Midsummer Sailing along Scotland’s North and West Coasts

Setting sail from Aberdeen

Scotland’s third city, Aberdeen, is a bustling port. The harbour is right in the middle of town and busy from dawn to dark — offshore supply ships, trawlers, pilot boats, all moving constantly. Walk out towards Footdee (“Fittie”), the old fishing quarter at the harbour mouth. It’s a grid of tiny cottages and sheds built by fishermen. From there you can watch ships clearing the breakwater into the North Sea.

The Maritime Museum is well worth a visit. It’s focused on ship design, diving, and the offshore industry, with a clear line between old sail-powered trade and modern engineering. If you’ve time before joining the ship, head down the coast to Stonehaven and visit Dunnottar Castle, a spectacular medieval fortress built on a headland. The place is most famous for a small garrison holding out against Oliver Cromwell’s army for eight months in the 1650s, saving the Scottish Crown Jewels!

Stepping aboard the Santa Maria Manuela you’ll be greeted with a tour and safety induction. Then you can settle into your cabin before getting to know your fellow sailors over dinner on board.

Along the Way

As you make your way out into the North Sea and set a course North towards John O’ Groats, you’ll be invited to help hoist the sails, take the helm, and experience the rhythm of life at sea. Your crew are a friendly and knowledgeable bunch, and will be happy to ‘show you the ropes’ – literally! The feeling of helming a 68m sailing ship as she responds to the command of the wheel is a unique experience! You might also want to climb the mast, or out onto the bowsprit (not at all compulsory, but going ‘aloft’ is, in our opinion, one of the highlights of a tall ship voyage).

All participation is optional, and you’re equally welcome to relax with a book or enjoy the mesmerising, ever changing seascape. However we’d always recommend getting stuck in as often as possible, it’s great fun and there’s lots to learn!

You’ll have a stopover on the beautiful Isle of Lewis. Get ashore and visit the ancient Callanish standing stones, and enjoy a leg stretch along peat tracks and wild coast path.

Setting sail once more, Santa Maria Manuela will weave through the scattered islands of the Hebrides. Keep an eye out for wildlife- these waters are frequented by dolphins, orca and sea eagles among others. As you near the summer solstice, the evenings stretch on for ever. The Western Isles really are magical at this time of year!

Arriving in Belfast

Belfast is a fascinating city and it’s well worth spending some time here. The Titanic Quarter has been developed, but the old Harland & Wolff infrastructure — slipways, pumps and cranes — is still there and worth walking around even if you haven’t time for the museum. The scale of the engineering gives a sense of how much shipbuilding once dominated the place.

The Maritime Mile walk links the old shipyards, dockside pubs and maritime museum and many a happy hour can be spent exploring it! For a more serious leg stretch, the hills above the city give wide views of the lough and the approaches. Cave Hill or Divis are close enough for an afternoon climb.

Wind, Waves & Weather

June offers long days, manageable sea states, and mostly moderate winds. Expect brisk southwesterlies, occasional rain bands, and lively conditions through the Minch. Between weather systems, there are long, bright spells with good visibility and settled seas — ideal for scenic sailing along the Hebridean and western Scottish coastlines. Daytime temperatures will be around 14–18°C, occasionally higher, dropping to around 10-12°C at night.

Hands-On Holidays

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

Sailing Style & Life on Board

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

A Note on Voyage Descriptions

On a sailing voyage we never guarantee a specific itinerary. Skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes given the forecast. They are as keen as you to include all the potential highlights of a voyage, but when it comes to sailing you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think is likely to be possible, based on past trips and prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Santa Maria Manuela

Below is a recommended travel packing list for a sailing voyage.

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals to include cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments throughout the day.
• Bed linen, duvet, towels for cabin (but please bring your own beach towel)

What is Not Included

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Travel to and from the start and end port
• Optional trips or tours taken ashore unless otherwise stated
• Alcoholic Beverages , but you can purchase drinks from the bar (you can set up a tab and pay at the end).

What to Bring

For any destination north of Cape Verde warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get cold during sailing, especially at night, even in the summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended to help keep warm and dry. Waterproof rubber soled boots or shoes are also recommended to keep your feet dry and warm. It is a good idea to bring two pairs of shoes in case one gets wet as salt water soaked shoes take a while to dry. Madeira, Portugal and the Azores in summer can get pretty hot and it is easy to get sunburn at sea as the air is clear. The Cape Verde are in a tropical climate so a good sun screen is essential. Please remember that space on board is limited and pack accordingly. Pack comfortable and practical clothing for all weather circumstances, the key is layers!! It is recommended to pack in a soft bag that can be easily stored away as there is no room on board for suitcases. Electricity on board is European 2 pin sockets, please be sure to bring any adaptors you may need.

Passports, Visas and Insurance

If you voyage is sailing in foreign waters, you will require a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the voyage. You will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. We have Third Party Liability Insurance and recommend all those sailing with us to take out relevant travel insurance to cover their voyage.

Medical Conditions and Special Diets

Please inform us in advance of any medical conditions you have and medication which you might need to bring with you. If you have any special dietary requirements it is essential you inform us prior to your voyage. We will make every effort to cater for all diets with prior notice.

Personal Items

This is a list of the items we recommend you bring with you.

• Warm hat and sun hat
• gloves - either sailing gloves or gardening type gloves
• Wet weather clothing – water proof and windproof jacket
• Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers!!)
• Trainers or deck shoes
• shorts and t shirts
• nightwear (ear plugs ?)
• Toiletries
• Towels
• swimwear (googles are useful)
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Sea sickness medication
• Personal medication
• Book
• Small torch (head torches are good!)
• Camera
• Log book (if you have one)
• Valid passport (voyages outside the UK)
• Travel insurance

Extras

• Musical instruments
• games or cards
• book/kindle

You can buy Santa Maria Manuela caps on board.

Diving Holidays on Santa Maria Manuela - Kit List

Please note the ship will only be carrying scuba diving equipment on the specialist diving voyages. On a diving voyage - Bottles and weights are included in the voyage price. If you need diving equipment other than bottles and weights it is €150 extra Nitrox costs €5 euros a dive Classic Sailing will expand on this kit list shortly.

We had the most amazing time. The crew were so friendly and helpful, the food was great throughout, and the cabins were really comfortable. We both climbed the rigging as the sun was setting over Porto Santo to round off a brilliant last day with the new friends we met. Thanks for the wonderful experience.

Ian & Dayna

I have sailed many times on tall ships, this is by far the best yet.

Richard

 

Terrific crew and ship and a lovely passage to the Azores. Crew and guests were very good and patient with someone who only spoke English. This is a terrifically well run vessel. Excellent accommodation, well serviced by a professional crew. All very friendly, helpful and willing to give information throughout. Many opportunities to get involved in most aspects of the ships operations. Very many thanks.

Keith

An amazing ship and amazing crew.

David

We had a terrific and adventurous time on board during Sachsen Sail in the Bay of Biscay. Thank you to all Santa Maria Manuela crew members!

Mario

Un voilier merveilleux avec un équipage très sympathique. Merci pour tout.

A splendid ship with a very kind crew. Thank you for everything.

Marie-Francoise