ADVENTURE SAILING
Embark on the Ultimate Adventure Sailing Experience in Scotland with Yachting Scotland.
If you’re seeking an adventure of a lifetime, look no further than adventure sailing in Scotland with Yachting Scotland. Scotland’s west coast is a playground for all adventurers, with its imposing mountains, remote islands, and hidden coastlines providing endless opportunities for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
As the leader in adventure sailing in the UK, Yachting Scotland offers a wide range of thrilling options, including long offshore sailing passages, explorer cruises, sailing to St. Kilda, sailing hill walking holidays, sailing climbing trips, and sail racing. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or new to sailing, our experienced team will ensure an unforgettable adventure that will create lasting memories.
With Yachting Scotland, you’ll have the opportunity to sail to some of the most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path locations in Scotland, all while enjoying the thrill of offshore sailing and the camaraderie of the sailing community.
Our expert skippers will guide you through these awe-inspiring landscapes, providing an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of sailing with the beauty of Scotland’s rugged coastlines.
For our sailing hill walking and sailing climbing trips a guide will be provided for the land based adventures so you can be assured you’re in safe hands.
Join us for an adventure sailing trip like no other, and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, rich history, and thrilling experiences that Scotland has to offer.
You can book the boat privately or join us on one of our pre-planned adventure sailing holidays.
Food, fuel and marina fees are included in the costs.
Round the Top
Set sail with us as we endeavour to sail around the top of Scotland, aiming as far north as Shetland. This is our longest sailing expedition in the calendar, a once in a lifetime cruise that is set to be challenging, fun, exciting, and filled with breath taking seascapes and wildlife.
Departing from Oban on the west coast we will take the best course north, using the Isles and north west sea lochs to anchor and rest before taking the leap round the top. Once north of Cape Wrath we will aim for Orkney and then for Shetland. Around here is where the tides take charge as the Atlantic and North Sea collide. Timing and a weather window is key.
The return passage will present the option to sail down the east or west coast. Heading for the Caledonian Canal to transit the Great Glen or Island hope back home. Either way, its 750+NM all in.
This is a team effort. Pre-passage training will be provided. We will spend a lot of time at sea, working in watch rotations, sailing at night, and at times, we will be out of sight of land.
Got what it takes to join the crew?
Round the Top
Set sail with us as we endeavour to sail around the top of Scotland, aiming as far north as Shetland. This is our longest trip in the calendar, a once in a lifetime cruise that is set to be challenging, exciting, fun and filled with breath taking seascapes and wildlife.
Departing from Oban on the west coast we will take the best course north, using the Isles and north west sea lochs as refuge points before taking the leap round the top. Once north of Cape Wrath we will aim for Orkney and then for Shetland. Around here is where the tides take charge as the Atlantic and North Sea collide. Timing and a weather window is key.
On the return passage, there may be an opportunity to sail down the east coast and back through the Caledonian Canal. Either way, we expect to sail well over 750NM.
This is a team effort. We will spend a lot of time at sea, working in watch rotations, sailing at night, and at times, we will be out of sight of land.
Got what it takes to join the crew?
EXPLORER CRUISES
Our Explorer cruises are for those who want to go further, sail longer and see all that Scotland’s cruising grounds have to offer.
The idea has been simmering in the back of Scott’s mind since starting Yachting Scotland.
That idea; to build an ambitious adventure sailing calendar where we take Somerled on a tour of Scotland that sailors world-wide dream of. Averaging 350 nautical miles per week. Staying at anchor and being self-sufficient, only visiting marinas to restock and for a short period of rest.
As a crew you will be an integral part of keeping the boat running.
Expect to see endless horizons out west and towering peaks to the east as we cruise through the stunning seascape of Scotland.
A playground for adventure and honing your seamanship.
