2012 Trips
St. Kilda Trip
8th - 17th May 2012,
Travel to St. Kilda on Shetland's restored herring drifter swan:
Tuesday 8th - Thursday 17th May 2012
Price £630
For further information and bookings, contact Bluemull Development Company on 01957 744394 or email info@bluemulldevelopmentcompany.com
A ten day cruise to the remotest archipelago in Britain. Evacuated in 1930 the main island Hirta has a small military base staffed by commercial contractors who make up the resident population of the group. About half of the islanders’ cottages have been restored by the National Trust for Scotland and are used to accommodate volunteer work parties in the summer months. The islands are famous for their spectacular sea cliffs and seabird populations, especially fulmars, a vital source of food for the former inhabitants.
The Swan will sail from Shetland to St Kilda but the route will be determined by the weather. If suitable the Swan will sail direct to St Kilda, by way of the Flannans, taking approximately two days sailing from Shetland. If the weather is not favourable the Swan will sail through the Minch, possibly calling at Stornoway while waiting for the weather to improve, then sail through the Sound of Harris to St Kilda. The return from St Kilda there should be an opportunity to visit the Shiants, a small island group off the east coast of Lewis or explore the islands of the Minch. If the forecast is not favourable then it is possible to cross the Minch to Tobermory and then Fort William, sailing up the Caledonian Canal to Inverness then heading home to Shetland by the east of Scotland.
The St Kilda trip is particularly dependent on weather and landing on St Kilda cannot be guaranteed.
Wick Harbour Festival
14th - 18th June 2012,
Sail on the SWAN to Wick Harbourfest
This long weekend cruise to Wick takes the Swan to the town as it celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. An extensive programme of events have been organised for the weekend, starting on Friday evening. Over 150 traditional and modern boats are expected to attend including the Scottish Fisheries Museum’s Reaper and Wick’s own Annabella Fortuna, both like the Swan, built as sailing herring drifters. Wick has a rich fishing heritage, especially herring fishing, and has an excellent conserved area with museum and interpretive displays at the heart of the harbour. Old Poultney distillery is situated in the town.
Thursday 14th June to Monday 18th June 2012
Price £280
For further information and bookings, contact Bluemull Development Company on 01957 744394 or email info@bluemulldevelopmentcompany.com
Western Norway
13th - 22nd July 2012,
This cruise offers the option of sailing direct from Lerwick to Bergen or flying to Bergen and joining the Swan. Also one can fly back from Norway if not relishing a North Sea crossing. Bergen is a vibrant town centred around its harbour, including the old Hanseatic part, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Bergen, there are options to sail north among the coastal islands to the Sognefjord or south among the islands to the Hardangerfjord. Both of these fjords are famous for their magnificent scenery and have many delightful small coastal towns and villages where the boat will berth for the night.
Friday 13th July - Sunday 22nd July 2012
Price £630
(If you wish to join the “Swan” in Bergen on 14th July and depart from Bergen on 21st July. Price £490 per person, excluding flights)
For further information and bookings, contact Bluemull Development Company on 01957 744394 or email info@bluemulldevelopmentcompany.com
Faroe Islands Trip
12 - 22 August 2012,
Faroe Islands Trip
Faroe is in many ways similar to Shetland but has over twice its population. Fishing remains the dominant industry. The islands have spectacular cliffs and interesting historic sites. It is intended to visit as many islands as possible, but it is likely that all the main islands will be visited and also the town of Torshavn, the capital and seat of government. The Swan will also visit the second largest town of Klaksvik and take part in Sjomannadagur, Seamen Days, an annual festival.
Sunday 12th – Wednesday 22nd August
Price - £700
For further information and bookings, contact Bluemull Development Company on 01957 744394 or email info@bluemulldevelopmentcompany.com