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.
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:
• Sailing south to see Mousa, home to the finest example of an Iron Age Broch, a large seal colony and some incredible coastline and wildlife
• Going around Bressay and visiting the spectacular seabird cliffs of Noss National Nature Reserve - renowned as one of Europe’s finest wildlife sites
• Head north or south along Shetland's Mainland coastline, on a discovery of beautiful bays and quiet coastlines not often seen from the sea
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.
As this is a special Folk Festival Day Trip, we would encourage you to bring an instrument for a tune during the meal times and when at anchor. (please note we cannot take responsibility for damage to any items brought aboard)
If weather and time allows, we may anchor in a sheltered spot to enjoy a well-earned lunch of soup and sandwiches, and launch the dinghy to go ashore in some locations.
We should return to Lerwick around 4.30 / 5.00pm.
A voyage on Swan is very much a hands-on experience - you are part of her crew, and work as a team to make your voyage happen. All tasks are shared and everyone joins in, from the most to the least experienced. For more details of what to expect on board please refer to our Welcome Aboard leaflet.
Included in voyage
• Lunch, tea and coffee
• Sailing instruction
• Life jacket and safety line.
• There are basic waterproofs onboard, however you may feel more comfortable in your own wet weather gear. Please ensure you wear sensible footwear, with good grips, and warm clothing, and don't forget your camera.
For further details on what is included, and what to bring with you, please refer to our kit list.
To book please e-mail us on [email protected].
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
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