United Kingdom · August 2 - September 5 2025

Sail the Northcoast 500 - Tour of Scotland

A new twist on a classic Tour of Scotland as we sail the Northcoast 500

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Overview

Join our unique twist on Scotland's famous "Northcoast 500" as we sail it on Big Blue, our beautiful expedition yacht. The adventure starts in Oban, home of the famous Whisky distillery. We will complete the tour of Scotland in three uniquely different legs and you can join any or all of them. Leg 1 : Oban to Stornoway Leg 2 : Stornoway to Kirkwall Leg 3: Kirkwall to Oban via the Caledonian Canal Each leg is 10 days with a couple of days between legs for crew change-over. For those doing the full tour, you will keep the same berth throughout, with the option of having a cabin to yourself. You'll stay on board for the full month with time in Kirkwall and Stornoway to visit these beautiful Scottish towns. No experience required, but for more experienced sailors, our expert skippers will give you all the support and learning you want!

Highlights

Comfortable Yacht

Comfortable Yacht

a large , comfortable and practical cockpit she has an uncluttered layout with high quality teak finishes in the cockpit. The twin wheels allow a choice of comfortable helming positions and easy viewing when berthing. She’s comfortable and beautifully kitted out with 8 berths, so there’ll be plenty of space on board. She’s perfect for long trips. You’ll have your own berth.

Highly experienced Skipper

Highly experienced Skipper

Jim Dobie will be your Skipper for the duration of the trip. A hugely experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner who has sailed almost every ocean of the world. Jim is a well-respected training skipper and examiner, known for his patience and ability to share his passion for ocean sailing with those around him.

Scenic, Adventurous Sailing

Scenic, Adventurous Sailing

A fabulous trip to the very North of Scotland, weaving through the Orkney islands - exact itinerary will depend on the experience of the crew, their wishes and the weather!

Skippers

Jim Dobie

Jim Dobie

A hugely experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner who has sailed almost every ocean of the world, leading expeditions to some of the remotest places including the Galapagos, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Tasmania. Jim is experienced, not only on, but also under water, as a Scuba Diving Instructor delivering expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef, Oceania and Asia.Jim has a long history of successful race campaigns including  skipper for the 09-10 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, competed in five Sydney to Hobart races, two Fastnet races, Round Britain and Ireland Race and many other offshore race events 

Itinerary

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Leg 1 - Oban to Stornoway

The adventure starts in Oban, home of the famous Whisky distillery. After a thorough safety briefing we'll prepare to set sail. The sailing route will adapt depending on the weather and wishes of the crew, but likely to include Tobermory, the isles of Rum, Muck and Eigg and the Shiant Isles before ending in Stornoway.

This is beautiful sailing territory, with challenging winds and tides as well as incredible places to overnight. Big Blue is perfectly adapted to the voyage and, with a maximum of six crew on board, you'll have plenty of space.

We arrive in Tobermory with time to explore ashore and a couple of nights to soak up the local atmosphere, before heading onto our next Leg. 

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Leg 2 Stornoway to Kirkwall

Leg 2 will take us high into the Orkney isles. 

Our trip will depart Stornoway and will route to Lochinver, (home of world famous pies!), Cape Wrath and then cross over to Stromness before arriving in Kirkwall.

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Leg 3 : Kirkwall to Oban via Caledonian Canal

Leg 3 will take us from Kirkwall, in the Orkney isles back to Oban, routing West via Wick and Inverness before entering the famous Caledonian Canal. This is a real "bucket list" for many sailors which completes our grand tour of Scotland!

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

• Travel to and from Oban

• Meals Ashore

• Entrance fees to visitor centres or distilleries

• Sailing & Travel Insurance

Accommodation

Single berth

Single berth

A comfortable berth for the full trip

FROM$8,015.32 /pp

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Double cabin (two people sharing)

Double cabin (two people sharing)

Your own cabin for you alone, or to share!

FROM$9,352.32 /pp

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You'll Be Staying Here

Big Blue

Big Blue

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.

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FAQs

We design the trips for a wide range of experience which that 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 you 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

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

We’ll share with you 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!

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!

Sail the Northcoast 500 - Tour of Scotland

United Kingdom · August 2 - September 5 2025 · 34 nights

$8,015.32 /pp

BOOK NOW