Island Hopping Off the Beaten Path

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Oban

Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” is the perfect starting point for your voyage aboard Provident, a historic 100-year-old gaff-rigged Brixham sailing trawler. With excellent transport links, including trains from Glasgow and nearby ferry services, reaching this bustling coastal town is straightforward. Arrive early and explore Oban’s rich maritime history at the Oban War & Peace Museum or enjoy a visit to McCaig’s Tower for sweeping views of the bay. Foodies can sample fresh seafood at local eateries or enjoy a whisky tasting at the renowned Oban Distillery.

Once aboard, you’ll meet the friendly crew and settle into life on this traditional vessel. After a safety briefing, Provident sets sail, the salty breeze filling her sails as you leave the harbour and chart a course for adventure.

Along the Way

This voyage will take you through Scotland’s dramatic seascapes, stopping at islands rich in history and natural beauty.

• Colonsay and Oronsay: These twin islands, connected by a tidal causeway, are brimming with charm. Wander across the causeway at low tide or let the crew retrieve you if the tide returns faster than expected! Both islands are havens for wildlife, with seals basking on the shores and seabirds soaring above.
• West Coast of Mull: Weather permitting, you may drop anchor near Mull’s stunning beaches, where golden sands meet clear turquoise waters. Look out for otters and eagles as you soak in the unspoiled tranquillity.
• Gigha: Scotland’s most southerly Hebridean island offers a warm welcome. Treat yourself to the famous ice cream from Wee Isle Dairy, or take a stroll through Achamore Gardens, a peaceful haven of subtropical plants.

Throughout your journey, you’ll experience the magic of traditional sailing, with opportunities to help hoist sails, take the helm, or simply relax and soak up the incredible scenery.

Arriving back in Oban

After six days of exploring the Hebridean islands, you’ll return to Oban with a newfound appreciation for Scotland’s natural beauty, maritime traditions, and cultural richness. Spend a final evening in town to enjoy one last seafood feast or stroll along the waterfront before departing

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

September in this part of Scotland offers ideal sailing conditions. The weather is typically mild, with a mix of sunshine and light breezes perfect for first-time sailors. The surrounding waters are calm, creating excellent opportunities to spot wildlife such as dolphins and porpoises. This time of year also promises striking sunsets that paint the horizon in fiery hues.

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

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. 

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. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.

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.

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)

The Way To A Crew's Heart... I had to take the opportunity to shout out to Morag Slesser of Provident, easily the best cook on the west of Scotland fleet. As occasional crew I can say eating one meal has us excitedly looking forward to the next, and there's the baking too !! If Morag isn't available for a trip she makes sure a more than capable cook steps in for her, Provident crews and guests are always well provided for !

Best, Gavin (Morag on the helm of Provident, a multi talented person.)

I have been back 2 days and haven’t stopped thinking about the holiday. Provi is lovely and the crew were amazing. Steve and Morag obviously love their boat, Jamie the mate was very helpful and Guilio’s cooking was fantastic. Outstanding moments include the pod of dolphins playing alongside, and the sail from Arklow to Dublin. Force 5-6 and a smooth sea made for an exciting experience. I can’t wait to go again but I need to save up….

Can’t think what I’d improve to be honest, except maybe to point out to potential customers that Provi is run in an eco friendly manner and the food was more veggie based than a committed carnivore would like. Didn’t worry us at all as it was so tasty, but it might worry some people. 

Sharon May 24

Fantastic trip. Crew were so keen to help and teach. They clearly loved sailing. Food was outstanding. Restaurant standard. Learnt so much. Had so much fun. Fellow passengers were so friendly. The Highlands and islands were stunning. Would highly recommend.

Tracy Summer 2023

Although we didn't manage to get to the hoped for destination (St. Kilda) we fully understood before we got on board that the weather would dictate the direction of travel. The crew were amazing and Morag's cooking is outstanding. A lovely old sailing boat and would highly recommend it to others.

Virginia Summer 2023