Oban – Orkney
19.05. – 29.05.2024
Sailing
Scotish Hihglands
Levels
Intermediate. Some experience recommended.
Period
Mai 19 - 29 2024 → 12 Days
Group
6 Crew (double cabin) + 1 Skipper
Your vessel
Ovni 43
Fidelio
Itinerary
Circum navigating the Highlands
Transfer from/to Airport
By bus or train.
Langues
Primary language: German
Secondary language: English
Photographer
We have an active setup We will provide professional Cameras and Drones to captures all the amazing experience's.
Round Highlands
12 Days and 500 Nautical Miles: Would We Make It?
On Saturday morning, a fresh northerly breeze and shining sun greeted us as we loaded the boat with enough supplies for ten days of adventure sailing. We knew we wouldn’t be able to restock in the sparsely populated Highlands.
After a thorough safety briefing, we cast off from Oban Marina at 1300 BST, heading northwest towards Fort William. A northerly wind of 4-5 Beaufort allowed us a comfortable ride at 6 knots with almost no waves. Our plan was to circumnavigate the Highlands, navigating through the Caledonian Canal, a popular route for adventurous sailors.
Upon arriving at the first lock in Corpach, we were surprised to learn that it would cost us over €350. We should have checked the official website earlier: Scottish Canals Licences.
Navigating Neptune’s Staircase
The first challenge was Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks in a row. After that, the remaining 21 locks were a piece of cake. While anchoring in one of the lochs, we accidentally hit something underwater with our keel. Later, we learned that after a storm, many trees had fallen into the water. Fortunately, there was no damage to our aluminum hull.
It took us three days to travel from Corpach to Inverness. From there, we set sail for Stromness on Orkney, passing through the Pentland Firth—an area known for currents up to 10 knots and scary high waves at times. Careful planning was essential for this leg of our adventure sailing journey. If we arrived at the Pentland Firth with the tide against us, we wouldn’t reach Stromness in time. To accommodate our schedule, we had to sail through the night and navigate the Firth in the dark. Unfortunately, the winds dropped, and we had to rely on our engine for a calm ride—so calm that we barely noticed we were sailing through one of the most dangerous areas in Northern Europe.
Exploring Orkney
We spent two nights in Stromness, resting and visiting the Standing Stones and Skara Brae, the remains of an ancient village. Our next destination was Tarbert in the Outer Hebrides, about 140 nautical miles away.
This is where the journey became truly intense. We received a forecast of 40 knots of wind and waves up to 4.5 meters high from the north. After making necessary preparations and holding a storm safety briefing, we set off on the morning of the most challenging leg of our trip. The local harbor master wished us good luck and advised us to stay well clear of Cape Wrath to avoid being shipwrecked against the rocks. We called the Scottish Coast Guard on VHF CH16 and requested them to keep an eye on us via radar and AIS. At least if we went missing, someone would know.
A Thrilling Adventure
What a crazy ride it was! The highest waves any of us had ever experienced, with wind speeds between 35 and 40 knots. Every step on the boat was a challenge and dangerous. Even a small mistake could lead to severe injuries, with no hospital close by. Thankfully, the worst of it was that we all had to throw up at some point.
With an average speed of 7 knots, it took us about 20 hours to reach Tarbert, a lovely little marina in the Outer Hebrides with a fine distillery (Whisky and Gin).
From there, we enjoyed smooth sailing with the wind in our favor, cruising by the Isle of Skye, Rum, Eigg, and Muck on our way to Mull, with a little visit to Staffa and Fingal’s Cave—places you can’t miss when seeking adventure sailing experiences in Scotland.
Encounters with Nature
During our visit to Loch Brittle, we were accompanied by a large school of dolphins, a truly heartwarming experience. These curious and playful creatures visited us one last time in the Sound of Mull on our way back to Oban.
Our Mission
At the heart of our journey lies the unparalleled thrill of sailing. We guarantee an immersive experience where each participant plays a role, shouldering significant responsibilities and taking charge of unique tasks as we sail for extended periods of time.
Our voyages are crafted for those eager to dive deep into the essence of sailing, providing a perfect blend of learning moments and hands-on action.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your maritime skills or to venture into new waters, I’m here to guide and facilitate your growth.
My goal is always to try new things, to push my limits and to expand them. Brace yourself for a mix of intensive challenges and serene moments, passages which are strenuous and tough and others to let you soak in the tranquility of open waters.
Outer hybrides
Explore the untamed beauty of the challenging waters of Scotland.
Your Boat
Fidelio
Name: Fidelio
Type: Ovni 43
Bearths: 6 + 2
LOA: 12.9 m
Boat
Outline
Comfort for 8 crew + 1 skipper
Equipment:
- One bathroom
- 2 warm showers
- Dining table for 8
- Dinghy
- A-symmetrical spinnaker
- Life raft
- GPS Navigation
- Safety equipment
- Wind and solar power
The Ovni 43
The OVNI 43, manufactured by ALUBAT, is a versatile and sturdy sailboat designed for adventurous cruising. With its robust aluminum hull and lifting keel, it offers excellent stability and the ability to explore shallow waters or anchor close to shore. Equipped with spacious accommodations and ample storage. Whether you’re seeking thrilling offshore passages or tranquil coastal cruising, the OVNI 43 from ALUBAT is sure to deliver a memorable sailing experience.
The Saloon
The saloon is designed with comfort and functionality in mind. It offers a comfy dining space, with large windows providing plenty of natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. If needed, it also provides two extra sleeping spaces.
