Leg 1: Western Coves & Scottish Isles
Miles: +685nm
Temperature Range: 12°c – 18°c
Dates: 22 June – 06 july 2025
MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
SOME SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Cost: £1995
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SAMPLE ITINERARY
ARRIVAL: GOSPORT, ENGLAND
Welcome to Gosport, the gateway to the Solent! Check in at our marina office between 1700-1800 before stowing your luggage and running through a quick vessel overview with your Skipper.
Get to know each other over a welcome dinner before spending your first night on board.
DAY 1
EXPEDITION DEPARTURE
This morning will involve a yacht familiarisation and extensive safety brief with your skipper and expedition team in preparation for an early afternoon departure.
The afternoon sail will consist of a short passage allowing crew to familiarise themselves with sail trimming, winch handling and helming as we start our voyage to Scotland.
DAYS 2-4
RUGGED COASTLINES AND FISHING PORTS
Potential Stops (subject to weather):
Dartmouth, Falmouth, Isles of Scilly or similar
DAYS 5-12
NAVIGATING THROUGH THE IRISH SEA TO STUNNING SCOTLAND
Next, head north where you’ll cross the St George’s Channel into the Irish Sea. Expect varied sailing conditions as you make your way north with possible stopovers at the Irish harbour of Dun Laoghaire, Port Ellen on Islay or Tobermory, the colourful capital of the Isle of Mull.
Potential Stops (subject to weather):
Dun Laoghaire, Port Ellen, Tobermory or similar
DAY 13-14
LEG FINISH: OBAN, SCOTLAND
End your journey in Oban, Scotland’s ‘Town of the Year’ for 2024 – a bustling harbour town with a rich heritage and reputation for whiskey distilling and fresh seafood.
After breakfast, you will assist with a deep clean of the boat and say goodbye to your Skipper and crew. You will free to depart the boat by 1300 on 6 July.
NOT A CRUISE
The itinerary we provide for our sailing expedition is a guideline that may vary depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and other contributing factors.
All SKIRR Adventures itineraries are examples and do not form any part of the contract.
the detail
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All food and accommodation on board (except the evening of joining)
- Use of wet weather gear (jacket and trousers)
- Use of safety equipment including life jacket
- Personal injury & travel insurance for the duration of your leg
What’s not included
- Dinner on arrival night
- Travel to and from the boat for joining and departure
- Any meals ashore
- Visas
- Personal equipment (a recommended packing list will be provided)
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Did you know that most of our guests are solo explorers? Sailing is a wonderful way to explore new destinations and make new friends. You’ll never feel lonely on board, as you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse crew.
PERSONAL FITNESS
AGE
To join a SKIRR adventures expedition, you must be at least 18 years old. Our trips are designed for people who love adventure, regardless of their age. We welcome guests from 18-70+. We don’t see age as a barrier, just a number. Come and explore the world with us!
GROUP SIZE
sailing experience
To join this expedition leg, you will some prior recent sailing experience.
This can be one of the following:
- Clipper Race Level 1 Training
- RYA Competent Crew or above
- Equivalent sailing experience
If you have sailing experience, but no prior qualifications, we will consider your application on a case by case basis. Please contact us with details of your sailing history.
If you have no prior sailing experience, don’t worry… you can still book onto the Clipper Race Level 1 training (below) or work towards your RYA Day Skipper (a globally endorsed qualification).
ACHIEVED RYA COMPETENT CREW?
If you have already achieved RYA Competent Crew or equivalent you may gain the relevant experience required for later legs by completing Leg 1: Western Coves & Scottish Isles.
OPTION 1
CLIPPER RACE: LEVEL 1
Join crew onboard a Clipper Race yacht for an intensive course that prepares aspiring sailors for the challenges of long ocean crossings. The training covers the basics of sailing, safety, teamwork and leadership.
You will be joined by crew looking to take on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, many of whom will have never sailed before, so it’s a fantastic place to begin your sailing journey.
FROM £650* | 7 DAYS
*when purchased with a leg of SKIRR adventures
OPTION 2
RYA DAY SKIPPER
You can obtain your RYA Day Skipper qualification through our preferred training provider, Hamble School of Yachting.
For those with no prior sailing experience, we would recommend that you do your RYA Competent Crew prior to your RYA Day Skipper qualification, where you will be taught the fundamentals of crewing, as well as how to ‘live’ onboard a cruising yacht.
FROM £980 | 9 DAYS +
WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS
Sailing around the South West of England can be a rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The region is home to a variety of coastal and marine animals, such as dolphins, seals and gannets. If you’re lucky you may also encounter basking sharks! The Isle of Mull, also world-renowned for its wildlife, may reward you with a rare sighting of the white-tailed eagle, sometimes referred to as the sea eagle. Also along the shoreline, keep your camera ready at dawn and dusk for the enigmatic otters foraging for food among the seaweed and rocky areas. And don’t forget the free-roaming Highland Cows!
