UKC

Has anyone on here done this and share any details / insights?

I'm keen to put a group together to do a boat-based trip as it seems like the way to get the most of whatever the weather is doing but I have virtually no sailing experience or know how one goes about finding a boat and skipper.

Thanks!

Rather than faffing with a sail boat, which generally have limited space, who’s skippers are normally nervous of getting close in and tender transfers to shore are a hassle, consider a motor vessel with skipper, skippers mate and cook. Get a local one who knows the waters.

The only one I’ve been on is the MV Cuma, takes 10-12 or so punters at about £900-1000 per head for the week as a private charter. If you joined a commercial outfit hiring the same boat and skipper it would cost you x 2.5 as much.

Other options are available. When booking remember the skippers word is final. Just because it’s a private charter and you have spent alot doesn’t mean you get to dictate.
 

you could try: https://www.selkie-explorers.com/mindful-sailing-and-wild-yoga/ Celia is a super experienced sailor and climber (don't know the other partner in the business). Looks like they do private charters.

Surely just book a Calmac ferry, cancellable at short notice, to Barra. Then liase with Mungulay Boat Trips to get yiu wherever you want. 

There are several yacht charter companies operating out of Oban, which is the centre of that kind of activity on the W coast, and it would surprise me if they could not find you a skipper. Talk to a few. Having done quite a lot of sailing, I can report that getting from A to B by yacht is a slow business and whether that's the best way to make use of climbing weather, I'm not too certain. Also, life on a yacht suits some people more than others and, stunning as the W coast can be on a good day, we aren't talking about the Med here.

Just read some of "Bill" Tillmans adventures to prepare for it 😁

Did similarly one year, though several of our group were keen sailors so we didn't need a skipper. It was a fascinating insight into the nautical world and a fun experience overall but the ratio of climbing enjoyment to onboard discomfort was disappointingly low.

Sailing on the west coast of scotland is amazing but you'll be taking a chance with the weather. ALso not everyone is immune to sea sickness and that can be a really miserable experience. I suggest all of your group get some sailing experience before chartering a yacht.

As a climber and a sailor I really think those activities are best kept seperate. You haven't suggest that this is a climbing trip but if it is I don't think you'll get the experience you want. Sailing is joyful so make the most of that. No Skipper is going to be amused by requests to approach cliffs.

See the infamous SMC Yacht Meet!