Down the Whole Outer Hebridean Chain

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

About this Voyage

Beginning on the northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides, Tallulah is ready to start heading South now, and there are still some new places to explore for the first time. A glittering array of islands and sounds are spread out to the South of us and several route options.

Our ideal journey would be to sail from North – South down the whole Outer Hebridean Island chain as far as Mingulay. This gives Tallulah guests a chance to land on beaches like Vatersay or do a sail past of the more inaccessible outposts to check out the birds and climbing routes. We can cut back across the Little Minch at any point to explore Skye, the Small Isles or the wild west side of Mull.

Standing Stones & Black Houses

Whilst we will be keen to get sailing, if there is a weather reason to stay a bit longer on Lewis then the Standing Stones of Calahanish worth a land visit. This stone circle of giant standing stones is far more impressive and than Stonehenge, as it sits in an ancient landscape that seems more raw and timeless.  Gearrannan Blackhouse Village is a restored village of thatched houses where the roof material was held down with nets and weighted stones. Inside these museum houses it reminds me of the mountain houses in Nepal and Bhutan, where the fire is open, without a chimney, so no heat is lost. These houses in Scotland were still lived in as recently as the 1970’s at a time when peat fires were still a life saver and nobody worried about particle emissions.

Gneiss moonscape around Harris

The low lying Gneiss land that makes up the Bays area of Harris is pockmarked with tiny lochs, which have a Scandinavian feel. Its is a desolate place to live but beautiful when the sun shines and you are anchored between the tiny fishermens coves. There is even an abandoned whaling station here.

Uist or Eriskay for turquoise seas and white sand beaches

The classic beaches on the Atlantic side of the Outer Hebrides really do have turquoise seas and sand so white it hurts your eyes. On the smaller Isles we can anchor on the sheltered side and walk over to the dune dominated coastline to a completely different ecosystem and some of the emptiest beaches in Europe.

Barra, Mingalay and Vatersay

All of these are on Tallulah’s hit list. Debbie used to rock climb and can spend hours looking at precipitous cliffs. Vatersay has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – in our opinion.

Or sail between Skye and the Mainland mountains

If the winds are strong from the South West when we leave Stornoway, instead of beating down the Minches, Tallulah can reach across to the mainland, sailing North of Skye and the distinctive Rubha Hunish lighthouse.

The Shiant Islands are a possible stepping stone on the way. If we can tuck out the swell under the high cliffs on Garbh Eilean, then we can try one last anchorage amongst the Shiant Islands before Tallulah leaves the far North of Scotland.

The now uninhabited island group is also the famous retreat of Adam Nicolson. His family left him steward of the islands at 21 and he wrote a book called Sea Room about his struggles and time in the stone bothy that still stands on the main island.  We all fancy the tiny cottage as a holiday escape. Look out for fish eagles too.

Skye has over 400 miles of coastline

If it is too wild to land on the Shiants, then Tallulah can press on until we can tuck behind the lee of the huge land mass of Skye. Fast sailing in flatter waters is what Tallulah crew and guests love best. Whilst winds funnelled by gaps between high mountains can create fickle winds or strong gusts, and it should get more and more sheltered on the way South to the narrows at the Kyle of Loch Alsh.

There are several possible stops and route choices before we reach the Skye bridge. The Sound of Rasaay takes us possibly to Portree for a spot of retail therapy. Alternatively we could anchor off the Isle of Rona, seek out seafood at the pub in Applecross or work our way into a sheltered anchorage off Plockton.

Sailing south through the Kyles of Loch Alsh to the more favourites amongst the Inner Hebrides.

Small Islands and Ardnamurchan Peninsula

Loch Nevis, Eigg, or perhaps some of the incredible beaches on the North side of the Ardnamurchan peninsula could be worth an anchorage. Depending on the winds Tallulah could go through the Sound of Mull to Oban or around the outside via Staffa, Iona or perhaps Coll.

Tallulah’s First Foray to Wilderness Scotland

Pilot cutter Tallulah is 44ft on deck and 59ft overall. Bought specifically as a perfect boat to run charter holidays by her current skipper/owner Debbie Purser in 2021, Tallulah has quickly been building up a following – with voyages in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Brittany in the last 5 seasons. Before that Debbie ran charter voyages on ‘Eve of St Mawes’ for 23 years.

