Where will the wind take you?

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail

Joining the Provident is the beginning of an incredible journey. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the experienced and friendly crew. Once settled into your cabin and briefed on safety protocols, you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow adventurers and get to know this magnificent gaff-rigged trawler. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or new to traditional sailing, the crew will guide you through the ropes as you prepare to set sail. With the sails raised and the wind filling them, your adventure truly begins as you leave the harbour behind and head towards open waters

Along the Way

Your voyage promises a mix of open-water sailing and serene coastal exploration. With night passages planned, you’ll benefit from summer’s extended daylight. The exact route and stop-offs are dependant of the weather conditions at the time, but potential highlights could include:

• Rathlin Island, with its steep cliffs and bustling seabird colonies, offering a spectacular backdrop for photography.
• The northern tip of Lewis, where ancient standing stones and Gaelic heritage invite discovery.
• Dramatic coastlines of Mull, Skye, and Harris, adorned with white sand beaches and rugged peaks.
• If the wind, waves and weather are in our favour, we may even reach St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history, beauty, and mystery. Its towering sea stacks and abandoned village tell the story of a once-thriving island community.

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot dolphins, minke whales, puffins, and sea eagles soaring above dramatic cliffs. The salt-tinged air and sound of well-set sails shaking against the wind immerse you in the authentic joys of traditional sailing.

When the Long Tricks Over…

As your voyage comes to an end, you’ll reflect on an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, shared experiences, and new-found skills. Whether you’ve mastered sail handling, spotted incredible wildlife, or simply enjoyed the peace of being out at sea, you’ll disembark with memories to cherish and stories to share. The bonds formed with your fellow sailors and the sense of accomplishment will linger long after you step ashore.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Scotland in the summer offers some of the best sailing conditions imaginable. Expect steady winds perfect for traditional sailing, with occasional calms allowing moments to enjoy the tranquil scenery. The sea state can vary from gentle swells to lively waves, ensuring an exciting and engaging experience. Longer daylight hours mean plenty of time for sailing, wildlife spotting, and exploring. The Provident’s sturdy design ensures a safe and comfortable voyage, making this an adventure suitable for both seasoned sailors and first-timers.

While the seas can be lively during night passages, the Provident’s robust design ensures a safe and exhilarating journey for sailors of all experience levels.

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