Sail from the Scottish Highlands to England's south coast through islands, lochs, headlands and historic harbours.
This 10-day sailing expedition follows a 700-nautical-mile route from Oban in western Scotland to Portsmouth on England’s south coast, combining offshore sailing with exploration of some of the UK’s most scenic and historic coastlines.
Departing from the Scottish Highlands, the voyage heads south past islands, lochs, rugged headlands and historic harbours, offering a varied sailing experience through changing coastal landscapes. Conditions range from sheltered coastal passages to longer offshore legs, making this an ideal journey for those looking to build confidence and practical sailing experience while travelling through some of the most beautiful waters in the British Isles.
Guests become active members of the crew throughout the voyage, taking part in watchkeeping, helming, sail handling, navigation and daily life onboard. The journey concludes in Portsmouth, one of England’s most significant maritime cities.
Your expedition takes place aboard a 72ft steel sailing vessel originally built for one of the world’s most demanding around-the-world yacht races. Designed for extended ocean passages and remote exploration, the vessel is certified for unrestricted ocean voyaging and combines expedition capability with a comfortable onboard environment. With space for a small group of guest crew, voyages are immersive and hands-on, with everyone encouraged to participate in sailing operations, watchkeeping and daily life at sea.
Enquire for full details and to connect with the crew office!
Why you'll love this adventure
- A varied sailing route combining offshore passages and coastal exploration.
- Opportunities to build practical sailing and navigation skills in UK waters.
- Journey from the Scottish Highlands to the historic maritime city of Portsmouth.
Dates
Itinerary
Sail south from Oban to Portsmouth on an expedition-style voyage along the western coasts of Scotland and England. This journey combines offshore sailing with opportunities to explore islands, bays and historic harbours as weather and conditions allow. Along the way, you'll gain practical sailing experience through watchkeeping, navigation, helming and sail handling while experiencing a variety of coastal and offshore conditions. The outline below highlights some of the planned route and experiences. Enquire for full voyage details and the latest itinerary information.
What's included
- 9 nights accommodation onboard
- Personal bunk and storage space
- All meals onboard
- Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
- Foul weather gear (jacket and salopette trousers)
- Safety equipment including lifejackets with fitted PLBs
- Sailing instruction and training
Not included
- Transportation to the departure port
- Onward travel from the arrival port
- Additional nights spent ashore
- Personal expenses while in port
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
Accommodation for up to 10 guest passengers in comfortable sea berths. Two heads with showers, a large, well-stocked galley, and a comfortable salon with seating for the entire crew. The vessel is equipped with twin iridium satellite phones, HF radio, and all the modern navigation equipment to keep you safe and connected despite being well offshore. The boat is self-sufficient, with extensive sails, onboard fresh-water making, extended fuel reserves, and almost 1kw of wind/solar power. It is equipped for coastal and atoll exploration with two inflatable boats with outboards.
Meals
All meals on board the boat are delicious and vegetarian. Snacks and drinks provided.
Who is this trip for?
Anyone in good health with a reasonable fitness level, good balance and without mobility issues.
Age and Experience:
All ages and levels of experience are welcome provided you are physically able to take on the on board duties as guest crew. The boat has been used for many years as a sailing training vessel and the experienced crew are on-hand to help you develop or brush up on your skills.
Fitness to Sail:
This North-Atlantic sailing journey is not a trip for the infirm or physically unfit – you MUST be able to go up and down the companionway and move safely about the boat while in rough conditions, have good balance, and be in reasonably good health.
Additional notes
No previous sailing experience is required. Guests join as active crew members and are expected to participate in watchkeeping, sail handling, navigation, meal preparation and daily life onboard. This expedition may not be suitable for travellers with significant mobility limitations or certain medical conditions.
Tour operator
A 72ft (22m), 90,000lb displacement steel-hulled sailing yacht built in 2000 that can accommodate 10 guest crew on her voyages. No previous sailing experience is needed, and both experienced and new sailors will enjoy her abilities as a boat built purposely for the demanding Global Challenge Race.
An experienced onboard and offshore team runs the vessel and supports her passage through remote waters with skill and precision. With two women at the helm as captain and first mate we love the boat's rugged capability as a circumnavigating vessel built to face the toughest sea conditions anywhere in the world. She has been specifically set up to operate with a volunteer crew with limited sailing experience and has high standards for sustainable passage making including keeping a vegetarian galley. This vessel provides her guest crew with comfortable living conditions and the chance to train in both modern and traditional sailing methods, whether for a short passage or a longer ocean crossing.
Enquire today
Sail Highlands to Headlands Oban to Portsmouth
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