Tallulah is a powerful 44ft pilot cutter – built by Luke Powell. When she gets in a groove sailing upwind or on a reach, she is very well balanced and thrilling to helm. There are broad wooden decks with solid bulwarks and guard rails, but she will sail at a fair angle. Tallulah’s style of sailing is for customers to be fully involved in the sailing, but the mate and skipper will do the cooking and encourage and train you how to be the real crew and take part in a shared adventure, even if you have never sailed before.

So who comes on our voyages ?

With a female skipper/ owner and plenty of adventurous relief skippers and mates we try and cultivate a fairly energetic and healthy vibe on board. Tallulah runs yoga and watersports voyages, wild swimming, connect with nature – wellness breaks, sailing and walking and lots more back in Cornwall, so we like to think we can give your energy levels a boost the wilds of Scotland too. Attitude rather than age is the mantra amongst our sea staff. Tallulah’s mix of guests over the last 5 year have been 47%- 51% female, so we like to think we have the social and gender mix right too. Its not all physical action. This beautiful cutter lures musicians, artists, climbers and film makers too. The people that come, make every voyage unique.

Experienced Skippers Heading Back to Scotland

We don’t claim to be experts on Scotland. Tallulah’s two main skippers have sailed here on other boats, but not in a while. This is just us and a great bunch of guests heading Northwards – for the first time with Tallulah as our floating home.  We are calling it an expedition because there is nothing jaded and predictable about it. There are many, many anchorages we have never been to, and a few favourites we haven’t seen for years long to return to. Come and explore with us as we see the seascapes and landscapes with fresh eyes.

Debbie has been lucky enough to have explored Scotland on other charter vessels over the years from Loch Scavaig and the Shiants to Orkney, Fair Isle and the Shetlands.  Anthony has worked on Eda Frandsen in Scotland and is a commercial fisherman in winter, so he knows his seafood.  We will be headhunting a few regular guests and specialists that have other talents to add to each Hebridean voyage in 2027.

The mate and skipper both love cooking so we take turns at cooking. We love seafood and all cuisines, but we don’t claim to be gourmet. It’s just wholesome fresh food, not a competition.  We won’t force you to eat pudding and we have a decent vegetarian range of meals if you tell us.

Where might we go?

There is definitely not a set itinerary for Tallulah.  We view the chart (and ordanance survey maps) with eyes wide open at the options.  The choices are always based on swell, wind direction and landing opportunities. The distances run each day are shaped to the guest crews experience, energy left after the day before and where we think you will find special moments, vistas and connections with nature.

Tallulah has a great bookshelf for us all to understand what we are looking at from birds to whales or eagles. Delve into past explorers or the Viking or Celtic history of the isles and seaways.

What Wildlife Can We See?

The deep sounds between the Island groups are routeways for cetaceans. Common or bottlenosed dolphins are all around the fast tides of the British Isles, but Western Scotland gives you more chance to see bigger species like Orca, Humpback or Minke Whales.  The plankton rich seas are prefect for basking sharks and sometimes the clear waters here reveal how huge these gentle giants can be.

Our staff are normally Cornish based where we rarely see otters, so we are looking forward to seeing Otters playing on the remote shorelines and  sea eagles, Golden eagles, and a bigger range of sea birds in the skies.

Lunga will be a good bet for puffins on this trip (and puffins on the Shiant Isles and St Kilda on the more northern voyages).  Ocean birds like Gannets, shearwaters, fulmars, skuas and storm petrels will all be breeding on the cliffs and diving to catch fish or sand eels for their young.

The red deer and the common seals will also be warily watching us watch them.

Wild Swimming

Swimming from Tallulah in a beautiful anchorage is often a big part of the fun on our sailing activity holidays. You are welcome to bring a wetsuit.

The availability of Wild Swimming from Tallulah is at the skippers discretion. Supervision is provided from Tallulah and her dinghies. All our skippers are qualified with First Aid at Sea but not all are lifesaving guards. The boarding ladder requires quite strong arms but if you can swallow your pride we can assist you climb back on board with a little bit of help from our helicopter stop and tackle. We have a paddle board too. Scotland sea temperatures are partly warmed by the Gulf Stream, but it is not called ‘Scotland the Brave’ for nothing.

