Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more
A superb, hands-on, day sail on our traditional wooden fishing boat. Leaving and returning to Lerwick, our skipper will pick the route on the day, making the most of the weather. Possible routes could be a visit to the spectacular sea bird cliffs of Noss, a sail south to the island of Mousa, with its Iron Age Broch, or travel along the coast, exploring sheltered bays and inlets.
Trip duration: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Boarding the Swan at 9.30am, your day will begin with a comprehensive safety briefing including how to work the lines on deck and set the sails. We will then put this into practice, enjoying getting hands-on with the sailing as you explore the coasts and/or isles on the east side of Shetland.
Leaving from Lerwick, there is a choice of routes which could be taken, including:
With no fixed itinerary, our skipper will pick one of the routes above on the day, to make best use of the weather, wind, and our incredible wildlife and scenery.
You will be well entertained during your trip by taking an active role in sailing the Swan, including hauling on ropes, taking a turn on the helm, and keeping a lookout, as well as spotting all the wildlife on offer.
If weather and time allows, we may anchor in a sheltered spot to enjoy a well earned lunch of soup and sandwiches, and also launch the dinghy to go ashore in some locations.
We should return to Lerwick around 4.30pm.
Included in voyage
No previous sailing experience is needed, just a willingness to learn, participate and enjoy.
Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more
The Swan Trust has undertaken a range of charters over the years. Last year this included a professional photoshoot aboard the Swan for local knitwear designer Mati Ventrillon, as part of her Artisans project.
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Sail Training Shetland are inviting applications from young people aged 15 – 25 to take part in The Tall Ships Races 2023, with a series of free Taster Day Sails aboard the Swan in April to whet the appetite. Young people from all over Shetland can apply for an inspiring, action-packed voyage at sea, providing a unique experience, the opportunity for travel, international friendships, and host port festivals.
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