There are few parts of the world which possess the mystery and attraction of the Scottish Western Isles and North Wales.  The stunning geology, ever-changing and dramatic weather, fascinating and often unique flora and fauna, and a rich human history combine to create a perfect holiday destination.

14days may take us to Skye

On reaching Skye, we will have plenty to explore along the southern stretches as we visit spectacular anchorages, in particular that of Loch Scavaig at the base of the awesome volcanic Cuillin Ridge.  Skye has a wealth of geology, boasting marble, coral beaches and even gold. It also has a rich human history, including a hiding place for Bonnie Prince Charlie, right through to the human misery of the clearances between 1840-80 when 30,000 inhabitants were forced to emigrate to the New World.  Their abandoned crofts can still be seen.  

Mull is a mountainous island, rising to 966m at Ben More, the only Munro in all the Scottish islands (although Skye has 22 Munros it no longer counts, in Munro classification, as an island because of the new bridge).  We hope to stop at Tobemory, one of the loveliest and best known small towns in Scotland.  It has fine stone houses, brightly painted and a beautiful harbour.  There are many more wonderful places to visit on along this heavily sea-loched island, which has 500km of coastline.

As we move on, we would hope to visit Staffa, with its huge basalt columns, formed as a result of incredibly slow cooling molten lava, crystallising into the forms we can see today.

The same volcanic activity created The Giant's Causeway in Ulster.  On this island is the famous Fingal's Cave, which would be a great goal to visit but only in very settled weather conditions.  This amazing cave, reached by means of a natural causeway of hexagonal pavement, is 20m high and 75m long, and it is possible to reach the back by dinghy.

On to the historic Isle of Iona, where St Columba was one of the first to have brought Christianity to Scotland from Ireland.  He arrived on the island in 563 with twelve companions, and in the next 34 years founded a monastery and turned Iona into a place of pilgrimage and Christian learning.  The present day monastery was rebuilt in the 1500s and was restored in 1902-10, and is a great stopover point on our journey.

Back through the Torrin Rocks, we head for home at Crinan Canal one week later.

The main island of Hirta was once home to as small population of people who lived off the land in perfect isolation before they were finally forcibly removed back to the mainland. The cliffs and stacks are awesome to see. A walk on the island itself a treasured memory.

Certainly there will be times when the yacht may not move for a day to allow time ashore. The beauty of the trip is that we have no fixed itinerary, except the start and finish of course!  However, this is not a guided activity and people trek / climb at their own risk.

'Mistral', an 8 berth Santana 39 has been D.O.T (Department of Transport) approved to carry her crew safely to a distance of up to 60nm from a safe haven.  In other words you will find all the relevant harnesses, lifejackets, flares, safety lines etc available to you and have a qualified, experienced and D.O.T.approved skipper with whom to sail.  Stuart is the main skipper and a Professional R.Y.A. Ocean Yachtmaster Instructor with plenty of mileage experience and several years teaching under his belt at The National Watersports Centre for Wales.  He has trained crews for both The Clipper and The B.T. Round the World Challenge races and was Skipper of 'London Clipper' in the Times Clipper 2000 round the world race..   

Other skippers employed by Ocean Discovery will always be Professional Yachtmasters to ensure that your safety and enjoyment is paramount.

Please note that boats and skippers may vary, but they will always be commercially endorsed.

To view Mistral in more detail view the sail charter section of this site.

We have had some stunningly sunny weeks spent sailing and sea kayaking with moderate winds around both coastlines, but the truth is you can never quite be sure, so you need to come prepared for all eventualities.

Warm underclothing e.g. thermal underwear.	2 pairs.
Warm hat, gloves and neck scarf.	1 of each.
Man-made fleece salopettes / trousers and jumpers. (better than cotton as they are warm when wet and dry quickly).	2 x Jump. 1 x Sal/ Tr.
Waterproof jacket and salopette sailing gear. (sailing specific is best such as made by  Henri Lloyd or Musto).	1 set.
Thick socks.	2 pairs.
Sailing boots.	1 pair.
Sailing gloves (optional).	1 pair
Soft deck shoes or trainers.	1 pair.
Shorts and T- shirts for warm weather.
Set of 'pub or restaurant' clothes.	1 set.
Sleeping bag: - Man-made fibre is best.	1
Personal first aid kit (incl. travel sickness pills?)	1
Good quality sunglasses and sun block/ sun cream.	1 of each.

Food will be provided by Ocean Discovery as part of the trip fee and will take into account the requirements as specified on your reply on the booking forms as best we can. Fresh items such as milk and bread will be picked up on the way. The actual food itself will be simple rice and pasta based dishes. If the group or individuals decide to supplement this with more exotic food, there may be opportunities to buy along the way, and this will be at the group or individual member's expense. Such items include alcoholic beverages and 15oz rump steaks! We will all take it in turns to participate in the daily meal preparation and domestic duties.

The cost of the 7 day trip including food while on board, diesel, gas and mooring fees, but not costs incurred by the final farewell dinner, is £ TBC