Welcome to the Sail Britain 2023 Programme! We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard yacht Merlin.
Each week of our programme has a different focus but all involve lots of sailing and exploring. No experience is necessary and it’s open to everyone. From raising anchor to hoisting sail, we provide the support and training to make sure everyone can get involved in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Our voyages under sail work towards creative and cultural exchange, ocean education and environmental research in a context which values diversity and new ideas. They’re also a wonderful way to get out on the water, learn to sail from an onboard instructor, and explore some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery!
Reconnecting with Nature
20 – 27th May, Ardrossan – Oban
This week is led by Dr Freija Mendrik, a marine scientist passionate about protecting ocean life. Together we will explore different ways to reconnect with the ocean, environmental issues and solutions…read more WAITING LIST
Island Cruising, week 1
10 – 17th June, Oban – Oban
Join the crew of yacht Merlin for a week of relaxed sailing in the stunning isles of the inner Hebrides. Starting and ending in Oban, we will have some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery on our doorstep…read more
Wild Writing Week
15th – 22nd July, Mallaig – Mallaig
Join yacht Merlin for a nature writing retreat, encompassing poetry and singing, whilst sailing in one of the most beautiful and inspiring coastlines in the world…read more WAITING LIST
Over the Sea to Skye
22nd – 29th July, Mallaig – Mallaig
This beautiful island is home to some of Scotland’s wildest places, some only accessible by boat. This week is an open programme, with lots of hands-on sailing, and learning more about the ocean…read more
Wild Food and Sailing
5th – 12th August, Mallaig – Mallaig
We are super excited to be running a special week of foraging and sailing again. We’ll be sailing around the islands of Scotland’s spectacular West Coast with wild food educator Mark Williams…read more WAITING LIST
Between Land and Sea
12 – 19th August, Mallaig – Mallaig
Join us for a week of sailing and painting around the Small Isles, led by artist Ellis O’Connor. Ellis will offer guidance throughout in sketching, painting and varied mixed medium techniques…read more
Adventure Filmmaking
19 – 26th August, Mallaig – Oban
Teaming up with film maker and Sail Britain crew member Tom Sweetland, our focus this week will be on adventure film making, photography and storytelling with our expert crew sharing tips and experience…read more
Island Cruising, week 2
26th Aug – 2nd Sept, Oban – Oban
Join the crew of yacht Merlin for a week of relaxed sailing in the stunning isles of the inner Hebrides. Starting and ending in Oban, we will have some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery on our doorstep…read more
Sea Myths and Legends
2nd – 9th September , Oban – Oban
Our coasts and islands have always been rich in stories, and these are the building blocks of our island culture. This week we will be seeking out some of these stories with historian, linguist and poet Jack Threlfall Hartley…read more
Our Living Ocean
9 – 16th September, Oban – Oban
This week we will be setting sail on a voyage to explore the secrets of the sea, how our lives are intimately connected with the health of the ocean and the wildlife there…read more
Ocean Conservation
16th – 23rd September , Oban – Ardrossan
This week will give us the opportunity to explore many different habitats and marine environments. Each night we’ll stop at a different location, giving us plenty of chances to go ashore and explore some of the ocean’s secrets…read more
2023 Residency Programme – now closed for applications, but feel free to drop us a message if you’d like to come in future!
The Wild Islands Residency
17 – 24th June, Oban – Mallaig
The Wild Islands Residency explores uninhabited islands; the remoter, wilder and lesser-known places, with a focus on the unique geology and wildlife that can be found here…read more
Creative Ecology Residency
24th June – 1st July, Mallaig – Stornoway
This residency explores the role of creativity as an ‘ecological power’ and as a way for us to come into connection with the oceans, islands and marine life…read more
Muir is Tir Residency
1st – 8th July, Stornoway – Stornoway
Muir is Tir, run in collaboration with the An Lanntair arts centre, offers a window into the traditions, language and culture of the Outer Hebrides and their relationship with the sea…read more
Dark Ocean
8 – 15th July, Stornoway – Mallaig
We are excited to be running a joint week with Charlotte Du Cann of the Dark Mountain Project, exploring the role the ocean plays in our imagination, in a time of climate and biodiversity crisis…read more
The Life of Islands Residency
29th July – 5th Aug, Mallaig – Mallaig
We are excited to announce the fourth year of the Life of Islands Residency. Facilitated by artist and musician Laura Copsey, the residency explores ‘islandness’ – the special nature of islands…read more
Official partner, Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020/2021
