Scotland is a mecca for sailors eager to experience the taste of northern waters. Picturesque landscapes, rugged nature, strong tides, and the tradition of whisky provide an unique setting for sailing in these challenging waters. Our crew, a group of friends, embarked on the Oceanis 45: a fast, spacious, and comfortable yacht which proved to be the perfect floating home for our journey. As the skipper, I, Alex, ensured everything was organised so that every day on the water was filled with adventure.

We set off from Yacht Haven Marina in Largs, after getting acquainted with the yacht and unpacking our belongings. We stocked up on supplies and conducted a safety briefing. Calculating that the tide and wind were favourable, we decided to set sail that same day, heading towards Islay. The voyage began smoothly, and an overnight sail allowed us to reach Port Ellen early the next morning. On this first day, we already felt the power of Scottish tides—our yacht, running at minimal engine power, reached nearly 9 knots while passing Mull of Kintyre.
We docked just after sunrise, a perfect moment to enjoy the tranquillity of the picturesque island of Islay. In the afternoon, a private tour of a distillery awaited us. While moored in the port, we decided to change our plans and anchor the yacht directly in front of the Lagavulin distillery. Using the dinghy, we reached the shore to participate in an exceptional whisky tasting. Sailing to this legendary distillery and blending the sailing experience with Scotland's culture was quite special for the crew.

The next stage of our trip took us to the island of Jura. We stopped in a bay, picking up a mooring buoy, and spent the evening in a local pub, soaking in the Scottish atmosphere and meeting local residents. The following day, we continued sailing between Islay and Jura, stopping at another distillery, Bunnahabhain, to further enrich our journey with new flavours. The motif of anchoring a yacht right in front of a distillery in such a remote region never ceases to thrill me.

Our northward journey brought a change of scenery as we reached the island of Ulva, where we found a beautiful anchorage and immersed ourselves in the wild beauty of the Hebrides. The following days were spent exploring Lunga Island, famous for its large colony of puffins. Observing these birds up close was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip, and the raw nature added a magical character to the experience. We could approach these majestic birds within mere centimetres.
After these nature-filled highlights, we set course for Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Sailing to this town, with its colourful facades and bustling marina, was a delight. We visited a distillery and enjoyed the evening hospitality of locals and other sailors we met while moored in the marina. The Scots are incredibly friendly.

Our next destination was Oban, the capital of the region. The wind conditions were favourable, and the timing of our departure was carefully calculated to align with the currents. Once there, we tried local delicacies like fresh oysters and prawns. This part of the North Sea is rich in seafood. After an afternoon exploring the town, with its Scottish architecture and bagpipe music played by students from a local music school, we decided to spend the night anchored nearby.
The plan was to traverse the Crinan Canal in a single day. We aimed to start the crossing as early as possible. However, after spending the evening at anchor, we discovered that low water levels made passage impossible. We had to adjust our plans and sail around instead. Navigating around Mull of Kintyre required precise planning—strong tides and increasing winds made the overnight sail to Campbeltown intense, but thanks to good organisation, it was a success.

The final day of our journey was spent in Campbeltown, soaking in the local atmosphere. In the afternoon, we embarked on the final leg of our trip back to Largs. The entire adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, stunning landscapes, and true sailing challenges. Scotland is a destination every sailor should explore, and such a voyage is the fulfilment of a dream—sailing amidst nature, currents, and tides.□
