WHO WE ARE
We are a family of Scottish sailors with a passion for exploration. We have always loved the water and we learned to sail as a family after Scott, aged eight, tried dinghy sailing on Loch Lomond for the first time. Ever since, sailing became a central part of our lives, from performance dinghy sailing and offshore deliveries to skippering charters in the Mediterranean.
We love adventure on both land and at sea, from sailing and wild swimming to climbing and trail running. Our background may be adventurous but that’s not to say we don’t know how to put our feet up and enjoy the view.
This is our lifestyle and we love to share it with others. Come on board and be part of our adventure.
THE CREW
Scott
Head Skipper & founder of Yachting Scotland
GEORGIE
Mate & host
Martin
Skipper & Chief Instructor
LIZ
Mate & chef
OUR YACHT
We chose our yacht to meet the specific criteria of: comfort, performance, practicality and functionality.
Somerled is a Salona 37 Cruiser Racer, a comfortable seaworthy mono-hull with performance sailing kept in mind. The sailing experience on Somerled gives all the advantages of a cruising boat without compromising on the boat’s performance in the water.
Bellow deck we have a generous sized saloon with a large table, fully equipped galley and navigators chart table.
The accommodation is spread throughout the boat, consisting of a two-berth saloon, double forward cabin, a spacious double aft cabin and crew cabin. To port we have the shower/heads.
On deck, Somerled is laid out for racing and comfortable cruising. Well set up with Harken equipment and clear running rigging not only makes her a great boat to sail but keeps things simple and clear when learning aboard.
Oh, and there is a hot shower on deck for after a swim.
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.
FOUNDED
2020
Yachting Scotland was founded in 2020 by Scott Johnston, life long sailor and adventure seeker.
“After the collapse of multiple outdoor centres around Scotland I started delivering a lot more yachts around Europe as the commercial maritime industry continued. On one of those deliveries I was sailing a boat to Scotland with a round the world ocean racer who planted the seed of me getting my own boat. A cruisy end to the sail and I saw Somerled was up for sale again, a boat I knew well, and a boat I knew sailed well. I sailed into Largs where Somerled was berthed, within the month I was sailing her and had started Yachting Scotland, or at least the idea was there, I was just enjoying the sailing.
I plan for Yachting Scotland to provide the best for adventure seekers, leisure sailors and those looking to expand their skill set.”
– Scott
SOMERLED
Somerled is a well known yacht around Scotland. The name Somerled came from the first Lord of The Isles, a prominent figure in the history of Scotland and a patron of Gaelic language and arts. Somerled is often recognised by locals and known as a bit of an eye catcher. You’ll find yourself sharing stories with people on the pontoon of the adventures they’ve had aboard or the places you’re going next.
My first sailing trip on the west coast of Scotland was with Yachting Scotland & I can assure you it won’t be my last . They get the balance of fun, adventure & safety just right making you feel safe as you enjoy the ride . I also had a very comfortable sleep on my bunk
As an introduction to sailing with Scott, I felt I came back equipped with the knowledge of not just sailing but of the local area, understanding and reading weather as well as more hands-on experience of handling the boat. Somerled sails beautifully and I cannot wait to get back on the water this coming summer. Big thanks to Yachting Scotland for the whole experience, I hope that we get to try out a distillery as promised on our next trip!
I thought I knew the west coast of Scotland but it’s a totally new experience from the sea. Scott makes you feel very safe onboard even when the seas get rough. 100% would go again!
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.