in part by the weather, but when we anchor you will be able to explore ashore, follow trails and discover places off the beaten track. Stravaigin requires no previous sailing experience so you can sit back and enjoy the views although the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm if you’d like!

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

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.

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: Oban

To: Oban

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

PARKING

There is ample parking in Oban if you arrive by car. Secure parking can be found at MacQueen Bros, or you could try the Tesco carpark and pay for 24 hour parking on arrival using the Your Parking Space app.

BY RAIL

Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3 hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.

STAY IN OBAN:

There are plenty of places to stay in Oban. Try Witchwood House, The Scot or Perle Hotels Oban.