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
Boarding Swan in Lerwick at 10am, your stay will begin with a comprehensive safety briefing including how to work the lines on deck and set the sails. We will then head down past Orkney and over to the Western Isles, taking in the beautiful coastal scenery of the Scottish highlands.
From there we will keep a close eye on the weather forecast and head towards the Sound of Harris to give the best chance for a hop over to St Kilda when weather permits. We will also explore the coast and ports around the Wester Isles – the exact route and locations will be determined by the skipper based on sailing conditions.
This trip has high potential to see lots of wildlife such as dolphins, whales and basking sharks, as well as many kinds of seabirds. There will be a mix of nights at anchor, as well as in picturesque ports.
Please note: As St Kilda is 41 miles west of the Hebrides in the Atlantic Ocean, any sailing voyage to the Islands are completely weather dependant, and it is never a guaranteed destination. However, if weather and swell conditions allow, we will hop over to visit this unique place.
On land you can walk around the abandoned village, once home to the most remote community in Britain, and discover small stone huts known as Cleits, on your climb up to the edge of the steepest cliffs in Britain for an incredible view.
From the Sound of Harris the journey takes us back into the Minch with possible stops on the Island of Skye.
We will disembark on Wednesday 14th August, back in Lerwick, around 4pm.
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 the price of this trip are sailing instruction, accommodation and all meals for the duration of your stay. 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
Trustees of the Swan Trust SCIO are pleased to announce that the Swan LK243 was recently named as the 2023 Sail Training Vessel of the Year by MCA and the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO)
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The Swan Trust SCIO are seeking a qualified Skipper to join the crew of Swan LK243 for an exciting summer season in 2024. Join our experienced Mate and volunteer crew for an adventurous and rewarding summer of sail training and public cruises.
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