Welcome to the Sail Britain 2024 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!
Sea Foraging
18 – 24th May, Ardrossan – Oban &
25th – 31st May, Oban – Oban
Join marine biologist, cook and nature guide Sam Eglund Newby in the discovery of the wild delicacies springtime has to offer, as we explore kelp forests, rocky sea shores and calm lagoons for edible seaweed and flowering coastal plants…read more
Sound and Song
8 – 14th June
Oban – Oban
On this adventure we will reveal soundscapes above and below the waves, exploring singing and listening as a way to connect with our coastal environment led by harpist and folk singer Georgie Buchanan and sound artist and acoustic ecologist Rob Mackay FULLY BOOKED….read more
Solstice Sailing
15th – 21st June
Oban – Oban
Join the crew of yacht Merlin for a week of relaxed sailing in the stunning isles of the inner Hebrides celebrating the longest days of the year. Starting and ending in Oban, we will have some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery on our doorstep FULLY BOOKED…read more
Regenerative Horizons: A Journey of Connection and Renewal
22nd – 28th of June, Oban-Mallaig
Join us for a week-long exploration of nature, community, and regenerative living at sea. We will playfully open our senses to the natural world around us and explore the elements to reawaken our awe and wonder. We will go deeper into our personal inquiry and use our imagination to explore our learning questions with the help of nature. And we will tell stories, share poems, and work towards building a community that is passionate about living and working regeneratively… read more
“Had possibly the most purely enjoyable and wholesome week of my life on the good ship Merlin. Fantastic Scotland and friends for life. Can’t recommend Sail Britain enough” – Hannah
Muir is Tir Residency
6 – 12th 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
Between Land and Sea
20 – 26th July, 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 FULLY BOOKED…read more
Over the Sea to Skye
27th July – 2nd August, 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 FULLY BOOKED…read more
Wild Food and Sailing
10 – 16th August, Mallaig – Mallaig
We are super excited to be running our 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 FULLY BOOKED…read more
Sea Stories
24 – 30th August, 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 writer, actor and folklorist Karin Murray-Bergquist FULLY BOOKED…read more
Reconnecting with Nature
7 – 13th September, Oban – 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 FULLY BOOKED…read more
Ocean Conservation
14 – 20th 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
“We sailed, we shared, we shared, we saw wonders, we became inspired, we became wild, we became wet, we met the horizon, we blended into elemental dreaming, we shared our creative practices and responses to the residency” – Henry
Our 2024 residencies are now closed for applications, but you can see the programme below. We will be running again in 2025!
The Wild Islands Residency
Applications closed. Mallaig – Stornoway
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
The Life of Islands Residency
Applications closed. Mallaig – Mallaig
We are excited to announce the fifth 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
Creative Ecology Residency
Applications closed. Mallaig – Oban
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
Official partner, Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020/2021
