Welcome to our 2026 Summer Programme! 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!
Spring Coastal Foraging
9th – 15th May, The Clyde
We are super excited to kick off 2026 with a week of coastal foraging and learning about the plants and seaweeds which grow along our shores with forager and wild food educator Mark Williams. We’ll learn how to identify different species, their place in ecology, and how to responsibly harvest and prepare them. Join us to discover the wild delicacies springtime has to offer!… read more
Resonant Ecologies
16th – 23rd May, Clyde – Oban
Resonant Ecologies Residency: Led by science communicator, artist, radio and podcast producer Chloe Russell, this residency invites participants to listen deeply to the natural world and to explore how sound connects ecology, psychology and emotion, and reveals the unseen which connects humans with the living environment… read more
Creative Ecology Residency
Week 1, 23rd – 29th May, Oban – Oban
Week 2, 30th May – 5th June, 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
Wild Islands Residency
Week 1, 6th – 13th June, Mallaig – Stornoway
Week 2, 15th – 21st August, Mallaig – Oban
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
Muir is Tir Residency
13th – 19th June, 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
20th – 26th June, Stornoway – Stornoway
If you want to get up close and personal with seabirds, this is the week for you! We will sail to some of the richest habitats for birdlife in the whole of the British Isles to spend time with our winged companions, and learn their secrets from ecology to folklore …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
Wild Hebrides Sailing
Week 1, 27th June – 4th July, Stornoway – Mallaig
Week 2, 4th – 10th July, Mallaig – Mallaig
The 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
Sensing the Wild
11th – 17th July, Mallaig – Mallaig
Join us for a week of sailing & outdoors movement in the wild landscapes of the Scottish isles cultivating ecological connection through mindful movement. Led by somatic movement artist Kate Sagovsky of Studio Soma, you will be supported in a small, friendly group & given expert guidance, making this creative residency accessible to all levels of experience… read more
Life of Islands Residency
18th – 24th July, 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
1st – 7th August, Mallaig – Mallaig
Our long-running 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 is always a highlight. Join us to partake of Nature’s bounty as mushroom season arrives in the islands… read more
Reconnecting with Nature
22nd – 28th August, Oban – Oban
This week we will be exploring our own connection to the natural world from the macro to the micro scale, engaging in a few exercises aimed at deepening our ability to notice, feel, and ultimately feel part of nature… read more
Our Living Ocean
29th Aug – 5th Sept, 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