This is an incredible voyage with the chance to visit the Northern Outer Hebrides on the way to the Orkneys. First you will leave to Starboard John O’Groats the most northerly headland in mainland Scotland. You will be going through the Pentland Firth that has strong tides rushing between the Atlantic and the North Sea. After the Orkneys you head south to the Granite City of Aberdeen.
Voyage
Vessel
IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…
A long voyage to discover the Orkneys and the rugged northern coast of Scotland.
Please note the Puffin image is likely to be bigger than life size on a laptop!
A chance to journey through some of the best Scottish Highlands and islands scenery on a three masted schooner, what could be finer? Your backdrop could be the Mountains of Torridon or the through cave in the Shiants.
Thirty miles off the North West coast of Scotland lie the Outer Hebrides, an idyllic chain of over 40 islands that offers spectacular coastline, stunning mountain scenery, abundant wildlife and a rich and vibrant culture. Each holds its own individual charm and rich history. The Atlantic facing coast is home to some of the finest white sandy beaches while the east coast is deeply indented with a maze of impressive lochs and anchorages.
The Orkneys
To get to Kirkwall you have to pass John O’Groats and sail through the Pentland Firth with strong tidal flows between the Atlantic and the North Sea turn north and into Scapa Flow for Kirkwall.
The Orkneys has its one distinctive character and a lot of history with early prehistoric settlements, standing stones and a graveyard of German First World War battleships sunk in Scarpa Flow.
Some experts think that the inhabitants were in charge of the ceremonial life
You will have a chance to explore the island see many of visitor attractions.
Heading South down the East Coast of Scotland you are in area of intense fishing and oil collection. Arriving in Scotland’s third city of Aberdeen renown for is granite architecture and nowadays as a centre for the offshore oil industry.
No Itinerary
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.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Lots of open water sailing meaning there could be rough seas at times.
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
Ullapool, Scotland
For Joining any vessel, head to the harbour where your ship will more than likely be the only sailing vessel. Address: The Pier, Ullapool IV26 2UH
Ullapool – The Port
As a base for starting a sailing holiday, Ullapool rewards those who take the trouble to travel this far North. On the entrance to Loch Broom are the Summer Isles and if you head out West you come to the Shiant Islands before your reach Harris and Lewis. From here, it is a relatively short hop to St Kilda, or the Flannan Isles. The sailing grounds are virtually empty and in June it feels like the sun hardly sets. At nearly N 58 degrees latitude Ullapool is further North than Moscow. Its a long way up from Edinburgh, but not as difficult to get to as you might think.
Ullapool is nestled on the shores of Loch Broom. Whatever the weather, you are immediately struck by Ullapool’s whiteness and by its regularity of design and layout. This is a legacy of the town’s origins, being designed and built in 1788 by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society to exploit a boom in herring fishing at the time.
The town is also the main terminus for the car and passenger ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The ferry operates seven days per week so all the public transport to Ullapool is good and there are plenty of accommodation options in the town.
Ullapool Town Facilities
As a base for exploring the north west of Scotland, Ullapool is ideal. It has accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets, including one of the best (and best located) campsites in this part of Scotland. And since the upgrading of most of the roads further north it is within reasonable reach of many parts of the region that twenty-five years ago would have needed a major expedition to reach.
Ullapool offers some very nice pubs, including the Ferry Boat Inn. It also has a range of shops from the smallest right up to a well-stocked supermarket: anyone on a self catering holiday is sure to be visiting the latter at some point during their stay.
For those wanting to know more about the area the excellent Ullapool Museum & Visitor Centre on West Argyle Street can be highly recommended. This is in the old parish church, and tells the story of the people of Loch Broom and the history of Ullapool.
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen is a large historic port nowadays much used for the North Sea Oil support and supply vessels. It is famous for its large granite buildings. It is a busy city with plenty of accommodation arts and culture.
Please make a note of the ship’s phone number found in your confirmation for details on where the exact joining location will be.
Kit List
Included
Sailing Instruction
Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
All meals to include cooked breakfast, lunch, two course evening dinner and refreshments throughout the day.
Bed linen, duvet
What is Not Included
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Towels
Travel to and from the start and end port
Optional trips or tours taken ashore unless otherwise stated
Alcoholic Beverages , but there is a TAB system onboard so you can purchase drinks from the bar.
What to Bring
In Europe, on transatlantic trips or in the Arctic warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get very 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!
In the Caribbean or on ocean passages in the tropics, then a lighter waterproof jacket should be fine. Waterproof trousers are probably not needed if you have several pairs of shorts. You can get occasional torrential rain in the Caribbean but it is short lived and clothes dry quickly (if it is only rain water on them and not a large dollop of salt water).
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.
LAUNDRY
We are able to do laundry on longer passages, depending on the sea conditions. If you would like to do laundry on board please speak to the hospitality manager or stewardess on board. The fee for laundry service is £5 per load. Please note that the ship's operators do not accept liability for damage to clothing caused by this service.
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 gloves (or sun hat and very good sunglasses for Caribbean)
Wet weather clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers for Europe. (Caribbean - a waterproof jacket for occasional tropical downpours)
Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers for Europe or cotton for tropics)
In Caribbean you might need long sleeves and trousers against sunburn or mosquitos ashore in evening (or a good repellant).
Trainers or deck shoes (2 pairs handy if not bringing boots)
Toiletries
Towels
Sun cream
Sunglasses
Sea sickness medication
Personal medication
Book
Small torch (head torches are good!)
