LEG1: Western Coves and Scottish isles
Renowned for their picturesque harbours, rugged coastlines and breath-taking scenery, the west country, Isles of Scilly and Scottish Isles are best explored from the water.
Join us for an exhilarating sailing adventure from Portsmouth Harbour to Oban, exploring the stunning coastlines and islands of South West England and Scotland. You will experience a variety of sailing conditions, from sheltered bays and harbours to open sea passages, whilst enjoying the scenic views and wildlife along the way. This first leg takes you west, cruising along the South Coast of England with a pitstop in either Falmouth or the Isles of Scilly before making your way around Land’s End and then north, through the Irish Sea to Tobermory in the Inner Hebrides.
Typically you can expect both upwind and downwind sailing. The West Coast of Scotland is open to the Atlantic but it’s easy to find shelter to explore in the numerous anchorages. Expect inshore sailing with stunning lochs and beautiful scenery.
This is a unique chance to discover some of the most beautiful and remote places in the UK, while having fun and making new friends on board. Don’t miss it!
Leg 1: Western Coves & Scottish Isles
Miles: +685nm
Temperature Range: 12°c – 18°c
Dates: 27 June – 11 july 2024
Cost: £1995
TALK TO AN EXPERT
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL: GOSPORT, ENGLAND
Welcome to Gosport, the gateway to the Solent! Check in at our marina office between 1800-2000 before stowing your luggage and provisions on board.
Get to know each other over a welcome dinner before a quick briefing by the skippers detailing the passage plan for the coming days.
DAY 2
EXPEDITION DEPARTURE
DAYS 3-4
RUGGED COASTLINES AND FISHING PORTS
Potential Stops:
Falmouth, Isles of Scilly or similar
DAYS 5-14
ISLAND HOPPING IN STUNNING SCOTLAND
Next, head north to Tobermory, the colourful capital of the Isle of Mull, where you can enjoy the wildlife, the whisky and the local folklore. Cross to Port Ellen, a gateway to the famous Islay distilleries and ancient monuments of Kildaton.
Potential Stops:
Port Ellen, Tobermory or similar
DAY 15
DEPARTURE: OBAN, SCOTLAND
End your journey in Oban, a bustling harbour town with a rich heritage and reputation for whiskey distilling, finest fresh seafood, and being the gateway to the Hebrides that are scattered throughout the sea.
Assist with the deep clean of yacht before departing at 1300.
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 (see packing list)
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 need prior recent sailing experience.
This can be one of the following:
- Clipper Race Level 1 Training
- RYA Day Skipper
- 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).
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 £1300 | 7 DAYS
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 +
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 sailing on this leg, Leg 1 Western Coves & Scottish Isles.
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!