Sailiing St. Kilda
Sailing to the breath-taking World Heritage site of St. Kilda is a once in a lifetime achievement. You can sense you are getting near St. Kilda long before you see it as more and more rare seabirds fill the sky, feeding on the rich sea life of the North Atlantic. When sailing to St. Kilda, there’s a chance to step ashore and explore. On Hirta, the largest of the islands home to Village Bay, it has been confirmed to have been inhabited for over 2,000 years and signs of settlement from the 4th Millennium BC.
St. Kilda was evacuated in the 1930’s. The last islander died in 2016.
Not only is the weather a challenge but even navigating by compass isn’t full proof here, magnetic anomalies exist all around St. Kilda. Many sailors try year after year before getting the right weather window that suits their skillset. With a fast, seaworthy vessel and experienced, knowledgeable skipper it greatly increases the chance of sailing to St. Kilda in the typically Scottish weather and North Atlantic swell.
Ready to take on the challenge?
St. Kilda
Sailing to the breath-taking World Heritage site of St. Kilda is a once in a lifetime achievement. You can sense you are getting near St. Kilda long before you see it as more and more rare seabirds fill the sky, feeding on the rich sea life of the North Atlantic. Once you arrive there’s a chance to step ashore and explore. On Hirta, the largest of the islands home to Village Bay, it has been confirmed to have been inhabited for over 2,000 years and signs of settlement from the 4th Millennium BC.
St. Kilda was evacuated in the 1930’s. The last islander died in 2016.
Not only is the weather a challenge but even navigating by compass isn’t full proof here, magnetic anomalies exist all around St. Kilda. Many sailors try year after year before getting the right weather window that suits their skillset. With a fast, seaworthy vessel and experienced, knowledgeable skipper it greatly increases the chance of making it in the typically Scottish weather and North Atlantic swell.
Ready to take on the challenge?
PEAKS & TROUGHS
Our sailing-hiking trips are designed to give everyone aboard the perfect balance of adventure between land and sea. We offer a series of boating trips that take you to the foot of some of the most dramatic mountainscapes of Scotland. Think Goat Fell on Arran, The Paps of Jura, Ben more of Mull and the Skye Cuillin. Our bespoke packages include options for a full board tour, ensuring you will be fuelled for your hiking trips and a cosy cabin waiting for you at the end of the day. We sail with a local mountain guide in the highlands. Letting a qualified mountain leader take on the comprehensive navigation and mountain skills required.
MULTI DAY Sailing CRUISES
With some of the best sailing grounds Europe has to offer there is an infinite amount of options to choose from as to where we sail and stay. Taking a relaxed pace to sail from place to place, going with the wind and tide, enjoying the seascapes of Scotland.
We regularly visit areas of The Firth of Clyde, West Coast, Inner & Outer Hebrides and The North-West Sea Lochs.
‘Book Now’ to join us on our 5 or 7 day cruise options.
MULTI DAY CRUISES
With some of the best sailing grounds Europe has to offer there is an infinite amount of options to choose from as to where we sail and stay. Taking a relaxed pace to sail from place to place, going with the wind and tide, enjoying the seascapes of Scotland.
We regularly visit areas of The Firth of Clyde, West Coast, Inner & Outer Hebrides and The North-West Sea Lochs.
CLIMBING CRUISES
We are within reach of some of the most unique climbing in Scotland, granite mountains, towering sea stacks and mountain ridges. You’re sure to find the exposure you’re looking for.
On founding Yachting Scotland and being climbers ourselves, we wanted climbing to be a key ingredient in our sailing adventures. We can give access to some of the most remote, outlying rock walls in Scotland in an entirely unique way.
These cruises are specialist and expedition style trips, therefore, they are organised on a request only basis and you won’t find them in our calendar.
Please send us an email expressing your interest and we can work together to get out there.
sail Racing
We will be adding to our sailboat race calendar soon. Scottish Series, Three Peaks Race, St Kilda Challenge, West Highland Week and more will be on the cards. Drop us an email to express interest and we will add you to our race crew mailing list.
If you have any questions at all please drop us a line using the contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.