• Wave icon Trip Type: Coastal
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: UK & Ireland
Intermediate

Adventure Rating:
Intermediate

None

Experience Required:
None

Get ready for sailing and exploring the magical beauty and rugged archipelago of Scotland’s West Coast and the Outer Hebrides, along with an attempt on the dramatic and elusive St Kilda. The iconic coastline, magical island destinations, and secluded sea lochs of the western isles are the perfect setting for sailing trips. The region has the deepest coastal waters in the British Isles and its rich history, castles, mountains, and wildlife make these remote islands a blend of magical sailing, world-class natural beauty, and historical intrigue. These are world famous sailing waters for god reason and the perfect setting for a magical adventure sailing holiday.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime with Europe’s #1-rated adventure sailors?

Rubicon 3 expeditions are genuine sailing adventures rather than luxury sailing holidays. Depending on your chosen route, you will be off the beaten track, possibly out on the open ocean, and sailing to and exploring remote and beautiful places. The expert Rubicon 3 instructors will train you and ensure you are fully involved in all aspects of the experience, including navigating, helming, trimming sails, cooking, and looking after the yacht. As a true sailing adventure, it is much less predictable (& much better!) than a packaged experience, with itineraries planned day by day and shaped by local circumstances and weather. To participate in the adventure, the crew must have the right attitude, an open mind, and a desire to be fully involved.

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

scotland sailing area
St kilda sailing route map
The Yachts

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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 with PLB

  • All 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 crew 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

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

The exact itinerary and where we visit and when is all weather dependant. We will make the route up each day in discussion with you the crew. We will make every effort to make it to St Kilda, but its wild, exposed position in the Atlantic are what make it so elusive, so it cannot be guaranteed – and such a magical win when we do! Here are some of the highlights of the region.

Duart Castle

 

The Isle of Mull

Perhaps the most iconic image of Mull, Tobermory, on its north coast, is known for its colorful waterfront buildings. This charming town is a lovely place to wander around and explore and has the Tobermory Distillery, producing one of Scotland’s famous single malt Scotch whiskies. Duart Castle stands majestically on a clifftop and dates back to the 13th century. As well as a real taste of Scotland’s cultural heritage, it has panoramic views of the surrounding sea. Meanwhile, visiting the Isle of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave with its remarkable basalt columns would be a real highlight if we could fit it in. The cave’s natural acoustics and unique rock formations have inspired many people, including the composer Mendelssohn. The island and its surrounding waters are home to various wildlife, including whales, dolphins, eagles, and otters.

The Isles of Coll & Tiree

The historic, partially ruined Breacachadh Castle is one of Coll’s treasures. The community heartbeat is found in An Cridhe, while the island is also famous for its pristine, unspoiled beaches like Crossapol and Feall Beach, perfect for tranquil walks and wildlife watching. Coll’s status as a ‘Dark Sky Island‘ makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing, with its skies free from light pollution. Nearby, the Isle of Tiree has Balephuil Bay, with its stunning beach and sand dunes. The island is often called the ‘Hawaii of the North.’

puffin

South Uist & Barra

South Uist and Barra, nestled in the Outer Hebrides, are steeped in natural beauty and cultural richness. South Uist’s west coast is adorned with long, sandy beaches that stretch for miles, offering beautiful walks and breathtaking sunsets. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve is a treat. Meanwhile, Barra has a varied and beautiful landscape with mountains and spectacular beaches. It is famous for its airport, where scheduled planes land on the beach. The island’s centerpiece, the medieval Kisimul Castle, located in Castlebay, is a historic gem perched on a rock in the bay, accessible by a short boat ride.

Kisimul

Harris & Lewis

Harris and Lewis are the largest island in the Outer Hebrides. On Harris, the famous Luskentyre Beach stands out with its expansive white sand and turquoise waters, creating a beautiful contrast to the mountains. The island is renowned for its Harris Tweed, and visiting a local weaver provides a great insight into this traditional craft. Lewis has the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, a mysterious and awe-inspiring megalithic site that predates Stonehenge, drawing visitors worldwide.

Eigg

The Small Isles (Rum, Eigg, Muck, or Canna)

The Small Isles, comprising Rum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna, are a cluster of gorgeous islands, each with charm. On Rum, the Kinloch Castle stands as a testament to Victorian extravagance. The island is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with its nature reserve hosting a variety of birds and mammals, including the famous Rum ponies. Eigg, known for its stunning landscapes, is dominated by the dramatic pitchstone ridge, An Sgurr, offering breathtaking views for those who climb it. Muck is the smallest of the isles. Canna is particularly rich in archaeological sites, including ancient Celtic crosses and a collection of early Christian and Norse monuments, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs.

seal

St Kilda

The archipelago’s remote location is 50 miles west of Scotland in the North Atlantic. It is a national nature reserve and a mesmerizing blend of natural and historical wonders. The main island, Hirta, houses the remains of a deserted village, offering a glimpse into the life of a community that survived in isolation for centuries. The island’s unique stone cleits, small, beehive-shaped storage huts, are scattered across the landscape, a testament to the St Kildans’ ingenuity in coping with their harsh environment. The cliffs of St Kilda, some of the highest in Europe, provide breathtaking views and are a famous haven for seabirds, including the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins and gannets. The cliffs dramatically plunge deep into the Atlantic, rich with sea life below the surface. The St Kilda Church, although small and simple, holds a deep historical significance, symbolizing the religious life of the islanders. The Soay sheep, a rare breed native to the islands, roam freely, adding to the wild and unspoiled charm of the St. Kilda archipelago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dramatic landscapes and rich history, is a truly unique and unforgettable experience if the weather allows us to get there.

st kilda

This is a genuine, off the beaten track sailing adventure and it is essential that you understand this. It is exhilarating, superb fun and you’ll be fully involved and learn a huge amount.

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