Autumn Sailing to Islay and its Neighbouring Islands

Setting Sail from Craobh Haven

Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s west coast, Craobh Haven is the perfect jumping off point for some Hebridean exploration. The beautiful town of Oban is just 20 miles to the North, and has excellent transport links, including train and bus services connecting to Glasgow and Edinburgh. For those arriving by public transport, Provident puts on a shuttle service from Oban train station down to Craobh Haven Marina, free of charge. If you can arrive a day or two early to explore the local area, we’d recommend staying in Oban as your options are much more plentiful! Then you can join the shuttle service at 13.00 on the day of departure.

While you’re in Oban, visit the iconic McCaig’s Tower and make sure you try some of the seafood (the town is known as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ for a reason!). Also worth a visit are the War & Peace Museum, Dunollie Castle and, of course, the distillery. If you fancy a leg stretch, there are many great circular walks from Oban. Try heading for the hills above Dunollie Castle at the north end of the town, Cnoc Càrnach and Barra Mòr, for fantastic views of the coastline and nearby islands.

When you reach Craobh Haven and step aboard 100-year-old gaff-rigged Brixham Sailing Trawler, Provident, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the crew and given a safety briefing.

Along the Way

Islay is the most southerly of the Hebridean Islands and one of the most populace with over 3000 residents. It’s main village is (by island standards) quite a busy wee place. Other parts of the island have great walks and beautiful beaches to explore. Plus, of course, there are numerous world famous whisky distilleries here.

The south coast has some lovely intricate anchorages where Provident can nestle in, protected from the Atlantic by rocky outcrops. Port Ellen is around 40 miles from your starting point at Craobh Haven but from here the Northen Irish coast is only another 20 miles. It can be clearly seen on a good day and if the winds are favourable you may well hop over to Rathlin island!

Its another charming little spot, the harbour is just about deep enough for Provident, so you’ll be able to get ashore for a wander and maybe a call in at McCuaig’s Bar, a great place for a pint of Guinness and some local music.

Getting to and from Islay you’ll pass by Jura. Depending on the tides Provident may head through the Corryvreckan. This is a narrow stretch of water between Jura and Scarba. It’s an infamous spot because wind and currents can combine to create huge whirlpools but with the right timing, you can just waft through wondering what all the fuss is about.

Another likely stop, a few miles north of Islay is Colonsay. There is a great sheltered anchorage on the east at Scalasaig. From here there’s a lovely walk to Kiloran Bay on the west, one of the best beaches to be found anywhere in Scotland. The Provident crew have been to a great Ceilidh on Colonsay and a couple of years ago when sailing this way at night, were treated to an amazing display of dolphins swimming by the boat, lit up in the dark by sparkling phosphorescence.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Late September brings you to the Hebrides as the season transitions toward autumn. Days are generous at around twelve hours of daylight, though the light is softer and the weather distinctly more unsettled than summer months.

Expect cool, bracing conditions. Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-teens Celsius, dropping to around 10°C at night.

Wind is a constant companion: south-westerly by default, typically running at a moderate 13–22 knots with stronger gusts. Atlantic swell is persistent, creating a dynamic seascape with regular waves and occasional larger swells rolling in from the open ocean. The itinerary is kept loose in order to allow for the best sailing (and shelter!) in the given conditions.

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. For more on this, see our article What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?

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 Provident’s vessel page.

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