West Coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland - Whisky Tour

One of our spacious 4 cabin yachts will become your home for this adventure. All our yachts are commercially coded and perfect for offshore sailing, which makes even a choppy passage bearable. Our adventure sails are perfect for practicing sailing skills and getting the necessary miles or night sailing hours into your logbook, which are especially welcomed for those who are aspiring for a Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster licence.

The Route

Starting in Oban or Largs and returning to the opposite harbour, this trip combines a couple of longer passages and quite a few trips onshore for some exploring the beautiful towns, harbours and attractions that the West Coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland has to offer.

Oban to Largs:  Leaving from Oban and, depending on the forecast winds and tide, we will visit the Inner Hebrides. We are spoilt for choice in this area: there is the beautiful island of Mull, where we sometimes stop in Tobermory, otherwise known for the colourful houses of  TV's "Balamory". You will be travelling down the Sound of Jura, which has the best views you can get of the Paps of Jura. If this is not impressive enough, then we sail by the famous Gulf of Corryvreckan, which sits between the islands of Jura and Scarba. Corryvreckan is a whirlpool that is created by the strong Atlantic currents and the underwater topography which together create a tidal race and whirlpool. The island of Islay is a regular stop for us - there is a lovely high street selling traditional Scottish products and we will find time to stop at Laphroaig Whisky Distillery for a tour and a dram!  One of the favourite places for Go West to visit is Gigha. Gigha is a community owned island and is the most southerly of the Hebrides. It has a great seafood restaurant and the island produces its own ice cream.  The skipper will invite the crew to suggest other ports of call

For those who are aspiring Coastal Skippers or Yachtmasters we can make our way to Northern Ireland. This passage will help you towards the logged miles for your next qualification. We will stop at Ballycastle and visit Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, or the famous Old Bushmills Distillery. In the evening many of our crew like to sample a local delicacy – Guinness! The homeward journey will likely take you via the island of Arran, or Holy Island which is owned by a Buddhist Community.

Largs to Oban will be the reverse direction, although not necessarily visiting the same ports of call. Weather dependent, a typical adventure takes you from:

1 - Starting in Oban or Largs
2 - Crinan or Tayvallich
3 - Jura (past Paps of Jura)
4 - Gigha
5 - Islay (Port Ellen) where we visit Laphroaig Distillery
6 - Cross to Ballycastle where we visit Giants Causeway
7 - Holy Island on Arran
8 - Returning to Oban or Largs

Dates for 2026

All adventures are Sunday to Sunday, start & finish as below:

13th September 2026 - Oban to Largs - 7 days
27th September 2026 - Oban to Largs - 7 days

Price is £895 for an all inclusive sailing adventure.

Dates for 2027

All adventures are Sunday to Sunday, start & finish as below:

30th May 2027 - Oban to Largs, 7 days
18th July 2027 - Oban to Largs, 7 days
22nd August 2027 - Oban to Largs, 7 days
12th September 2027 - Oban to Largs, 7 days

Price is £995 for an all inclusive sailing adventure.

Included in the price

• 7 nights accommodation on 4 cabin yacht;
• All onboard meals and snacks;
• Fuel and gas;
• Skipper services;
• Bedding;
• All marina and harbour fees;
• Final cleaning service.

Optional - not included in the price

• Oilskins hire - £3.50 per item per day;
• Sleeping bag can be hired at £25 per period;
• Eating onshore;
• Fees for onshore facilities or attractions;
• Travel to/from the yacht.

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.