Dream trips For your next cruise, just splash out!
From Vietnamese backwaters to Scandi seas, there’s always a fresh perspective from the water. Here are some of our favourites
INNER HEBRIDES ISLAND-HOPPING
Sail the Inner Hebrides on Irene, a 100year-old wooden boat, exploring the turquoise waters and secret bays where dolphins play off Scotland’s west coast.
WHY IT’S SPECIAL
Sailing a classic boat, under the power of wind, is one of the most magical experiences for adventurers who love the sea. On this voyage around the Inner Hebrides, on a traditionally rigged sailing boat, you can get as involved as you like: having a go at the helm, helping the crew to raise the sails – or just sitting back to enjoy the spectacular scenery and birdlife as you sail wherever the wind takes you on a sixnight exploration of the islands. You might reach the wilds of Jura or picturepostcard Colonsay, with its fine sandy beaches and turquoise seas, all with a backdrop of rocky, treeless mountains and white-painted crofts. Such beauty, and often not a soul to be seen.
When the wind eases, paddle off in two-person kayaks in the company of a guide. On mirror-calm seas, it’s like floating through the sky. Seals swim among gardens of waving kelp. You may spot otters, puffins and sea eagles. Keen kayakers will swoon at bays that would be difficult to reach were it not for sailing there, such as the rugged, uninhabited west coast of Jura. Return from kayaking explorations to Irene for delicious suppers of locally caught fish or lobster, sitting on deck in the “Simmer Dim” – the long summer twilight.
YOU’LL NEVER FORGET… Lying in the bowsprit netting as Irene ploughs through the swells, the sails full of wind above, with dolphins surfing the bow wave below.
INSIDER TIP
Bring your own booze – there’s no bar on board (and no alcohol while sailing, even if not actively crewing – until you moor up or drop anchor); though wine is served with dinner on the first evening.
HOW TO DO IT
Book direct at ireness.com. A five-day/ six-night Sail and Paddle itinerary costs from £1,350 per person. Irene sails out of the west coast port of Oban, a scenic three-hour train journey from Glasgow (scotrail.co.uk), overnighting in Oban if necessary; Hawthorn Bank guesthouse B&B (hawthornbank.co.uk) has superb views over the bay. Another traditionally-rigged boat that carries kayaks in Scotland is Lady of Avenel, a steel tug converted to a square-rigger (venturesailholidays.com). To try kayaking beforehand, consider a holiday – or day trip – with Arisaig Sea Kayak Centre, which provides kayaks and guides on Irene (arisaigseakayakcentre.co.uk).