What sailing experience/knowledge do I need?

If you're booking a skippered charter, you don't need any. If you have some, or are keen to learn, you are more then welcome to ask questions, observe and help the skipper as much or as little as you want. We won't expect anything of you, but we're happy if you want to help out.

If you wish to book a bareboat charter we will expect at least one of your party to hold, as a minimum, the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification (theory and practical) or an equivalent recognised qualification, and/or be able to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and experience that we are satisfied you are able to safely skipper our boats and take responsibility for the safety of your crew.

What facilities are on board?

The accommodation varies from boat to boat, but all have a galley (kitchen area) with cooker and fridge, one or more heads (toilets), berths (beds) in seperate cabins and a saloon (living area). Many also have shower compartments. There is hot and cold running water, DC power facilities, radio (and usually CD player), ample storage and all boats are supplied thoroughly cleaned, valeted, inspected and re-stocked. Detail on each boat can be found under 'our boats'.

All required safety equipment is provided, along with charts, pilot guides and local information. All yachts have a tender (dinghy), most with outboard.

What will I need to bring?

For a bareboat charter, you should bring your own sleeping bag or other bedding. We supply pillows and pillowcases. We also ensure that basics such as washing up liquid, tea towels, hand soap and loo roll are on board for you. We can supply a catering pack (tea, coffee, milk etc., or whatever you want really) by prior arrangement.

We provide lifejackets and lifelines.

On a skippered charter, we supply all food, including wine with evening meal. We will choose menus in consultation with our guests and can cater for any special dietary requirements. If you wish to bring anything particular for yourself by way of food or drink, you are welcome to do so, bearing in mind the space available on a yacht.

All boats have a complete and comprehensive first aid kit, but bring anything else you might need. We suggest insect repellent for the famous Scottish midge, and sun screen for the famous Scottish summer. Ahem.

What should I wear?

That's the eternal question in Scotland! Our weather can be varied, so you should be prepared for warm sunny days as well as the occasional spot of rain. Think layers. Bring thermals, gloves and a warm hat. A peaked cap (baseball cap style is ideal) for keeping the sun out of your eyes and your hair out of the way is also recommended. Waterproofs - jacket and trousers - will be essential. Ordinary lightweight walking waterproofs are not recommended, though heavier gear (like skiing salopettes) can be okay. Proper wet weather gear is of course ideal - if you don't have your own, you can hire a set from us for just £10 for the trip, which saves you worrying about whether you're well enough equipped. Plus it's less to carry!

You will need comfortable and preferably waterproof shoes, sailing wellies and/or deck shoes are ideal but trainers will do. Bring a spare pair in case they get wet. Please don't wear dark soled shoes as these can mark the decks. Walking boots are a no-no, as are ordinary ourdoor wellies (not enough grip). Any questions or concerns, just ask.

How much does it cost? What's included in the price?

Our rates are determined by time of year, size of boat and charter option (skippered or bareboat). Quoted prices are based on a standard five-night package and are per boat, regardless of how many are in your party. However, we can usually offer reductions on a fully skippered package if there are only two or three guests. We do not allow any more people in your party than there are berths on the boat.

Our skippered charter package costs cover all fuel, food (all breakfasts, lunches, snacks and an evening meal with wine on four nights) but not any optional excursions or dining ashore. Overnight marina fees (usually around £20) may also be incurred, these would be split between the guests at the end of the charter. Wet weather gear can be hired from us at £10 per person. Other than this there are no additional costs.

On a bareboat charter you will be expected to pay your own fuel, overnight marina costs, and to self-cater. We can hire wet weather gear at the same rate of £10 per person per charter.

A refundable security deposit against possible damage to the boat will always be required. This is detailed in our contract with hirers. We will also require a proportion of the total charter fee to be paid in advance to secure your booking.

Other than the optional extras mentioned above, there are no extra charges involved in your charter, unless you ask for additional services such as airport collection/drop off or pre-arranged excurions, in which case we will detail the additional cost to you well in advance.

Is sailing safe?

Like any sport, sailing has its risks and we never underestimate these. We are meticulous in our fleet maintenance and management and you can expect a comprehensive checklist and safety brief before you take one of our boats. We will check your qualifications and will not charter a boat to your party if we are in any doubt about your abilities to take safe and responsible care of yourself, your crew and our boat.

Our skippers are professional sailors and are all highly experienced and qualified. All our boats are fully MCA coded for charter and equipped with all required saftey equipment which is regularly inspected.

Sailing is a safe and hugely enjoyable pastime as long as you are aware of the potential risks, unlikely though they may be. We take safety very seriously indeed, for the comfort and reasurance of our guests and customers.

Where can we sail to?

Depends where you start and how long you have! The Firth of Clyde, Arran, the Kyles of Bute, the Crinan Canal, the caledonian canal and Loch Ness, Mull, Skye, Jura and Islay, the Hebrides and Ireland are all within reach. We would be delighted to suggest some itineraries for you and places to stop en route if you have any particular destination in mind.

Where can we go on shore?

Lots of places! Have a look at  'Sailing in Scotland' for some initial thoughts. If you have a particular interest (golf, fishing, family history, whisky tours, wildlife, walking - or anything else) - contact us to see what we can suggest or arrange for you.

What if the weather's bad? Will it be rough?

Well, we can't guarantee the weather, but the sailing will be as gentle or as challenging as you choose to make it. Our passage planning on skippered charters will be dependent on the ability, experience and comfort of our guests. One of the joys of the West coast is there's always an alternative if the planned route is subject to change! We don't take any risks and would prefer to change our plans rather than have anyone feeling uncomfortable in bad weather.