22nd – 28th August 2026, Oban – Oban, £895
With our busy modern-day lives, it’s easy to lose our connection with nature. Yet a connection with the environment and blue spaces is more important than ever, both for us and for the environment. A healthy ocean is essential in the world’s fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. The UK is home to extraordinary ecosystems that can be part of the solution, from seagrass meadows to kelp forests and salt marshes. Protecting and re-wilding these important habitats is a critical step not only to protect marine biodiversity but in storing carbon. However, these areas are often overlooked and are not granted the protection they deserve.
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. Although scientists have been providing evidence for decades on the climate and biodiversity crisis, it tends to be fairly inaccessible to the general public, so we will also be using Merlin’s scientific equipment to take a closer look at nature beyond what we can see. With our moving image microscope and hydrophones, we will be able to see plankton – who’s fragile existence represents the sharp end of rising ocean acidity and temperatures – and listen in live to the sounds of the deep and the creatures that live there. This trip is a chance to foster a deeper connection with the ocean, a crucial starting point for the protection of these ecosystems.
We will visit some beautiful wild places rich in life, as well as community-led projects, such as Loch Craignish where the community are restoring seagrass meadows and native oyster beds. This will be an opportunity to snorkel in the shallows to see these amazing places with our own eyes. There will also be plenty of opportunities to go ashore to explore the coastline and isles during the week.
We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us for this exciting expedition, with no sailing experience required. Sail Britain’s skipper Oliver will teach you everything you need to know and get everyone involved. If there are particular projects you would like to conduct during this expedition we are happy to support you. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions – info@sailbritain.org
Practical information:
- Start point – Oban (The crew will send details with exactly where to find Merlin on the day of arrival)
- Start time – Saturday 22nd August, 3pm
- End point – Oban
- End time – Friday 28th August, 12 noon
What’s included:
- Fully equipped yacht and professional crew
- 6 nights accommodation onboard
- All meals for the week
- All safety equipment and training
What’s not included
- Your travel to and from the start/end points of the voyage
- Travel insurance
- Any expenses ashore, although these tend to be very limited out in the wilds!
For more info have a look at our FAQs page for an insight into life onboard