HEBRIDES: THE SOUNDS OF MULL, LUING, SHUNA & JURA (ST HILDA)

Travel along these world famous Sounds that separate some of the most famous islands of the Inner and listen to the myriad sounds of the sea. Whichever Sounds we discover, they have one glorious thing in common. They are all the Sounds of Silence.

Sail by the spectacular islands of the Inner Hebridean isles: Mull, Luing, Shuna, Jura and Lismore. Anchor in tranquil, remote bays. See the incredible wildlife - soaring sea and golden eagles, basking sharks, orca and minke whales, porpoises, dolphins, seabirds and seals. On some of the Hebridean cruises bring your kayak and windsurfer, swim from the boat or go we look at nature through the eyes of a marine biologist and ashore on remote islands to explore. Also don't forget your even get out the plankton nets and microscopes. walking boots for spectacular island walks with wonderful views of the Sounds. Do as little or as much as you want. Sit back and enjoy the trip as you travel through the Sounds and sea lochs; view the This cruise can be a six or seven night itinerary depending on spectacular mountains and fast running that make the dates you choose to travel. extraordinary spiral patterns and glassy runs in the sea; marvel at the headland lighthouses and castles and all the wildlife and, ITINERARY if you want, become involved in working the ex-tall ship St Hilda Days 1 - 7 Hebrides or our wee ship Seahorse II. Some of the places we may visit are: : Your departure point will be Oban (Dunstaffnage Marina), the gateway to the The sheltered waters are perfect for learning to sail against a Hebridean isles. After a short introduction to life on board our spectacular backdrop of pristine coastline, mountains and small ship we lift anchor and set sail to our first destination. forests. For extra fun, Loch Spelve: Loch Spelve is on the south side of Mull. To enter we have to negotiate the narrow entrance. The anchorage in this sheltered loch, which is surrounded by an ancient oak forest, gives us unparalleled views of the mountains of Mull. There are resident otters along its shoreline. Isle of Shuna: Sail along the

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Isle of Lismore and into the and then, with the time to visit the local distillery or visit eagles (Mull is the best in our favour, (a must as the currents can run at five knots in place in the UK to see eagles). Loch Aline: In the picturesque these parts) we enter the Sound of Luing. We shoot past the Loch Aline there are woodland walks and, at the head of the famous Fladda lighthouse, the over falls and eddies of these loch, is ancient Ardtornish estate and woodland gardens. fast running waters make extraordinary spiral patterns and glassy runs in the sea. The waters calm as we pass the southern Please Note: tip of Luing Island and enter Shuna Sound. Our quiet anchorage Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather off the North coast of the Isle of Shuna is a spot where otters doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many frequently play along the shoreline. On the way to the remote considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, island of Shuna, and at anytime during the trip, we may see the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch. If you soaring sea or golden eagles, basking sharks, whales, porpoises wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such and dolphins, as well as many types of seabirds. Loch Sween: as fly fishing, sea eagle tours, whisky tasting, then please do let Tidal planning is very important as we will pass the notorious your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request. Gulf of Corryvreckan with its six knot tides which can be heard roaring 30 miles inland when there is a storm of wind against them. Then passing the northern headland of Jura, where George Orwell’s cottage can still be seen where he wrote 1984, to sail down the . The magnificent Munro mountains, the three “Paps of Jura”, can be seen rising over Jura to dominate the southern end of the Sound of . Our destination is an anchorage in the upper reaches of beautiful Loch Sween - its seal population lining its banks to watch us as we pass by. We will pass the natural anchorage of Tayvallich, once a famous Viking harbor. Crinan Canal: We can anchor just outside the Crinan Canal which has truly magnificent scenery and is rich in history, with many world-class heritage sites. It is a designated wildlife reserve with miles of forest walks and cycle ways. Guests can choose to do a three hour walk from Tayvallich to the Crinan Canal. Isle of Luing: Guests can be dropped off at the little village of Toberonochy and do the lovely walk to the Atlantic Islands Centre. Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Hebrides. If you wish, we can make

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: ST HILDA

YOUR SHIP: St Hilda

VESSEL TYPE: Small Ship

LENGTH: 16.4 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY: 6

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

Cruise the isles (Skye, Mull, Arran, St Kilda, Islay, Jura, Canna, greyhound"! We will usually get her under sail during a cruise Rum, to name but a famous few) and spectacular (weather permitting, of course) however, because of our busy coastlines of the Hebrides onboard a classic vessel, the ex-tall itineraries and like many yachts, we will usually not be able to ship, St Hilda, a traditional, beamy, 54ft wooden (larch on oak) reach our various night anchorages under sail alone. ketch, fitted with a quiet, six cylinder 112 HP Kelvin engine. St Accommodation The well-lit, roomy deck saloon is where Hilda is a vessel with an incredible Scottish lineage. Built in everyone dines and socialises and where everyone enjoys a 1973 to the highest standard (Lloyds 100A1) at St Monans, convivial atmosphere that is encouraged by shipboard life Fife, by the internationally famous Millers boatyard (a family run aboard this sturdy, ocean-going wooden ketch. Cabins are business with 200 years of wooden boat building) and designed warm and comfortable with six berths for our guests: a spacious by G.L Watson, the world famous based naval double en-suite (with shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty architect, who created the world's first yacht design office in opening portholes), a twin en-suite (with toilet, washbasin and 1873 and designed early America's Cup challengers (such as opening porthole) and a twin cabin (with washbasin). The twin Thistle, Shamrock II, Valkyrie I and II) as well as the famous cabins are both close to the toilet and shower rooms which are racing yacht Britannia. of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are St Hilda was built specifically for sail training with a crew of 20. supplied. By 2007 St Hilda was converted for cruising with only eight The outdoor decks are large and safe, perfect for spotting people - six guests and a skipper and chef - and that is why wildlife and relaxing. You also have some deck space to embark today she is so spacious inside. St Hilda is one of the smallest your own equipment such as kayaks and surfboards. You will of the "Tall Ships" and has competed in several Tall Ship Races. also be able to use our own inflatable sea kayak. Although St Hilda has sailed across the North Sea on a number Your Crew Your professional skipper is passionate about boats, of occasions, she is more of a motor sailor than an "ocean sailing, and the natural environment of the islands and sea

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com lochs of the Hebrides and . He is more than happy to share his knowledge of the area to those on board while ensuring his shipmates have as much fun as possible. You also have your own on board chef who provides wonderful meals, locally-sourced and freshly prepared from the galley.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

Double Cabin En-suite Twin Cabin

Twin Cabin En-suite

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com PRICING

10-Jun-2022 to 16-Jun-2022 Double Cabin En-suite £1620 GBP pp Twin Cabin £1020 GBP pp Twin Cabin En-suite £1410 GBP pp

08-Jul-2022 to 14-Jul-2022 Double Cabin En-suite £1620 GBP pp Twin Cabin £1020 GBP pp Twin Cabin En-suite £1410 GBP pp

09-Sep-2022 to 15-Sep-2022 Twin Cabin En-suite £1410 GBP pp Twin Cabin £1020 GBP pp Double Cabin En-suite £1620 GBP pp

03-Oct-2022 to 09-Oct-2022 Twin Cabin En-suite £1410 GBP pp Twin Cabin £1020 GBP pp Double Cabin En-suite £1620 GBP pp

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com