Camera
Binoculars
Log book (if you have one)
Valid passport (voyages outside the UK)
Travel insurance
Review
Blue Clipper - Customer Comments
Excellent!
What did you think of the safety briefing?
Excellent
What did you think of the accommodation onboard?
Excellent
Did you have enough personal attention?
Excellent
Did you think of the Captain/Skipper and the paid crew?
Excellent
What did you think of the food quality?
Excellent
How was the sailing?
Just right
Did you have any rough weather?
Some
Did you feel the voyage had?
A good mix of sailing and ashore.
What was the best bit?
The first 2 days in F 5-6 & getting 12 knots in parts
What was the worst bit?
I can't think of any worst bits, it was all brilliant
Why do you sail? It really helps us to know your specific reasons.
It's just great fun
Any other comments
Looking forward to another trip sometime
By Dave
More Adventurous than Visiting Tourist Traps
What did you think of the safety briefing?
Excellent
What did you think of the accommodation onboard?
Excellent
Did you have enough personal attention?
Excellent
Did you think of the Captain/Skipper and the paid crew?
Excellent
What did you think of the food quality?
Excellent
How was the sailing?
Just right
Did you have any rough weather?
Some
Did you feel the voyage had?
A good mix of sailing and ashore.
What was the best bit?
Seeing whales, exploring the tiny fishing towns of northern Iceland or visiting the Faroes
What was the worst bit?
Got a tad seasick
Why do you sail? It really helps us to know your specific reasons.
I enjoy doing something a bit different and more adventurous than the usual tourist traps when I'm travelling
Thanks Charlotte B for the feedback! Summer 2019
Guest Photo feedback from Liverpool to Ullapool trip 2019
Shiant Islands
What was the best bit?
The views generally, but views of Scottish islands in the sun and /or covered in dramatic clouds were spectacular. The Shiant islands were an amazing place to stop and get off the boat (careful not to disturb the birds though). Another highlight was dolphins swimming alongside. The crew were wonderful.
What was the worst bit?
Finishing the voyage and heading home. - voyage feedback from Liverpool to Ullapool 2019
Scottish Islands
Spotting an Orca!
Over the first couple of days we got to go out onto the bowsprit with a member of the crew. It was wonderful to sit there and watch the sea stretch for miles ahead, and see the whole boat behind us. The best bit came a few days later when I got to go out on the bowsprit again but this time to help bring down some sails. The seas were a little choppier this time round, but wrestling the jibs against the winds was truly exhilarating!
Best bit? Spotting an Orca on the 4am watch, off the coast of Ireland. Plenty of dolphins, and my first great skua. The last day was a fantastic sail, beautiful weather, perfect conditions, (we had an awful lot of rain) The crew were super; friendly, supportive, good fun, and professional. They obviously get on well together, which makes a huge difference. They were particularly helpful in an unobtrusive way, bearing in mind that I have one arm. I can't praise them highly enough - guest crew from Liverpool to Scotland 2019.
Remote Islands
I sailed this time because I never had and wanted to try something new. When I was 11 I had read Swallows and Amazons and had become a little obsessed with the idea of sailing, but I couldn't sail then. So part of me wanted to give my 11 year old self a gift! I will be sailing more now that I've experienced it. In particular I enjoyed the large amounts of learning on board the vessel. I loved learning about knots, the weather, the stars, course plotting, the different lines and sails. I also like the idea of visiting remote islands, and sailing seems like a good way to do that over the next couple of years. Visiting the Pacific Islands would be particularly exciting! Ludo T 30 March 2019
Guiness - Whisky
I thoroughly enjoyed the voyage with Steve, Emma and their crew. We were well looked after, the cabins were warm, the beds comfortable, the food was great. Particularly Emma was very keen to get us involved and to increase our boating/sailing knowledge. the hospitality was phenomenal. The boat is clearly well looked after and the crew function well as a team. they went out of their way to teach us Gaelic, Scottish songs (much appreciated!) and organise day trips on land. Victoria Janes (Guinness – Whisky TS Blue Clipper)
Crew were amazing!
Just a quick note to say that myself and Marika really enjoyed our trip. The staff were amazing so please do pass on my thanks especially to Ezmay for her amazing food (although have gone up about two dress sizes in about a week!) and to the two Kats and Katie who really looked after us. The scenery was also out of this world. – Vicky Adnitt (Guinness – Whisky TS Blue Clipper)
Blue Clipper on the horizon
Thank you for providing one of the best experiences of my life. It was too short, guess I will need to do more voyages. - (J Whistler, 2018)
Best bits: Taking the helm and holding the ship to the wind as we ripped along. Working with ropes and being part of a team. (M Lewis)
What was the best bit?
It's hard to choose one best part as it was a wonderful trip with a lovely crew. But if pushed I would say going out on the bow sprit with the sun shining and the turquoise sea below my feet - definitely the best place be when sailing.
What was the worst bit?
Discovering for the first time in my life that I do actually suffer from seasickness. Boooo
Why do you sail?
I sail primarily to see the world in a different way, to slow down and arrive in ports they way they are intended to be seen. I like going to parts of the world not primarily to sit around, but to be active and for the journey to be as important (or more important) than the destination. And to sail tallships is always to be smug about arriving on the best vessel in the bay :)" - Jan B - Caribbean voyage
Blue Clipper in the sunset by Jan Broderick - Guest crew in the Caribbean
Vessel Gallery
Three masted schooner Blue Clipper in action. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.
