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Explore Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull

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Single berth Sharing a Cabin

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£950

Embark Disembark Vessel DurationVoyage No
Thu 18-04-2024, 14:00Oban, Scotland Tue 23-04-2024, 10:00Oban, Scotland Provident 5 NightsPV180424


One of the great bonuses of sailing in the springtime is the opportunity to see, explore and experience places before the crowds. Blow out the winter cobwebs and take in fresh air and a stunning rugged landscape, teeming with life ashore, in the water and in the air. You’ll find quiet anchorages and have plenty of time to wander around the beautiful islands close to Oban on this early season voyage aboard Provident.

  • Voyage
  • Vessel

Ideal Voyage for …..

Explorers who enjoy hard-to-reach and little-known places

Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers

Anyone keen for some traditional sailing in relatively sheltered waters

Highlights

  • Stunning scenery
  • Exploring the lovely Isle of Linnhe
  • Quiet anchorages
  • Easy travel planning, with a round trip and great transport links to Oban

Provident

Vessel type / Rig Gaff Ketch
Guest Berths 8
Beam 18ft
Draft 9.2ft
Deck Length 70ft
Overall Length 92ft
Tonnage 85 tons
Year Built 1924
More about the Vessel

Voyage Description

Sailing Holidays with Classic Sailing
Eilean Musdile Lighthouse

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Embarking in Oban

The unofficial capital of the West Highlands, Oban’s transport links make travel planning nice and straightforward, and there are some glorious landscapes to travel through en route to join the ship. We’d recommend arriving early to explore the town, perhaps visiting McCaig’s Folly with its stunning views across the bay, or nip into the distillery for a bottle to share with your fellow sailors.

Once on board you’ll enjoy a familiarisation from the crew before setting sail. It is only a few miles of open water before you are sailing in the Sound of Mull which has high mountains on either side and mostly flat water. 

Look out for otters and sea eagles, the perfect way to wrap up your first day on board!

Stunning wildlife

Lots to Explore

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the stunning and rugged landscape aboard the nearly century old Sailing Trawler, Provident. Be sure to brig your binoculars as Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull teem with life. Harbour Porpoises lazily watch as you pass by and once in the Sound you may get a Dolphin escort. If the water is warm enough you may even see a pod of Orcas! Eagles and Buzzards sore above you while noisy groups of Oystercatchers hurry by. Sandpipers and Turnstones potter about on the shore.

There is an abundance of great anchorages and you’ll have time to stretch your legs ashore on the Isle of Lismore. Translated to ‘Great Garden’ from Gaelic, Lismore is a beautiful and very fertile island. It’s roughly 10 miles long by 1 mile wide so you should have time to experience all the island has to offer. Visit the Gaelic Heritage Centre and Museum or relax in the local cafe.

Provident

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Mostly flat seas between the islands with some more exposed stretches. Expect a real mixture of conditions, as things can change quickly, but the crew are incredibly knowledgeable and familiar with all the sheltered anchorages and hiding places around the islands. The itinerary is kept loose to make the most of the conditions at the time, and the focus is on enjoyment, rather than ticking off any particular destinations. 

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 on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

Start & End Port

Oban, Scotland

For joining your vessel in Oban, the North Pier in the map shown below will be the best place to meet the crew. Your vessel will either be tied up alongside the wall, or out at anchor. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation in case of any problems on the day.

Oban: Gateway to the Highlands and Isles

 

Situated on the west coast of Scotland, Oban is a vibrant seaside town known as the “Gateway to the Highlands and Isles.” With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and renowned seafood, Oban offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the world.

 

As you arrive in Oban, you’ll be greeted by the town’s iconic landmark, McCaig’s Tower, perched on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and mountains. Explore the charming streets lined with colourful buildings, browse the local shops for unique crafts and souvenirs, and indulge in the freshest seafood at one of the many excellent restaurants.

 

Oban is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Take a scenic drive along the stunning coastal roads, visit the historic castles such as Dunollie Castle and Dunstaffnage Castle, or embark on a hiking adventure in Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring glens.

 

Getting to Oban is convenient, with various transportation options available. From Scotland, you can travel by train on the West Highland Line, which offers a picturesque journey from Glasgow to Oban. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of lochs, mountains, and charming villages along the way.

 

If you’re coming from southern England, you can reach Oban by car via the A82 and A85 roads. The drive takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including the enchanting Loch Lomond and the majestic Rannoch Moor.

 

For those preferring to fly, the nearest airports to Oban are Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a train to complete your journey to Oban.

 

By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to your voyage, where an unforgettable adventure awaits you.

Kit List

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Provident

What is Included:

  • Bedding
  • All meals and soft drinks aboard.
  • All safety equipment, including lifejackets
  • Fantastic sailing

What is Not Included:

  • Travel to and from your voyage
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Alcohol (although reasonably priced wine, beer and whisky will be available to purchase on board). Consumption of alcohol is always at the discretion of the skipper
  • Waterproofs - If this is your first voyage good walking waterproofs will be fine. We only recommend buying sailing waterproofs if you are frequent sailors.
    • You will find exploring ashore in walking gear much better than struggling around in sailing kit!

What to Bring

  • Enthusiasm!
  • Waterproofs - see above.
  • Your own towel.
  • 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.
  • Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
  • (An alterative 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.
  • Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
  • Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
  • Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles
  • Tech chargers (USB sockets are available in all the cabins) and waterproof cases for anything valuable

N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE SOFT BAG OR RUCKSACK  (NOT SUITCASES)

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