Programme

Welcome to our Summer 2025! We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard yacht Merlin!

Each week of our season 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!

Sea Foraging

24th – 30th May, Oban – Oban

As Spring unfolds across Argyll and the Inner Hebrides, seaweeds begin to shoot towards the sunlight. Join us to explore the magical world of seaweeds, how to responsibly harvest and prepare them, and in the discovery of the wild delicacies springtime has to offer, in the sea and on land… read more

Creative Ecology Residency

Week 1, 31st May – 6th June, Oban – Oban
Week 2, 7th – 13th June, Oban – Oban

This residency explores the role of creativity as an ‘ecological power’ as a way for us to come into connection with the oceans, islands and marine life, exploring themes related to ecology, creativity, and the more-than-human world… read more

Wild Photography

21st – 28th June, Mallaig – Stornoway

Combining adventure sailing and photography as we set sail for the Outer Hebrides! Led by photographer Tom Sweetland, the focus this week will be on storytelling with images and honing your photography skills in some incredible wild places… read more

Muir is Tir Residency

28th June – 4th July, Stornoway – Stornoway

Orientated around the ‘hub’ of the Shiant Isles, the ‘Muir is Tìr’ residency explores the folklore, seaways and islands of the remoter corners of the Isle of Lewis, taking a creative approach to ocean adventuring and using the boat as both vehicle and research arena… read more

Seabirds

5th – 11th July, Stornoway – Stornoway

Ornithologist Alasdair Robertson will be our guide this week, exploring the birdlife of our coasts. Focusing on the amazing seabird colony on the Shiant Isles, we’ll be learning their secrets, from ecology to their place in folklore and the challenges they face today… read more

Wild Hebrides Sailing

12th – 19th July, Stornoway – Mallaig

The Outer Hebrides offers some of the most magnificent wilderness in Europe, secluded, beautiful anchorages, and some wonderful sailing. Join us for an ocean adventure and to put our expedition yacht Merlin through her paces! A voyage for all those with adventurous spirit… read more

“I can’t recommend Sail Britain enough. A huge thank you to Oliver for all his work in making these trips happen. There’s so much I’m going to take away from this experience” – Alex

Life of Islands Residency

2nd – 8th Aug, Mallaig – Mallaig

The Life of Islands residency explores ‘islandness’ – the special nature of islands – with a particular focus on inhabited places. The week will offer artists a space to explore notions of remoteness, connection and identity, at the intersection between land and sea… read more

Foraging and Sailing

9th – 15th August, Mallaig – Mallaig

We are super excited to be running our special week of foraging and sailing around the islands and sea lochs of Scotland’s spectacular West Coast with wild food educator Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods. Join us to partake of Nature’s bounty as mushroom season arrives… read more

Between Land and Sea

16th – 22nd Aug, Mallaig – Mallaig

Painting masterclass. Join us for a week of sailing and painting around the Small Isles, led by the wonderful Ellis O’Connor and skipper Oliver. Exploring both the islands of Hebrides, and the ocean with which they are intimately connected, we’ll have with lots of time to learn to sail and creatively explore… read more

Wild Islands Residency

23rd – 29th Aug 2025, Mallaig – Oban

Counterpart to the Life of Islands, 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. We’ll also be asking ‘Is anywhere truly wild still?’… read more

Reconnecting with Nature

6th – 12th September, Oban – Oban

Our focus this week will explore different ways to reconnect with the ocean, environmental issues and solutions. We are all part of Nature, and research has shown that people with a greater connection to nature are more likely to behave positively towards it and want to protect it… read more

Ocean Conservation

13th – 20th September, Oban – Ardrossan

Learning about marine conservation is one of the cornerstones of Sail Britain’s mission and this week gives you the opportunity to explore the wonders of ocean life first hand, visiting conservation projects, and getting in the water to see for ourselves… read more

“This was an extraordinary experience that not only deepened my knowledge and kinship with the sea and furthered my interest in marine identities, but I also met an incredible group of people whose disciplines ranged from oceanography to film and social media” – Christina