St Kilda and Hebridean Island Cruise

Participate in an enjoyable trip afloat exploring Scotland's West Highland and Island Shores while learning a range of sailing skills; visit islands; secluded anchorages and view wild life in its natural environment while making passage in a luxurious ocean going sailing yacht. The Skippers are professional seafarers and fully qualified RYA Offshore Yachtmasters. Cruise Ecosse have been providing sailing holidays in Scotland since 1993 and really know how to get everyone involved while maintaining a relaxed social atmosphere. The Skippers also prepare the meals but need help with the washing up.
During the first evening you meet the Skipper and get to know your sailing colleagues. Then it's time for a safety briefing followed by a demonstration of the yacht's equipment and, if possible, a short practice sail in sheltered waters where the Skipper will show you how to steer the yacht and handle the sails. A home cooked evening meal can be taken before, after (or instead of!) the evening sail.

Sunday night will probably be spent at the yacht's mooring in Ardentrive bay on the Island of Kerrera or, if the wind is in the east, at anchor in Oitir Mhor Bay on the other side of the island. In the morning, with a fair wind, we will set sail for the Sound of Mull. The crew's progress in learning how to handle the yacht, together with the wind direction and tide, will decide Monday evening's destination although we may end up enjoying Tobermory's nightlife also it will determine whether we stop for lunch or eat while sailing.

After leaving the sheltered waters of the Sound of Mull we should round Ardnamurchan Point (the most westerly point on the British mainland) and head for the Hebrides and a group of islands, mainly Vatersay, Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Berneray just south of Barra. If the weather is kind and the swell subdued we might be able to anchor in this area. The island of Eriskay, of "Whisky Galore" fame lies in the Sound of Barra. A visit to the pub on this island, and the press cuttings there, opens up a whole load of questions and intrigue regarding Mrs Simpson and our abdicated King Edward. What exactly was the link between the royal family and the "SS Politician? Why was unmanifested Jamaican cash stowed amongst the large cargo of whisky that was bound for the Americas? What happened to the cargo? Rumour has it that the natives know the answer to the last question.

We will wait in the Outer Hebrides for favourable conditions to strike west out through the Sound of Barra to the Atlantic and the long passage to St Kilda. The islands of St. Kilda are the most spectacular of all Britain's offshore islands. Hirta, boasts the highest cliffs and the largest colony of fulmars in Britain. The neighbouring island of Boreray and her two rocks of Stac Lee and Stac an Armin are the breeding grounds of the world's largest colony of gannets. The little archipelago, in fact, is a land of superlatives and as such has always fascinated minds since Victorean times. The greatest fascination is that for two thousand years man live upon St Kilda leading a unique and unchanging way of life remote from the mainland. They eventually came under pressure from outside influences and were persuaded to evacuate in 1930, where they unwittingly threw themselves into the 20th century. St Kilda is now a world heritage site and the National Trust for Scotland have restored some of the dwellings providing a fascinating insight into the life of the St. Kildans.

St Kilda is a wild and exposed group of islands and a close eye needs to be kept on the weather in case a hasty retreat has to be made in good time to reach the safety of the Outer Hebrides. The return journey will either be through the Sound of Harris or back to the Sound of Barra. On the return journey we will take the opportunity to visit the Small Islands.
Within this group of islands a visit to Rhum and Canna is recommended. Another place well worth a visit is Loch Moidart, located at the east end of the sound of Arisaig, either via the north or south entrance. Another wonderful place is Loch Scavaig nestling at the foot of the 4000ft plus Cuillin mountains at the South end of Skye. Turner, the artist, has captured the soul of the place on canvas. This anchorage allows easy access by foot to the fresh water Loch Coriusk a few metres above sea level. It may not possible to visit all the places that I have already mentioned, but the weather and state of the tide will help us decide.

On our way back to Kerrera we should try and visit the islands of Coll, Lunga, Staffa (where the basalt columns and Fingals cave inspired Mendelssohn to compose the Hebrides Overture), Iona (where St Columba first landed in Scotland) and do some rock hopping into Tinker's Hole or Rubh Ardlanish on the Ross of Mull. Time, weather and the tides will determine where we go and when.

All too soon it will be Friday morning and passage will be made back to Oban. By early afternoon the yacht will be berthed on the pontoon at Kerrera where after a quick lunch it's all hands on deck to wash and tidy the yacht before disembarking.

The price includes tuition, the use of all safety equipment, meals and snacks. If you have a favourite nibble or tipple you are welcome to bring it along. You will have to bring waterproofs (some help can be given with those), warm clothes, a hat, sleeping bag, soft soled non-slip shoes and wellington boots.

Cars may be parked free of charge at Oban. Scotrail run 3 trains a day between Glasgow Queen Street station and Oban. Citylink run 3 express coaches a day between Glasgow and Oban and once a day between Edinburgh and Oban.