Introduction to Tallulah

Tallulah is 59ft overall with her bowsprit and her designer and builder Luke Powell is still convinced her hull shape and lighter construction makes her the fastest pilot cutter he has built. We have yet to prove that pedigree as Tallulah has only been lightly used as a private yacht since her launch on 2008.

Having a longer waterline than our previous pilot cutter Eve means Tallulah will make faster passages to the islands, and with a lot more space below decks for the same number of guests (max 6 and 2 crew).

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with mother nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. If it is too dangerous to be in the Isles of Scilly or we need to leave early, then the skipper will try and create a voyage similar in style to our Scilly Expeditions, but in more sheltered waters.

 

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.

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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application.  If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better. 

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Tallulah

Plus Parking in St Mawes

What's Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals on board & refreshments throughout the day
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows
• Wooden rowing boat activities
• 2 x Stand Up Paddleboards & buoyancy jackets (on summer voyages)

What is not included

• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels
• Wellie boots
• Waterproof jackets & trousers 

What to Bring

Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack as there is limited storage space on board. No suitcases please!

Tallulah does not have waterproof jacket and trousers yet, so please bring a properly waterproof jacket and trousers on all voyages.

Walking and cycling waterproofs are usually adequate and much lighter to pack, so there really is no need to buy a coastal sailing jacket (unless you really want an excuse to invest in your future sailing). If you need any advice, or lack of a jacket is preventing you participating, please ring us on 01326 53 1234

• warm, windproof jacket for days when you don't want to wear a waterproof jacket
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
• Swim suit, towel, and suntan lotion.
• we have space if you want to bring a wetsuit for wild swimming or SUP adventures
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes.
• Sailing boots or wellies as the sea can come over deck if rough*.
• (An alternative to boots in summer is to bring another pair of flat shoes with a good grip in case the first pair get wet).
• All terrain type sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Scillies trips – Walking boots are useful and can be these can be worn on deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Passport for European or Ireland Voyages, Reciprocal Free Health Care card in Europe.
• Please bring a passport on French trips
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasick tablets - check with your Doctor, which brand if you suffer asthma or are on medication.
• RYA Cruising Logbook or similar if you want to log your sailing experience e.g. sea miles, night hours
• Musical instruments are always welcome.

Alcohol

Tallulah does not always have wine bottles for sale on board so you are welcome to bring modest quantities of alcohol, (unless it is an alcohol free voyage) e.g. to drink with evening meals, but drinking whilst sailing is not allowed.

A Note on Covid 19

While Tallulah's guests do not need to prove Covid Vaccination status at this time, it is expected that if a guest feels unwell prior to joining the ship they should always use common sense and test when appropriate to decide whether they should join the voyage, for their own safety and the safety of others onboard. It is a requirement that guests on residential voyages take out appropriate Travel Insurance and care should be taken to ensure insurance includes cover for such a case. Likewise, should members of Tallulah's professional crew including the skipper feel unwell prior to a voyage, they will always use common sense & test when appropriate.

 

Car Parking in St Mawes for Crew Joining Tallulah

If you're arriving by car, motorbike, or camper van to join Tallulah in St Mawes, here’s what you need to know.

There is a long-stay car park behind the Rising Sun pub in central St Mawes. It's run by St Just in Roseland Parish Council. You pay at the machine on arrival — card payments are accepted. Advance booking isn’t possible.

As of April 2023, the daily charge for a standard vehicle using one bay was £6, with reduced rates for longer stays (e.g. £35 for a week). Prices may have changed since then.

Motorbikes parked on yellow hatchings are free. Full mobility vehicles are also free. Blue Badge holders pay the standard rate.

Camper vans are welcome to park during the day but cannot be used for overnight stays. If your vehicle uses more than one space, you’ll need to pay for each and display a ticket for both. Coach bays are not to be used.

The car park is in regular use by both locals and visitors. High-value vehicles are often parked here, and concerns around theft or vandalism are very low, though of course no guarantee can be given.

Note
Always check the signage when you arrive, especially if staying multiple days or parking a large vehicle. Local rules may change.

Photos and images of the striking 44ft pilot cutter Tallulah, offering charter voyages for individuals, couples and groups from 2022.  Based in St Mawes, Cornwall. No experience is necessary and a local skipper as your guide.