• Wave icon Trip Type: Coastal
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-75
  • Pin icon Region: UK & Ireland
Intermediate

Adventure Rating:
Intermediate

None

Experience Required:
None

7 Days from £899

Dates, Prices & Travel

Sailing Mile Builder: Scotland – England

Embark on a superb sailing mile builder on a passage from Scotland’s beautiful west coast to the historic naval city of Portsmouth. This mile builder is perfect for sailors seeking to gain hands-on experience, learn new skills, and hone their coastal cruising abilities. Led by our expert skippers, you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at night sailing, master sail trim techniques, and try your hand at passage planning. Gain confidence, improve your seamanship, and take in the stunning scenery as you head south. One of the best mile builders you can sign up to.

Ready to learn with Europe’s #1-rated adventure sailors?

Embarking on a sailing mile builder with experienced expedition skippers is an exceptional way to learn sailing skills beyond the limits of typical sailing schools. Our experienced skippers have navigated through some of the most challenging and remote waters worldwide, so they bring a wealth of real-world sailing adventures to the table. They not only teach advanced sailing techniques but also share valuable wisdom on weather patterns, emergency situations, and unique navigational challenges. This hands-on approach combined with their seasoned insights provides a more engaging and enriching learning environment compared to standard courses led by less experienced instructors.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see this trip’s dates. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

 

Sailing Area

Sailing mile builder scotland to england area map
sailing mile builder route map scotland to england
The Yachts
Key Information
What’s included
  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket

  • Sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included
  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas where required

  • Discretionary tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

The trip price is 5% less than we would normally charge. This is to allow you at the end of your adventure to offer a combined 5-10% tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they have delivered exceptional performance. This tip is entirely discretionary. See our FAQs here.

Got some questions?

Joining a big sailing adventure is a big thing, so don’t be surprised if you have lots of questions before you book. Who else joins, what to expect, and so many more queries are entirely normal. The home page has loads of info on this (scroll to the bottom), there are our FAQs and never hesitate to contact us by email, phone or live chat. The team are here to have a chat, discuss options, answer questions and help make sure you get on the exact right sailing trip for you.

The Route

This sailing mile builder is around 600 miles long  and heads from Scotland’s west coast to the couth coast of England. You’ll weave your way through the Scottish islands, then head into the Irish Sea, with possible stops at Dublin or the Isle of Man. Further south, you’ll round the tip of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, before navigating your way east along the English Channel to Potsmouth.

What is a mile builder?

A mile builder is a sailing trip designed for sailors to gain experience by covering long distances over several days or weeks. It’s ideal for those looking to improve their sailing skills, log sea miles for certifications, or simply experience the adventure of longer voyages. These trips are suitable for a range of sailors, from beginners eager to learn and get a taste of open-sea sailing, to experienced sailors aiming to enhance their skills or reach professional qualifications. In simple terms, mile builders are practical, hands-on sailing experiences for anyone wanting to spend more time at sea, learn in real-life conditions, and become better sailors.

crew at sea in foulies

What to expect

This route is fairly continuous sailing through the day and night, so you will get plenty of night hours and experience of being in a watch system. There is a mix of coastal and offshore sailing. It is not a pleasure cruise with stops each night, so come prepared for a proper passage on a thrilling 60′ expedition yacht and lots of learning.

Expert Instruction Onboard

Aboard our vessel, receive top-notch instruction from both the skipper and the first mate covering crucial skills like navigation and sail trimming. You’ll accumulate significant experience and log approximately 500-600 sea miles.

Pilotage at sea

Weather Conditions and Sailing

Our journey covers a considerable distance, and we sail under various weather conditions, within safe limits. The 60-foot yacht is well-equipped to handle rougher seas, providing you with exceptional sailing days and ample mile-building opportunities along the UK’s coast.

The Importance of Quality Experience

While RYA or ASA certifications like the Day Skipper are important, real skill development occurs with hands-on experience. Learning ineffective techniques can be detrimental, highlighting the importance of quality instruction. Rubicon 3, known as Europe’s premier adventure sailing academy, offers guidance from highly experienced expedition skippers and mates, ensuring you receive the best possible training.

Yacht Bluejay under sail

Experience Night Sailing

Night sailing introduces a new set of challenges, with commercial vessels appearing suddenly on the horizon. Our mile builders often include overnight sails, offering you the chance to gain valuable night-time sailing experience under expert supervision.

Night sailing

Passage Planning Expertise

Effective passage planning is crucial for successful mile building. You’ll learn the ins and outs of planning and executing passages, with hands-on involvement to enhance your learning experience onboard.

Crew navigating on a chart

Your Next Steps

Joining a mile builder with us is an excellent introduction to Rubicon 3, our yachts, and our ethos of supportive, patient instruction. Many of our crew members find this experience an ideal stepping stone towards achieving their RYA Day Skipper certification or joining one of our larger expeditions to destinations like Iceland, Norway, and the Caribbean.

 

The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter

This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure. 

  1. Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
  2. Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. 
  3. Learning Opportunities: Sailing in England with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.

 

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

September 1, 2024
Oban, Scotland

End Date & Location

September 7, 2024
Gosport, England

Price

£899

Deposit

£449

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: September 1, 2024

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: Oban, Scotland

Start Port: Oban

Start Marina: Oban North Pier Pontoons

End Date: September 7, 2024

End Time: 15:00

End Country: Gosport, England

End Port: Gosport

End Marina: Victoria Quay

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Glasgow Airport (IATA Code: GLA)
Fly Out of: London Airports

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Oban,Scotland.
  • It is scheduled to be at Oban North Pier Pontoons
  • It is easy to get here from Glasgow Airport, with a frequent train service which is approximately 3 hours long.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on September 1 2024, so you will need to be in Scotland by August 31st, 2024.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in Oban.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Gosport, England
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Gosport on September 7th, 2024, and you will need to disembark by 03:00 PM,September 7th 2024.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

October 10, 2025
Scotland

End Date & Location

October 16, 2025
Falmouth, England

Price

£899

Deposit

£449

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: October 10, 2025

Start Time: 18:00

Start Country: Scotland

Start Port: Port TBC

Start Marina: Marina TBC

End Date: October 16, 2025

End Time: 15:00

End Country: Falmouth, England

End Port: Falmouth

End Marina: Port Pendennis Mairna

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Glasgow Airport (IATA Code: GLA)
Fly Out of: Newquay Airport (IATA Code: NQY)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Oban,Scotland.
  • It is scheduled to be at Oban North Pier Pontoons
  • It is easy to get here from Glasgow Airport, with a frequent train service which is approximately 3 hours long.
  • The trip starts at 09:00 AM on Friday 10th October 2025, so you will need to be in Scotland by Thursday 09th October, 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in Oban.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Falmouth , England
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Falmouth on October 16th, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 03:00 PM,October 16 2024.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

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