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
Solstice Sailing
14th – 20th June, Mallaig – Mallaig
Join the crew of yacht Merlin for a week of relaxed sailing around Skye and the stunning isles of the inner Hebrides. During this week of the Summer Solstice, we will have many hours of daylight to see the Scottish Islands at their finest, and celebrate the longest days of the year… 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 FULLY BOOKED
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 folklore …read more FULLY BOOKED
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
Over the Sea to Skye
26th July – 1st Aug, Mallaig – Mallaig
Join us for a week of relaxed cruising among some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. This week is an open programme, so we’ll sail where the wind takes us, with a scenic anchorage out in the wilds each night… 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
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
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” – Christina
2025 Residency Programme
Applications for the 2025 Residency Programme are now closed. We will be releasing details of the 2026 creative programme here soon!
Creative Ecology Residency
Week 1, 31st May – 6th June 2025, Oban – Oban
Week 2, 7th – 13th June 2025, Oban – Mallaig
This residency explores the role of creativity as an ‘ecological power’ and as a way for us to connect with oceans, islands and marine life, exploring themes related to ecology, creativity, and our imaginative relationship with the more-than-human world…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
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
Wild Islands Residency
23rd – 29th Aug, 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