Cross the 60th parallel onboard classic steel schooner Mustamaija and build high-latitude ocean miles

Sail Largs to Vestmannaeyjar via St Kilda: 850nm North Atlantic Expedition

Sailing from Largs Yacht Haven on Scotland’s west coast to the volcanic harbour of Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) in Iceland is a high-latitude ocean adventure. Spanning 850 nautical miles across 8 days, this passage combines Hebridean navigation, an offshore landfall at the remote archipelago of St Kilda, and an open North Atlantic ocean leg—making it an ideal RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying voyage for ambitious sailors.

Your sailing adventure

Leaving the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde, your voyage begins with a tactical coastal passage through the Hebrides, rounding the exposed headlands of Western Scotland towards the isolated UNESCO World Heritage archipelago of St Kilda. Weather permitting, stepping ashore or anchoring amidst Hirta’s dramatic sea cliffs and puffin colonies provides an unforgettable stepping stone before launching into the deep water of the North Atlantic toward Iceland.

Once clear of St Kilda, the passage takes on a true blue-water rhythm. Heading northwest across 60° North into sub-arctic waters, you will join a active 24-hour watch system—standing watches under the midnight twilight of northern midsummer, tracking weather fronts, helming through North Atlantic swells, and maintaining ocean logkeeping.

Your northern landfall is Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands), an extraordinary volcanic island group off Iceland’s south coast. Navigating the narrow, lava-walled entry into the harbour of Heimaey provides a dramatic finish to a rewarding high-latitude crossing.

Life on board & boat handling

Ocean passage-making of this scale offers a rare opportunity to settle into the rhythm of offshore life. Standing rotating watches under brilliant night skies, helming in deep ocean swells, and taking charge of sail trim on long trade-wind stretches are all integral parts of the experience.

  • Ocean navigation & weather routing: Working with the skipper to track weather systems around the Azores High, and understand route choices as we cross the Atlantic.
  • Coastal pilotage & landfall: Assisting the skipper with pilotage planning, identifying buoyage and coastal lights, and working through tidal calculations for Hebridean passes and our volcanic entry into Vestmannaeyjar harbour..
  • Watchkeeping & night helming: Taking an active part in the 24-hour watch system, helming through ocean swells, monitoring AIS and digital radar, and keeping a safe lookout.
  • Vessel seamanship & boat checks: Participating in daily deck and engine inspections, sail trimming, reefing, and managing power and freshwater conservation onboard.
  • Celestial navigation & YMO practice: Practicing sextant sights, sun reductions, and ocean logkeeping alongside the skipper — ideal for RYA Yachtmaster Ocean candidates.

Dates

2nd July 2027: Largs, Scotland - Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland; 8 days for £1695

Price

The price as with all our trips, all onboard expenses are included with no hidden costs or surprises. The price includes:

  • Onboard accommodation;
  • All onboard meals and snacks;
  • Fuel and gas;
  • Skipper/guide;
  • First mate/engineer;
  • Marina and harbour fees;
  • Bedding (sheet and pillowcase).

Optional items not included in the price: oilskins hire (£3.50 per item per day), sleeping bags (£25 per stay), final cleaning service (£12.50 per person), visitor fees for museums or attractions, flights, travel insurance, car hire, transfers to and from the start or end destinations, meals in restaurants, and other personal expenses, etc.

Classic steel staysail schooner Mustamaija

Latest addition to our fleet, Mustamaija was designed by the renowned Dutch naval architect H. Lunstroo Jr. and built in Finland at the Lappeenrannan Shipyard. Mustamaija represents the perfect union of Northern craftsmanship, strength, and elegance. Conceived by a group of Finnish yachtsmen and businessmen who planned to operate her in syndicated ownership, her construction began in 1981 and she was commissioned in time for the 1984 sailing season.

From the beginning, Mustamaija was designed and built to last — a robust steel vessel created for safe, long-distance voyaging and capable of thriving in demanding ocean conditions. Her hull, deck, and superstructure are all steel, complemented by a long keel, fully supported rudder, and protected propeller shaft — a combination that ensures exceptional strength, directional stability, and safety at sea.

Her design draws on the timeless beauty of the classic staysail schooner form. Balanced proportions, elegant sheer, and well-managed sail handling make her not only one of the most graceful yachts afloat, but also a practical and efficient vessel under sail. Her twin masts and staysail rig provide flexibility in all conditions, with easily managed sail plans for both heavy-weather and light-air performance.

Over her lifetime, Mustamaija has benefited from a comprehensive programme of maintenance, refits, and upgrades. Among her many improvements are a completely renewed teak deck, modern navigation systems, and upgraded onboard infrastructure. Her navigation suite now includes Raymarine Axiom plotters, Quantum 2 radar, and a Simrad autopilot, offering precision and reliability on extended ocean passages. Power is provided by a Perkins Sabre 130 hp diesel engine and a Whisper Power 8 kVA generator, complemented by new electrical systems and batteries to support life onboard.

Her interior combines functionality and comfort in classic Northern style. Warm teak joinery, soft leather upholstery, and finely finished fittings create a calm, welcoming environment for both crew and guests. She accommodates up to twelve people in four twin guest cabins, a private aft owner’s double cabin, and a forward skipper’s cabin, with two large bathrooms and modern galley facilities. The layout is spacious, well-ventilated, and designed for life at sea — elegant enough for harbour life, yet practical and durable for ocean voyages.

Mustamaija is built for distance and endurance. Her construction, equipment, and design philosophy reflect a yacht made for genuine exploration. Decades of careful ownership and professional maintenance have preserved her strength and reliability, ensuring she remains ready to meet the demands of high-latitude sailing.

Key features

  • Classic staysail schooner designed by H. Lunstroo Jr. (Netherlands);

  • Steel construction by Lappeenrannan Shipyard, Finland (commissioned 1984);
  • Professionally maintained with continuous upgrades;
  • Traditional schooner rig, ideal for offshore expedition sailing;
  • Spacious, well-equipped interior and ocean-ready systems;
  • Proven high-latitude capability with robust build;
  • LOA: 19.00 m  |  Beam: 4.75 m  |  Draft: 2.50 m;
  • Displacement: approx. 40 t  |  Berths: up to 12;
  • Engine: Perkins Sabre M130C 130 hp  |  Generator: Whisper Power 8 kVA;
  • Bow thruster: Sleipner SidePower 11 kW  |  Air conditioning: Climma DC inverter 50,000 BTU;
  • Electronics: Raymarine Axiom plotters, Quantum 2 radar, Simrad autopilot, B&G VHF with AIS;
  • Deck: Teak deck (renewed 2020), self-tailing winches, Lofrans anchor windlass;
  • Tender: Highfield Ultralite 3.1 m RIB with Yamaha 9.9 hp outboard;
  • Recent Refit: Comprehensive 2020–2024 programme including engine overhaul and electronics upgrade.

Preparing your journey

Our sailings are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with previous experience. Our skippers are RYA instructors with extensive sea time, and they will support you whatever your level, offering guidance and practical tips throughout. This is an involved passage and the crew will be part of the boat preparation, general running of life onboard and the watch system that make it happen.

If you have little-to-no experience, please email us at admin@gowestsailing.com so we can chat through sea life with you. We can advise you on what you should pack and bring on board and hire waterproof garments typically worn by sailors. We will let you know everything you need to get to and from the boat based on our previous experience. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Book your spot below or phone us if you have any questions +44(0)1475 789837, you can also chat to us on WhatsApp.

 

 

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