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
No fixed itinerary, just four days exploring Shetland's coastline aboard our classic sailing boat, while making the most of the weather, wind and company. No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to learn, get stuck in and enjoy.
Boarding Lerwick, 5th September, 10am
Disembarking Lerwick, 8th September, 4pm
With no fixed itinerary, our skipper will pick the route to make the best of the weather and wind. Leaving from Lerwick, there is the choice of heading south or north.
Heading south, you could pass through Mousa sound, seeing the island with its iron age broch, and overnight at anchor near Levenwick beach or alongside at Grutness for example. If conditions allow, we may also have time for an evening in Fair Isle.
Heading north you could explore the east mainland and the isles to its east and north, such as Skerries, Whalsay or Yell.
Wherever you go, our skipper will ensure they make the most of the sailing and Shetland's spectacular scenery and wildlife. If weather and time allows, we may launch the dinghy to go ashore in some locations.
Boarding the Swan at 10am Tuesday morning, your stay 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 the Swan under sail while we find a picturesque place to spend the night and get to know your crew mates over dinner before turning in for a good night’s sleep.
Each day will begin with a hearty breakfast; before raising the sails and further exploring the delights of Shetland's coasts, waters and isles. With all meals included, you will be well fed throughout the trip and each evening will be spent in port or at anchor, enjoying the company of your crew mates, and possibly a few tunes. On Friday, you will complete your trip by heading back to Lerwick and disembarking in the late afternoon.
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. If you have a musical instrument, please bring it along. For more details of what to expect on board please refer to our Welcome Aboard leaflet.
Included in the price of this trip are sailing instruction, accommodation and all meals for the duration of your stay. There are waterproofs onboard, however you may feel more comfortable in your own wet weather gear. For further details on what is included, and what to bring with you, please refer to our kit list.
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 is taking a 10 night trip down the east coast of Scotland, 8th to 18th June 2023. On the Herring Trail will visit Lerwick, Stronsay, Wick, Peterhead and Anstruther, undertaking an activity in each port, showcasing the importance of the herring fishery to the Scottish economy, heritage and culture.
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Sail Training Shetland and The Swan Trust recently completed a series of 7 youth sail training taster day sails around Shetland. With a new set of trainees each day, 70 trainees aged 15-25 years took part, and showed they all had the ability to take part in the Tall Ships Races 2023, which will return to Shetland in July.
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