Set sail from Oban for a hands-on sailing adventure through Scotland’s spectacular Inner Hebrides, following the wild west coast south towards the Firth of Clyde.

This is a voyage shaped by wind and tide, with no rigid itinerary and plenty of scope for adventure along the way. Potential landfalls include Mull, the sacred island of Iona and, conditions permitting, Staffa and the extraordinary basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave. Further south lie the islands of Colonsay, Islay and Jura, where remote anchorages, whisky distilleries and some of Scotland’s finest wildlife await.

There’s the possibility of anchoring deep inside Jura’s beautiful Loch Tarbert, watching for golden eagles overhead, sampling single malt close to its source and experiencing islands and stretches of coastline that feel wonderfully removed from the busier corners of Scotland.

The final part of the voyage leads through the Sound of Jura and Kilbrannan Sound, with the mountains of Arran rising ahead, before sailing into the Firth of Clyde and finishing at Largs.

With a maximum of six guest crew, this is a properly hands-on sailing adventure. Your skipper is Fred Conradie who has spent a lifetime chasing horizons, with sailing experience all over the world, from Mediterranean flotillas to a Round Britain expedition and the Cape Town to St Helena ocean passage. A Yachtmaster Ocean and Yachtmaster Instructor who has run RYA Training Centres for many years, Fred is known on board for calm, clear-headed leadership and a genuine love of tucking into quiet anchorages most sailors never find.

You’ll take an active role aboard, standing watches, helming, handling sails and learning navigation and pilotage as you make your way through some fascinating and genuinely challenging tidal waters. No previous sailing experience is necessary, just a willingness to get involved, learn and embrace wherever the wind and weather take you.

There is no fixed day-by-day sailing itinerary. The route is shaped by wind, tide, weather and the interests of the crew, with the aim of exploring some of the best sailing and island landfalls between Oban and Largs.