FAQs
You may have a number of questions about any one of our trips. We’ve built this FAQs section to answer some ofthe most common of these. If your query isn’t answered here feel free to send us a message using thecontact form at the bottom of the page.
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Where do we sleep?
We have comfortable berths (beds) on board consisting of a double V-berth in the forward cabin, two spacious single berths in the saloon and a double cabin in the port aft quarter. The skipper has a small crew cabin in the starboard quarter.
What do we do for food?
We pride ourselves on the food we provide. For cooking we have a double burner gas hob and oven on board along with an induction stove. Breakfast tends to be cooked, whether a tasty porridge with fruit or a full cooked breakfast we always start the day well. For lunch we usually have soup and a fully loaded sandwich. All main meals are prepared fresh at home in advanced and then frozen for easy cooking in the evening. We encourage creative cooking on board and add it to our book of boat meals!
Will I need to share a cabin?
You will likely be asked to share a cabin with another crew member of the same sex. If the boat is not fully booked you may be assigned a cabin but this is not guarenteed. If you would like to book a private cabin please contact us before booking. Private cabins are the full price + 80% of the full price. Subject to availability.
What will I need to bring with me?
- Sleeping bag, sheet and pillow
- A towel
- A range of warm clothing, similar to ski stuff
- Waterproofs, we hire out sailing waterproofs at £30 per week
- Sailing/clean welly boots or deck shoes, any footwear must be non-marking
- Sunhat + warm hat.
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses + retaining strap highly recommended
- Medication
- Toiletries
- Head torch (Ideally with red light option)
- Logbook (If you have one)
- Passport (if going to Ireland or outwith the UK)
- A facemask and personal hand sanitiser
If you are on a day/coastal skipper or YM course with us then please bring:
- Passport photograph
- Notepad
If you are doing an adventure sail with us the please bring:
- Relevant off the boat equipment, please contact us if you have specialist storage need for kit
Can I hire waterproofs?
Yes! We have quality waterproof sailing gear available to hire but don’t include it in the price to keep the cost down for those who have their own. £30 per week/£15 for the weekend, for jacket and trousers.
We have small, medium, large and XL and XXL.
What footwear do I need?
A comfortable pair of trainers usually does the job for when it isn’t raining. When it is raining we recommend a pair of welly boots.
All footwear should be clean and non marking soles. No climbing style approach shoes, viabram soles etc.
We recommend these boots.
What footwear do I need?
A comfortable pair of trainers usually does the job for when it isn’t raining. When it is raining we recommend a pair of welly boots.
All footwear should be clean and non marking soles. No climbing style approach shoes, viabram soles etc.
We recommend these boots.
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Toilets and shower.
We have a toilet and shower on board. We tend not to use the shower as we regularly visit marinas to refresh and restock.
If after a swim we fancy a shower we can have a quick rinse off and warm up!
What time should I arrive for my sail?
Cruises tend to start at either 1830 in the evening or 0900 in the morning, however, each course is unique so please read the joining instructions provided with the course.
You can see the “schedule” section of each cruise in our booking calendar which will tell you the arrival time.
How do I get there?
Depending on your starting destination;
Using google maps type in;
- Largs Yacht Haven KA30 8EZ.
- Oban North Peir
- Dunstaffnage Marina
- Mallaig Harbour Authority
Parking.
At Largs there is a free secure gated car park at the marina. Just drive up to the gate, ring the buzzer and say you are with Yachting Scotland.
Oban north pier there is paid public parking, however there is nearby free public parking, it sometimes just takes a bit of driving around to get a spot. You can drop off your bags at the marina first.
There is free customer parking at Dunstaffnage.
It is rare we start from Malaig but the same as Oban applies.
Do I need insurance?
We recommend getting your own insurance. Treat this like a holiday, we always insure ourselves before we set off.
We are insured for third party liability.
What if I get sea sick or can’t handle being at sea?
We understand people get seasick, it’s rare, but it does happen.
If you struggle with it we will strive to help you get passed a bout of seasickness. We have many sailing miles and years of experience helping people recover from it at sea or by nipping into a harbour. Most people get passed it.
If we are unable to help or you can’t continue sailing, or the skipper sees it as unsafe for you to be on board we will have to drop you off at the closest convenient transport link to make your way home. This will be up to you to organise and pay for. No refund will be issued.
As above, most people get passed it and we haven’t yet had to resort to getting into port for someone to get themselves home.
Weather and safety.
Sailing is dependent on fair weather conditions as going out into high winds and huge seas will not be undertaken.
The ultimate decision to go is up to the yacht skipper and won’t be influenced by what other yachts decides to do, crew disappointment or commercial reputation.
In the event a yacht can’t sail or undertake the intended passage we have suitable fantastic alternatives destinations to visit given the weather at the time.
No compensation will be given if the yacht doesn’t stick to the advertised plan due to poor weather as that would ‘compete’ Safety against Commercialisation where crew and yacht safety is our highest priority.
LOCATION
Yachting Scotland, situated in Largs within the Firth of Clyde, home to some of the best cruising grounds in Europe. Dotted with islands, castles and distilleries, with our backdrop of Arran’s Sleeping Warrior silhouette it’s safe to say we have a breathtaking seascape on our doorstep.
From our sheltered sailing grounds of the Firth of Clyde, we are but a stone’s throw away from some of the Scotland’s most remote anchorages, untouched beaches and lost nooks and crannies of the West Coast.
Our location gives us the scope to make the most of what Scotland has to offer, from cruising the historical coastline of the Clyde, to reaching the further shores of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, or for the more adventurous, the archipelago of St Kilda.
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.