United Kingdom · 20 - 29 June 2026
Oban to Stornoway
Hands on sailing adventure around Scotland
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Overview
The adventure starts in Oban, home of the famous Whisky distillery. The further west we sail, the wilder it gets. This journey leaves the shelter of the Inner Hebrides and ventures toward the Outer Hebrides — a chain of islands where ancient culture meets elemental beauty. It’s a voyage shaped by the Atlantic swell and softened by quiet anchorages, where land feels like the last outpost before open sea. What kind of sailing can you expect? The weather in the Western Isles is hugely influential in the planning for each day and can be changeable hour by hour. It's a great voyage for learning the importance of correct sail trim, reefing and trimming the sails according to the conditions. This allows us to explore how to control the shape and size of the sails and, for those sailors who want to improve their trim techniques, our Skippers are all highly skilled racers as well as expedition leaders and are on hand to discuss the finer art of trim.
Highlights
Crossing into the Outer Hebrides
Sailing into the Outer Hebrides marks a bold step into the unknown — a journey to the edge of Europe where land feels like the last frontier. These remote islands offer a deep sense of adventure, distance, and wonder, far from the rhythms of everyday life.
Unspoiled Anchorages & Dramatic Coastlines
Drop anchor in wild, untouched bays where few have ventured — from the white sands of Vatersay to the steep, rugged hills of Harris. The landscapes here are elemental and raw, offering moments of stillness, reflection, and awe in some of the most dramatic sailing grounds in the world.
Atlantic Seamanship & Gaelic Soul
Experience true open water sailing as you navigate Atlantic conditions — a testing ground for seamanship, confidence, and resilience. Beyond the sailing, immerse yourself in the spirit of the Hebrides, where Gaelic traditions, untamed nature, and warm island welcomes, define a culture shaped by sea and stone.
Skippers
Dave (Wavy) Immelman
David Immelman, known to everyone as "Wavy", is co-founder and chief Skipper at Wavysail – He was born and raised around Cape Town and has been sailing since the age of 5.
Since then, he has amassed over 500,000 miles of ocean sailing, including over 40 Atlantic crossings.
He is a highly respected RYA instructor with many years of teaching.
A professional racing skipper, including Skipper of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race ‘19/’20 edition as well as winning the Governors cup on “Black Cat”
What's Included
What's Included
All food and drink (non-alcoholic) on board
Safety equipment including life-jackets.
All mooring and port entry fees for the boat.
• Hands on sailing, watch keeping, helming and opportunity to fully immerse in life on board.
Overnight accommodation onboard, your own bunk and bedding
• Waterproof Clothing available to hire
What's Not Included
• Travel to and from Oban
• Meals Ashore
• Entrance fees to visitor centres or distilleries
• Sailing & Travel Insurance
Gallery
You'll Be Staying Here
Big Blue of Yorn
Big Blue is a Beneteau Oceanis 523. Spacious, comfortable and well equipped she is a powerful but easily handled yacht.
In Big Blue we cover the ground quickly which leaves more time for exploring ashore or sailing further. `Big Blue` is very well equipped for offshore sailing and carries a paddle board and inflatable kayak for exploring the anchorages you will visit.
We have 4 sleeping cabins, one is for the Skipper and the others consist of 1 large double and 2 smaller double cabins. All three can be converted into twin cabins - the bunks can be divided by lee cloths if preferred.
All cabins are en-suite. Bedding is provided. On board comfort is a priority - the layout offers privacy and there are heating outlets in all cabins.
Related Blog Posts
Read about our previous Scottish adventures
Heather Deary · Sat 16 Sep 2023
Wavysail Scottish Islands Adventure 2023
Heather joined Wavysail's first Scottish adventure this summer - read about her experience of sailing the coast of Scotland under the expert guidance of Jim Dobie.
FAQs
Do I need to be experienced in sailing?
We design the trips for a wide range of experience which means that even if you’ve not sailed, our experienced Skippers will ensure you have a fantastic time.
The longer legs will suit “mile builders” who already have some sailing qualifications, and we can spend time supporting you with everything from helming to sail trimming or passage planning as you wish!
Before you join, we’ll ask about your previous sailing experience and what you want to get out of the trip. That way, we’ll tailor the tour to your specific needs.
What's the cancellation policy?
The group size is kept very small on our trips which gives you a real ‘masterclass’ with our highly experienced Skippers. However, that means each place is valuable and we need full groups.
We ask for a 10% deposit to secure your berth, with the balance being due 6 weeks before departure.
If you cancel your place over 8 weeks out, the deposit is fully refundable. Between 6-8 weeks, we will retain the deposit.
If you cancel 6 weeks or less, the full price will be payable.
What should I bring?
We’ll share a kit-list which will be adapted to the trip you’re taking.
All bed linen is provided as well as safety equipment. You will need some decent deck shoes (or sailing boots), otherwise it’s layers of clothing adapted to the conditions you’re likely to encounter.
Bring a camera. If you want to bring a drone, let us know beforehand and bear in mind drones tend not to be waterproof and are carried / used at your own risk!
How adventurous is it?
We want everyone to get the most out of their time on board – so we’ll work around your wants.
However, our trips are designed for you to take an active role – that means, for example, we’ll take turns in cooking (all the menus are planned already and step by step instructions given, so you don’t need to be a masterchef!)
You can get tips and instruction on all aspects of sailing from our Skippers and get as involved as you want, grinding, trimming, helming and learning. On the other hand, there’s also plenty of time to relax and just take in the beautiful ocean scenery. It’s your trip!