| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 10-07-2027, 19:00Oban, Scotland | Sat 17-07-2027, 10:00Portree | Eye of the Wind | 7 Nights | EYE27/36 |
Explore Scotland’s spectacular west coast aboard Eye of the Wind, sailing from Oban through the Inner Hebrides to the Isle of Skye. This seven-night voyage combines traditional tall ship sailing with dramatic mountain scenery, sheltered anchorages and opportunities to discover island communities.
Sail through the Sound of Mull, explore the waters around Rum and Eigg, and approach Skye beneath the towering Cuillin mountains. Possible highlights include the colourful harbour of Tobermory, the remote anchorage of Loch Scavaig and a visit to a whisky distillery near Loch Harport.
With a balance of sailing, wildlife watching and time ashore, this voyage offers an excellent introduction to Scotland’s islands. No previous sailing experience is required.
| Vessel type / Rig | 2 Masted Brig |
| Guest Berths | 12 |
| Beam | 7.01m (23ft) |
| Draft | 2.7m (8.9ft) |
| Overall Length | 40.23m (132ft) |
| Year Built | 1911 |
Your voyage begins in Oban, a lively harbour town on Scotland’s west coast and an important gateway to the Inner Hebrides. Ferries, fishing boats and visiting yachts share the waterfront, while the surrounding hills provide extensive views across the bay towards the islands.
If you arrive a day early, take a walk up to McCaig’s Tower, the distinctive circular landmark overlooking the harbour, for panoramic views towards Kerrera and Mull. The ruins of Dunollie Castle, just north of the town centre, offer an interesting glimpse into the area’s history and the Clan MacDougall.
Oban is also known for its seafood, with restaurants and small eateries serving locally landed fish and shellfish. The harbour is a good place to watch the activity of the working port, while coastal walks and boat trips provide opportunities to explore the surrounding scenery.
When you join Eye of the Wind, the crew will welcome you aboard, introduce you to the ship and explain the plans for the voyage. Dinner in the saloon provides an opportunity to meet your fellow guests and settle into life aboard before heading out towards the islands.
Leaving Oban, Eye of the Wind heads north through the Sound of Mull, with wooded hillsides, rocky headlands and historic Duart Castle overlooking the water. A possible first stop is Tobermory, known for its colourful waterfront buildings, sheltered harbour and welcoming island atmosphere. If time allows, guests can explore the village, visit the Isle of Mull Museum or follow the coastal paths towards Rubha nan Gall lighthouse.
Continuing north, the ship sails through the waters around Rum and Eigg, two of the Small Isles, where dramatic mountain scenery and remote island coastlines provide an impressive introduction to the northern Inner Hebrides. The surrounding waters are home to seals, porpoises and dolphins, while gannets, guillemots and other seabirds are often seen offshore. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but July provides good opportunities to observe seabirds during their breeding season.
One of the planned highlights is Loch Scavaig, a sheltered sea loch beneath the towering Black Cuillin mountains on Skye. Surrounded by steep rocky slopes and some of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain scenery, this remote anchorage offers a remarkable contrast to the more sheltered waterways further south. If conditions permit, there may be an opportunity to go ashore and explore the paths towards Loch Coruisk, a freshwater loch set deep within the Cuillin landscape.
Further along Skye’s west coast, the voyage may continue towards Loch Harport, passing the island of Soay and exploring a coastline of rocky headlands and sheltered inlets. At Carbost, the Talisker Distillery has been producing single malt whisky since the 19th century. A visit to a whisky distillery is planned, subject to weather, the ship’s progress and tour availability. Guests interested in joining should indicate this when booking so that arrangements can be made where possible.
Throughout the voyage, guests are welcome to help sail Eye of the Wind under the guidance of the professional crew. You may take a turn at the helm, help handle sails or learn more about traditional seamanship. Participation is voluntary, leaving plenty of time to relax on deck and enjoy the changing scenery. The captain will choose the route and anchorages according to the weather and tides, with the voyage finishing in Portree on Skye’s east coast.
