23rd – 29th August 2025, Mallaig – Oban, £895
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. Underlying the residency is th question, ‘Is there anywhere truly wild left? And what is the definition of wilderness anyway?’ Our route this year from Mallaig to Oban will allow us to visit the small isles, the isle of Mull, some remote sea lochs of the mainland, and if the weather allows, perhaps the remoter islands to the west of Mull.
The residency will give artists a space to explore notions of remoteness and ecology with a strong connection to nature.
Throughout the week we will sail to the edge places, exploring the theme of wilderness – away from civilisation and seemingly untouched, yet always we can find traces of human interaction with the land. The week will culminate in an evening sharing our thoughts and personal responses to our week at sea.
The Wild Islands Residency is led by Phoebe Jones. Phoebe is an illustrator based in the Highlands of Scotland. Her work encompasses recollections of childhood and the rich culture and history of the North of Scotland where she grew up. Through visual storytelling she uses varied processes including print-making, drawing, collage, digital work and ceramics to reflect sensitively on her relationship with time, memory, and place.
This trip will be an opportunity to experience the ocean first hand in a very intimate way. Travelling under sail is a slow form of transport which allows an appreciation of distance, separation and the elements. It also brings people together as a crew to explore collaboratively, and to develop and exchange ideas. In addition to some wonderful exploring under sail, we aim to go ashore each evening to bridge the littoral zone between land and sea and have space to develop our personal connections to the landscape.
No prior sailing experience is necessary and we’ll get everyone involved in the running of the boat, however due to the remote places we’ll be visiting, a sense of adventure is an advantage!
There are 6 places for this residency.
Applicants should have an interest in working within a strong team environment in collaboration with other artists, including a willingness to discuss and share ideas, and to work together as a crew to sail the ship. The resident artists should bring any materials or equipment required for their research, but please be aware space onboard is very limited and emphasis on packing light is strongly encouraged!
Application Process:
We ask applicants to submit a brief project proposal and no more than 5 images (or other supporting documentation such as video, sound etc.) as an emailed PDF with images, and/or links so that we can learn a bit about you, and to ensure that all applicants will get as much as possible out of the programme.
Applications should be sent to info@sailbritain.org, subject – Wild Islands Residency Application + [your name]
The deadline for applications is 1st April 2025, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Practical information:
- Start point – Mallaig (The crew will send details with exactly where to find Merlin on the day of arrival)
- Start time – Saturday 23rd August, 3pm
- End point – Oban
- End time – Friday 29th 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!
- Materials for your practice / research
For more info have a look at our FAQs page for an insight into life onboard.
Please see this page for suggestions on funding your place.
For any questions about the programme, please send us an email – info@sailbritain.org