Welcome to our 2020 programme! Each week 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 setting the sails, 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, 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!
Any questions? – info@sailbritain.org
Please note: We have taken the decision to postpone or cancel all trips in May and June due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope that some form of normality will return by July, and that the rest of the programme will proceed smoothly thereafter as detailed here. If you would like to join us during the second half of the summer, please sign up in the usual way. Also note that all trips will now start and end in Oban. Thank you for all the messages of support we have had at this difficult time!
Marine Conservation Week
11-18th July
The seas around Scotland are rich in marine life, from Humpback Whales and Basking Sharks to incredible sea birds, such as the Osprey and White-tailed Eagles. This week will explore the conservation issues facing the oceans. We’ll be learning their secrets and spotting as many as we can!…read more
The Life of Islands Residency
Week one: 18 – 25th July
Our second year exploring ‘Islandness’ – the nature of islands, what makes them special, and what they might offer as alternative models for society. The residency will focus on the Isles of the Inner Hebrides and will give artists a space to explore notions of remoteness, community, and ecology with a strong connection to nature…read more
Our Living Ocean
5 – 12th September
Led by marine biologist Marte Klemetsdal from the Arctic University of Norway, we’ll be setting sail to explore the amazing diversity of life that inhabits our Atlantic shores, sailing to remote and beautiful places and discovering the secrets of our beautiful oceans. We hope to establish stronger relations with the big blue and come home inspired! …read more
The Wild Islands Residency
12 – 19th September
Counterpart to The Life of Islands, this residency will focus on uninhabited islands. We will sail to the remoter and wilder places, exploring the landscape, geology and wildlife that can be found there, as well as their historical importance as places of past habitation…read more
Ocean Literacy Afloat
19 – 26th September
Join us for a week learning about the ocean under sail with Holly Griffin from the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. We’ll explore about how the ocean is the engine of our planet, how it benefits us, and our impact upon it. And of course learn to sail in the stunning Western Isles!…read more
The Life of Islands Residency
Week two: 26th Sept – 3rd Oct
Join us for week two exploring ‘Islandness’ – the nature of islands, what makes them special, and what they might offer as alternative models for society. The residency will focus on the Isles of the Inner Hebrides and will give artists a space to explore notions of remoteness, community, and ecology with a strong connection to nature…read more
Postponed until the 2021 season
Sound and Song
This week will explore singing and the sea, a long tradition which is uniquely intertwined. We’ll be exploring the islands led by wild swimmer, teacher and musician Jenny Kinnear who will be sharing shanties and Gaelic songs with the crew. No need to be a singer, all welcome!
Wild Food and Sailing
Our shores are a bountiful source of wild and delicious food, but how often do we explore this wonderful larder? What nature provides is delicious, fresh, and nutritious, and the process of gathering it, joyful. During a week of Autumn sailing, we’ll be seeking out some of nature’s delights and rewilding our cooking skills!…read more
Exploring Plastic in our Oceans
With 8 million tons of plastic entering the world’s oceans each year, we face a growing environmental crisis and plastic has been found even in the deepest depths. We’ll be setting sail to explore it’s effects in the marine environment and ways to reduce our impact, while also carrying out remote beach cleans gathering data where others can’t easily go…read more
Official partner, Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020
Please remember that Sail Britain trips encompass multidisciplinary creative, cultural and scientific research, and are not tours or holidays. Travel to and from locations is not included.