The Isle of Skye and its Neighbours

Setting Sail from Mallaig

Mallaig, at the terminus of the West Highland railway, is known as the ‘Road to the Isles’ for its fantastic positioning. The views here are stunning, across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.

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

When you 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

The Isle of Skye is the largest and perhaps the most famous of all the Scottish Islands. Skye itself has lots to offer. One of the targets on this voyage will be to anchor in Loch Scavaig on the south coast. This dramatic bay over-towered by giant jagged mountains is a great place to go ashore. From here it’s just a short walk to Loch Coruisk. This is a beautiful fresh water loch that runs along an valley beneath the imposing skyline of the Cuillin peaks. The valley has an almost other-worldly atmosphere and a deep sense of antiquity. It’s also a pretty good place for a dip (if you like that sort of thing).

Just to the south lies the Isle of Soay. This almost uninhabited island was once home to the writer Gavin Maxwell (Ring of Bright Water). A little further west you may go ashore to wander around the remains of an incredible Viking shipyard.

On board, everyone will be welcome to relax and enjoy the tranquillity and slow pace of life that the west coast has to offer. Or for those feeling like a bit more activity there’s plenty to do on deck, hoisting and trimming sails or having a go at taking the helm. The skipper and crew will be with you at every step and no experience or prior knowledge of nautical ways is required.

A little further south lie the Small Islands. There’s a good chance that Provident could stop at Eigg, Rum, Canna or Muck. Each of these ancient volcanic outcrops offers a slightly different feel. They’re all steeped in history, great places for a wander.

Life on board Provident happens at a pretty relaxed pace. There’s always something to do, maybe putting up a different sail, checking out some navigation or learning about currents and the weather, but there’s rarely anything particularly urgent. Even at this time of year the west coast seas are close to deserted so it’s a great way to unwind, slow down and just marvel in the beauty of a really amazing place.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Early August in the waters around Skye and the Small Isles brings long days and the warmest sea temperatures of the year (a not actually that warm 13°C!), though the weather is characteristically changeable. Daytime air temperatures typically reach 15–17°C, dropping to around 9–12°C at night.

Winds are predominantly south-westerly, typically in the Force 3–5 range, giving good sailing conditions across much of the week. Atlantic fronts can push through at any time, briefly raising winds to Force 6 or 7, though they generally clear quickly.

August is reliably wet in this part of Scotland — expect some rain on most days, though showers are typically brief and interspersed with sunshine. The combination of sun, rain and mountain backdrop produces frequent rainbows. With over 15 hours of daylight, there is ample time to sail, explore and settle into anchorages well before dark.

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