Your voyage finishes in Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye, set around a sheltered harbour beneath wooded hills and steep coastal slopes. Its colourful waterfront buildings, fishing boats and lively quayside make it an attractive place to explore before travelling home.
If you have an extra day, wander through the town’s independent shops, cafés and galleries, or follow the Scorrybreac coastal path for views across Portree Bay and towards the surrounding hills. Boat trips from the harbour offer further opportunities to explore the coastline and watch for seals, seabirds and other marine wildlife.
Portree is also a convenient base for discovering some of Skye’s best-known landscapes. The Old Man of Storr, a dramatic rock pinnacle on the Trotternish Peninsula, is within easy reach, while the Quiraing offers remarkable views across a landscape shaped by ancient landslips.
For those interested in the island’s history, Dunvegan Castle and its gardens provide an insight into the Clan MacLeod, while smaller museums and historic sites reveal more about Skye’s crofting communities and Gaelic heritage.
After a week sailing through the Inner Hebrides, you’ll have experienced the changing landscapes of Scotland’s west coast, from the sheltered waters around Mull to the dramatic mountains and sea lochs of Skye.
July is a good time to explore the Inner Hebrides, with long daylight hours and generally mild summer temperatures. Daytime temperatures typically range from 14–19°C, although conditions can feel cooler on deck when sailing.
The route offers a mixture of sheltered waterways and more exposed passages between the islands. Fresh breezes and occasional swell are possible, particularly around headlands and open stretches of coast, but the captain will choose routes and anchorages to suit the weather and tides.
Scottish summer weather can change throughout the day, bringing sunshine, cloud and occasional showers. Warm layers, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear will help keep you comfortable on deck and during shore visits.
No previous sailing experience is necessary. With a balance of coastal sailing, island exploration and time ashore, this voyage is well suited to guests looking for an introduction to traditional tall ship sailing.
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, 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 might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. 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.
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?’
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.
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.
Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind
Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
All the power to your plug sockets comes from the ship's generator which runs on deisel. The less the generators have to run to top up power, the nicer it is for the guests on board and also greener for the planet. Please don't bring loads of hairdriers, electric devices to charge.
There is no internet on board whilst at sea.
The Captain's style was excellent.. so skilled, authoritative but never shouty, always caring, kind, funny & interested in people. I was So impressed that the crew were majority of girls, so strong, brave, knowledgeable & keen. 20yrs ago there might have been 1 or 2 token girls in crew & now they run the ship!
Boys also wonderful of course & chef Dennis was excellent. Im old enough to be Granny to most, but no ageism, sexism or patronising attitudes so thankyou for that.
The stops on the Danish islands were good use of time. So clean, green, pretty, & v.friendly. Unfavourable wind meant we couldn't sail as much as hoped but last day we got 12 of 15 sails up. Helming a tall ship in full sail is such a privilege. Wow.!
What a beautiful experience. Memories are priceless.
Naomi - Baltic Sea Spring 2026
Hello all at Classic
The trip went very well and was a great experience.
Everything was very well done, great captain, crew and guests.
Sea shanty singing lead by Matthew from the King's Pond Shantymen!
Best wishes, Bob. Eye of the Wind, Cadiz to the Canary Islands November 2024
A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.
John, Tortola to Bermuda
Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!"
F Coutreau
What a wonderful, lovely, great, awesome trip we've had from Malaga to Lanzarote! I loved and enjoyed every minute.
Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I miss you guys!
Andrea
Now that was a voyage! The EYE crew - all 10 - five women and five men - embody two words:
COMPETENT and KIND
And such a beautiful ship. Thank you beyond measure
Susan
With red sails against a blue sky, Eye of the Wind is a photogenic ship. If you have any new images we would love to see them since Eye of the Wind has only recently returned to our website.
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