Bow Cabing
The cabins design provides additional space and comfort for occupants. They offer a cosy sleeping area with ample natural light, thanks to large windows or hatches, allowing guests to enjoy scenic views while onboard.
Portside Cabin
Additionally, the cabins include storage compartments for stowing personal belongings, ensuring a clutter-free environment throughout the vessel.
Starboard Cabin
Overall, the all cabins enhances the livability on board, making them ideal for extended cruising or overnight stays on the water.
oban
Oban, nestled along Scotland’s west coast, serves as the perfect gateway to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. With its scenic harbor, charming streets, and stunning vistas of surrounding islands Oban captivates visitors with its timeless beauty.
Renowned as the “Seafood Capital of Scotland,” it offers delectable fresh catches straight from the sea. Whether you’re drawn to its historic landmarks, like McCaig’s Tower overlooking the bay, or seeking outdoor adventures amidst rugged landscapes, Oban promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Route
Homeport: Oban, Scotland
Via: Skye - Orkney - Caledonian canal
In the 14 days available to us, we aim to reach the Orkney Islands. This is a group of islands located north of the Scottish mainland, known for particularly challenging sailing. In addition to the breathtakingly beautiful and pristine coastline, there is a good chance of seeing dolphins and whales.
The exact route will depend on the crew and, of course, the weather. We have prepared three routes, each with a different focus.
Sailing trip: Around Skye with approximately 290 nautical miles
Sailing adventure: Outer Hebrides with approximately 320 nautical miles
Expedition: Orkney and around Scotland with approximately 483 nautical miles
trip summary
Included:
Levels
Intermediate. Some kind of sailing experience recommended.
Period
Mai 19 - 29 2024 → 12 Days
Group
6 Crew (double cabin) + 1 Skipper
Your vessel
Ovni 43
Fidelio
Itinerary
Circumnavigating the Highlands
Transfer from/to Airport
By bus or train.
Photography
We have an active setup. We will provide professional Cameras and Drones to captures all the amazing experience's.
NOT Included:
Additional costs
Food and harbour fees will be devided by the crew. Usulaly that amounts in 200€ per week.
Other Info:
Destination Hihlights
- Staffa - Tobermory - Ill of Skye - Pentland Firth - Orkney - Loch Ness
Don't forget
- Credit Card - Personal Extreme Sports Insurance - European Valid Visit Visa - Valid Passport
Miles
Depending on the route we pick we will be traveling between 290 nm and 480 nm.
Adventure
live tracking
Ensuring safety is paramount for all adventurers. That’s why we’ve developed a live tracking system for this sailing trip for our Explorers. With it, you can easily monitor the crew’s status and track their location and route in real-time.
Live tracking accessible in:
Frequently Asked
Questions >>
This particular trip is labeled as “adventure“, one of three levels.
- Journey
A trip to get familiar with this specific way of traveling. No experience required. - Adventure
A trip that will challenge you and lets you explore your limits. You should have some idea of the kind of challenge you are getting yourself into, since we can not simply turn around when you feel a little uncomfortable. - Expedition
This is where the real fun begins. We set out for a challenge of a lifetime. Though in line with all necessary safety measures, we push all limits and exceed them. Being a true exploration, not all aspects can be planed. And things that are, will probably turn out different. We need everyone on board the team to be able to take responsibility, since our safety is going to depend on one another.
To join an expedition you should have a good understanding of what you do. To insure this we gather a team that is fit to meat the challenge, you will have to apply and together we will find out, if this is the right trip for you.
If you are not sure if this is the right level for you, feel free to contact your guide any time. Often a quick talk can clarify all uncertainty.
Nepomuk Grill
Tel.: +49 157 89 23 43 45
[email protected]
On the kind of adventures we conduct you are more then just a guest. You are part of a team, a team that may need a certain amount of crew. In case of a cancelation we will have to try to replace that missing crew.
Generally a full refund is possible with in the first 24 hours of booking.
If you can finde someone to take your place and they are fit for the trip we refund all payments.
If we can find someone to replace you, 80% off your payments will be refunded.
We strongly recommend to have a travel insurance in case you can not join the trip due to a medical condition.
Here is a link to a packing list for sailing. LINK
No meals are included.
The crew will plan all meals and buy all necessary provisions before casting of and prepare the meals while under way. All dietary requirements can be met this way. This trip will be especially vegan friendly, meaning on board cooked meals are vegan. Still non vegan food items or snacks may be added for individual crew members.
Restaurants can be visited when ashore.
Bein safe is the most important. Bad weather is relativ to the specific crew. Since we travel with a CE certified class A Vessel designed to withstand extreme high levels of wind and waves, most weather conditions are not that dangerous to us.
Naturally we will seek shelter in the nearest harbour if the crew is not fit to handle the weather. Allthough it is not always possible to hide from a storm.
If a storm ist predicted while located in a marina, we will act accordingly to the recommendation of the local authorities.
Thunderstorms will be avoided at all costs.
Yes, due to liabitiy reasons you can join from the age of 18.
We might be able to make exceptions, so feel free to contact us.
Regarding a maximum age we are flexible. Age is but a mere number. Important ist your fitness and your state of mind.
Sustainability >>
We recognize the importance of preserving and protecting our planet for our future generations.
- 15% of our resources are dedicated to education
- 1% of our profit is paid as planet tax
- 1 tree is planted for every adventure trip created or booked in our platform
