UK Sailing Mile Builder: Cornwall to Scotland
A UK sailing mile builder from Cornwall to Scotland: open water passage-making, Irish stopovers, and a homeward run up the west coast aboard modern yacht Noonmark VI.
This UK sailing mile builder takes Noonmark VI from Penzance in Cornwall to her home in Inverkip on the Firth of Clyde. Enjoy seven days of genuine offshore passage-making north through the Celtic Sea, with stopovers in Dún Laoghaire and Bangor before rounding the Mull of Kintyre and closing on the Scottish coast.
This voyage is perfect for those looking to gain serious sea miles, build real offshore confidence, and experience the full length of Britain’s western seaboard under sail, with Scotland waiting at the end of it.
- Penzance to Inverkip under sail
- Stopover in Dún Laoghaire and Bangor
- Night watches and offshore passages
- Round the Mull of Kintyre northbound
- Gain serious sea miles on open water
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
A UK Sailing Mile Builder: Heading North from Cornwall
Penzance → Celtic Sea → Dún Laoghaire → Irish Sea → Bangor → North Channel → Mull of Kintyre → Inverkip
This UK sailing mile builder begins in Penzance, with the Celtic Sea ahead and Scotland at the far end of the passage. From the moment Noonmark VI clears Mount’s Bay and turns north, this is a voyage with a clear sense of direction and purpose. The miles build steadily, the watches rotate, and the character of the water changes day by day as the Celtic Sea gives way to the Irish Sea and the Scottish coast appears on the horizon.
Noonmark VI is a fast, smooth offshore passage-maker, cutting efficiently through open water and giving her crew a comfortable, confidence-building platform for long passages. Watch systems are established from the first day, and the rhythm of life at sea settles in quickly: sail changes, navigation, meals in the galley, and nights under an open sky with the running lights reflected on the water. Mid-August brings long evenings and, on a settled night passage, skies that are worth staying up for.
Ireland: Bangor and Dún Laoghaire
The first stopover is Dún Laoghaire, on the southern shore of Dublin Bay and one of the finest sailing harbours in northern Europe. Berthing here after the Celtic Sea crossing feels well-earned, and the town has everything you need: good food, a busy waterfront, and Dublin city centre just a short train ride away for those who want to make the most of time ashore. It is a port that takes sailing seriously, and arriving by yacht is the best way to come.
From Dún Laoghaire, the route continues north up the Irish Sea to Bangor, on the southern shore of Belfast Lough. One of the largest and best-regarded marinas in Ireland, Bangor sits at the heart of a welcoming seaside town with a good promenade, places to eat, and the kind of easy, unhurried atmosphere that suits a passage stopover well. From here, the North Channel opens ahead, the Mull of Kintyre is within reach, and Scotland is close.
The North Channel, Mull of Kintyre and Home
Leaving Bangor, Noonmark VI heads north through the North Channel, the stretch of water between Northern Ireland and the Mull of Kintyre that has been a working sea route for thousands of years. Rounding the Mull of Kintyre northbound, with the Kintyre peninsula to starboard and the islands of the Inner Hebrides visible to the north-west, is one of those sailing moments that earns its place in the memory. From there, Noonmark VI heads into the Firth of Clyde, with the hills of Arran in view and Inverkip ahead.
- Sail the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland
- Round the Mull of Kintyre northbound under sail
- Enter the Firth of Clyde with Arran in view
- Arrive in Inverkip having sailed from Cornwall to Scotland
- Complete one of Britain’s great coastal passages under sail
Life Aboard Noonmark VI on a Long Passage
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 knows these waters well and for whom arriving back in Scottish waters is a homecoming as much as a landfall. On a voyage like this, her qualities matter more than ever: a smooth, fast, and comfortable passage-maker that covers ground efficiently and keeps her crew well rested between watches. This is a small crew voyage, and everyone contributes, but Iain and Noonmark VI carry the experience.
