Provident

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Sat 26-07-2025, 14:00Mallaig, Scotland	Fri 01-08-2025, 10:00Mallaig, Scotland	Provident	6 Nights	PV260725

Voyage Description

the coastline of Skye in golden light. Fantastic Hebridean sailing with Classic Sailing — Isle of Skye

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

The Stunning inner Isles

Mallaig, at the terminus of the West Highland railway, is known as the ‘Road to the Isles’ for its fantastic positioning as a base from which to explore Skye and the rest of the Hebrides. The views here are stunning, across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.

We’d recommend arriving in good time to explore this beautiful fishing town, maybe jumping aboard the Jacobite steam train which operates in the summer months between Mallaig and Fort William.

On the way to and from Skye, there a plenty of potential stop-off’s on the beautiful inner Islands. You might anchor off Eigg, stretch your legs on Rum or look spot whales off Canna.

The largest and furthest North of the Inner Hebrides, Skye is a popular destination for hikers, historians and wildlife lovers alike. Famous for its stunning scenery and 12 munros (peaks above 3000 ft), the island offers fantastic walking, and the chance to spot otters, seals, whales, dolphins, red deer, sea eagles and more.

Sailing to and around Skye allows you to experience the wild beauty of the island, straying off the tourist trail and finding seclusion in hard to reach places.

Skye’s history is there for all to see, stretching back to ancient times. From the dinosaur footprints on the shore at Staffin, to Pictish round towers built over 2000 years ago, and the 12th century clan stronghold of Dunvegan Castle (the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland).

Sailing voyages will always include opportunities to explore ashore and discover this history for yourself. As a means of visiting Skye, traditional sailing has the added advantage of complete immersion in the landscape, often out of site of human influence. This landscape was the same that was gazed upon by everyone from the Picts and forcibly cleared peasants to the chiefs of Clans MacLeod and MacDonald. Waking up to the rugged coastline each morning, you feel a newfound respect and kinship with the people who’ve been surviving up here for thousands of years.

Living History

100 year old Provident is a Brixham Sailing Trawler and spent the majority of her working life fishing out of her home port of Brixham. Brixham has been an important fishing port for hundreds of years, and it continues to be so today.

Provident’s story is even older than she is – the Provident you see today is in fact a copy of an earlier trawler of the same name. The original Provident was stuck and sunk by a U Boat in 1915. Today’s Provident was one of the last sailing trawlers to be built (1924). By the mid 1920’s, the heyday of trawling under sail was quickly fading out in favour of more modern motor vessels. In contrast, 50 years prior (in the 1880’s) there were over 3,000 sailing trawlers registered around the UK.

After her life as a sailing trawler came to an end, Provident became a private yacht in America for some years. More recently she was a she returned to Brixham to work as a Sail Training vessel with Trinity Sailing Trust.

Provident Morag crew smile steer — Provident

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Mostly flat seas between the islands with some more exposed dashes or longer sails in open water to St Kilda and to the Outer Hebrides. 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.

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.

Start & End Port

Mallaig, Scotland

Mallaig: A Captivating Coastal Retreat

Nestled on the picturesque shores of the West Highlands in Scotland, Mallaig is a charming coastal village that offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Mallaig is an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

As you arrive in Mallaig, you’ll be greeted by stunning vistas of rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and sparkling azure waters. The village itself is a quaint and welcoming place, known for its colourful fishing boats and charming harbour. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and savour the freshest seafood delights at one of the local eateries.

Explore the surrounding area and discover the natural wonders that Mallaig has to offer. Hike through the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, or embark on a boat trip to the remote and breathtakingly beautiful Knoydart Peninsula. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to spot seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds on their excursions.

Getting to Mallaig is a breeze, with various transportation options available. From Scotland, you can travel by train on the scenic West Highland Line, which connects Mallaig to Glasgow and Fort William. The train journey itself is a treat, offering spectacular views of mountains, lochs, and glens along the way. You can also have some fun on the Hogwarts Express from Fort William to Mallaig, properly known as the Jacobite Steam train.

If you’re coming from southern England, you can reach Mallaig by car via the A82 and A830 roads. The drive takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, including the majestic Loch Lomond and the awe-inspiring Glen Coe.

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

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. So pack your bags, get ready to travel and join your adventure in Mallaig.