- 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 and participatory; all guests take part in the watch system
- Skipper: experienced offshore navigator, at home on long passages in all conditions
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 be more than 12miles offshore.
Life aboard Noonmark VI is centred around good food, great sailing, and the beauty of the Scottish islands.
A Typical Day
After a substantial breakfast, you typically set sail mid-morning, with the aim of arriving at your destination late afternoon. This timing is deliberate; it gives everyone the chance to stretch their legs and explore ashore before settling down for a well-earned social evening meal. This is a great time to recap the day’s sailing and discuss the plans for the following day.
Eating aboard
Food is an essential part of the experience aboard Noonmark VI. Iain prides himself on providing a variety of meals that utilise the abundance of superb local produce available on the West Coast. From continental breakfasts, wholesome lunches and hearty dinners, all food is freshly cooked aboard and included in the ticket price.
Getting Involved
Guests are welcome to get as involved as they like, from simply relaxing and enjoying the views to participating in all sailing activities. Skipper Iain is happy to involve guests in everything from passage planning to setting the sails and taking a spell on the helm. Depending on the weather, mix up your overnight stops between secluded, beautiful anchorages and lively marinas, ensuring you experience the full spectrum of what Scotland has to offer.
Noonmark VI was built for racing and speed while maintaining ultimate crew comfort aboard. With only the owner before Iain, she has been beautifully kept. She makes a great boat for learning the ropes while simultaneously offering a more exhilarating experience for those with previous sailing experience.
Below decks
Noonmark VI is a beautifully appointed boat, both above and below decks. She boasts a double cockpit and a wide, uncluttered deck space perfect for socialising or getting involved with sailing.
With three private cabins (2x twin bunk cabins and 1x two bunk cabin), expect warm interiors and a communal atmosphere. A large saloon with sofa seating makes the perfect space for socialising, eating and entertaining after an exhilarating day on the water.
Noonmark VI
Guest berths: 6 Rig: Masthead Sloop
Spending her summer season sailing the West Coast of Scotland, the renowned Swan 56 yacht Noonmark VI explores the Hebrides, Orkneys and the Shetland Islands. Choose from week-long voyages or longer expeditions to the more remote outer islands. Wherever you explore, think remote anchorages and dramatic Scottish landscapes while enjoying smooth sailing and comfort aboard.
Noonmark VI is a comfortable offshore cruiser racer that has literally travelled the world. She has competed in many prestigious events with great success. Until her current owner bought her in 2024, she had the same full-time captain maintaining her to an excellent standard, regardless of costs, for over 25 years.
Noonmark VI is now owned and skippered by Iain Forsyth, a true Scotsman hailing from the West Coast of Scotland. Sailing has been an inherent part of his life from an early age. Noonmark VI is the perfect all-rounder, from confident beginners to sailing adventurers; she offers a great mix of comfortable cruising and hands-on sailing under the watchful eye of her experienced skipper.
Guests are actively encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing. With a spacious deck and 13 winches (four of which are electric), there are ample opportunities to help with setting sails, helming, and passage planning. Alternatively, you can sit back and enjoy the view as she cuts through the water at a good, and sometimes exhilarating, cruising speed.
Offering premium berth accommodation to suit all guests, from private charters to solo travellers. She features a comfortable interior with both heating (essential for Scotland!) and air conditioning. She is also equipped with a Quooker tap for an instant supply of hot water, ensuring a constant supply of hot drinks on the water!
Deck plan
More about Noonmark VI
More holidays in Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland or UK
Tall Ship Sailing Through the Hebridean Sea
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Hebridean Sailing & Wildlife Encounters Mull, Skye and the Small Isles
UK Sailing Expedition from Scotland to Portsmouth
More holidays on Noonmark VI
Mile Builder Sailing UK: Scotland to Cornwall
Sailing holiday in the Outer Hebrides and Jura
Sailing the Firth of Clyde & the Hebrides
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
