Whisky Sailing Handbook
Welcome aboard the Whisky Sailing Xperience!
We're thrilled to have you joining us for a week of sailing, whisky tasting, and exploring the beautiful Islay island in Scotland and the Crinan Canal.
This handbook is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your adventure with us. From the itinerary and safety guidelines to the whisky distilleries and local attractions, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable journey on the sea and on land.
Handbook Chapters
01. Itinerary
Our sailing route starts in Largs, passes south of the Isle of Arran with a stop at Lamlash Bay. Continuing west to Campbeltown Marina where we spend the evening and depart at sunrise.
It skirts Kintyre in the south and climbs north-west to the famous whisky island of Islay. In Port Elen we will spend 2 nights so that we can take in as much of what the region has to offer.
After we've been delighted by the selection of spirits, we'll leave early for Crinan Canal, which is said to have the best sky in the UK on clear nights. The channel crossing will be done at dawn to Portavadie where a premium SPA center will reward us for the miles traveled.
The return to Largs will be made on Friday at 17.00 and we can have our last dinner together at the Scots Restaurant in the marina.
*The above schedule depends on wind and weather, the opening hours/days of the various distilleries and sights to visit. It is possible that this program is deviated from, the purpose of the above program is mainly to give an impression of what our guests can expect from this trip
Adventure starts on May 24th at 1400 hours.
Once we check-in on the boats there will be a cabin draw, followed by a safety briefing and we’re on our way.
Day 1: LARGS - LAMLASH
14:00 - Yacht Haven marina group meeting
16:00 - check in on the yachts
16:30 - ETD, dist: 18 Nm - ETE - 4 hours
20:00 - drop anchor in Lamlash Bay
20:45 - dinner on the shore or on the boat
23:30 - we return to the boats
Restaurants
In Scotland you can eat at a restaurant, tavern, inn or pub. Gourmets say that the best and most authentic culinary experience can be had at the tavern or the inn, which are most often frequented by locals. You can choose from our recommendations or propose your favorite locations to the group.
12 people / table. Reservations must be done 14 days in advance.
8 people / table. Reservations must be done 30 days in advance.
Day 2: LAMLASH - CAMPBELTOWN
This is the right spot for an “instagramable” breakfast. The golf backdrop will make a lot of people envious. We lift the anchor, raise the main sail and head to our next destination.
09:30 - ETD, dist: 18 Nm - ETE - 4 hours
14:30 - dock in Campbeltown Marina
15:00 - Free time, explore Campbeltown
17:00 - whisky tasting and dinner at one of the best whisky bars in UK
Restaurants
Cambeltown is a stylish port-town with lots of cafes, taverns and restaurants. If you need a little bit of guidance use this Tripadvisor list.
Distilleries
The modern KILKERRAN and the traditional SPRINGBANK are there, but because it’s a Sunday, distilleries are closed so that is why we’ve booked the Ardshiel bar just for us! (you can still visit the premises for the instagram pictures)
The tasting flights are included in the Xperience, and the food menu will be on each one of us, that’s a traditional scottish menu of meat or vegetarian (will make a poll on the whatsapp group, don’t forget to join)
Day 3: CAMPBELTOWN - PORT ELLEN
Rise and shine! We’re heading to Islay today! If you’re not a morning person, don’t worry, you can nap on the way.
06:00 - ETD, dist: 45 Nm - ETE - 9 hours
15:00 - dock in Port Ellen
15:30 - lunch
16:00 - distillery tour
19:30 - sightseeing in Port Ellen
Restaurants
Port Ellen is a small town by the sea. Restaurant wise … there are only five and you can check them out on this list. They all offer seafood, local Scottish dishes and lots of beer.
Distilleries
In Port Ellen things get interesting. We’ll be spending half a day visiting the well known Three Distilleries Pathway.
one of the distillery tour and tasting is on us* - we’ll know closer to the date wich one
*the Lagavulin tour is included in the Sailing Xperience ticket.
Day 4: PORT ELLEN
Tuesday is Islay exploration day. Taxies and busses can take you up and down the whole island. Port Askaig to the north or Port Charlotte to the west; regardless of which direction you chose there’s a distillery or a tavern waiting to show you what Scotland has to offer best.
Roam and have fun on Islay. There are busses to just about any destination every hour. Taxies should be reserved 3 weeks in advance.
This year also the resurrected Port Ellen Distillery will be opened and is close to our marina - It is also the festival day in Islay and we’ ll join
Restaurants
There’s a long list of restaurant and inns right here. Chose based on your whereabouts and culinary preferences; but don’t forget some of the best memories happen by accident.
Distilleries
The whole island is filled to the brim with distilleries. Some world renowned, others are local gems. Here’s a list to get you started. Looking for non-whisky attractions on the island is like looking for a needle in a hay-stack … we’re not saying you won’t find any, but it’s not going to be easy.
Start your day early (09:30), do use the taxis and public transportation.
Bruichladdich and Port Askaig offer free whisky tastings.
Day 5: PORT ELLEN - CRINAN
On our 5th day we’re heading to Crinan Canal. We’re sure you’ve missed the sailing part for the past two days on shore. Don’t worry the skipper is the only one waking up before 10:00.
05:45 - ETD, dist: 40 Nm - ETE - 8 hours
13:45 - crossing Crinan as much as we can
17:30 - dinner on board or in a hidden village
21:00 - Crinan night stories (whisky drinking) on the yachts
Restaurants
The few restaurants in and around Crinan have great reviews. There’s always the option of cooking on the boat with the added bonus of being right there for the night sky. It should be the brightest in all United Kingdom … if' it’s not cloudy.
Reservations are mandatory.
Activities
There’s always the choice of walking along side the canal or exploring it by bicycle. It should be like a welcomed walk in the park after all the sailing we’ve done so far. On the west side there’s a remote beach where seals and walruses rest. That’s a cool spot for some wildlife pictures.
Day 6: CRINAN - PORTAVADIE
It’s SPA day! Well … we need to get there first. We’ll be traveling through the canal tying and untying at every lock, spinning vanes and sailing towards Portavadie marina.
09:00 - ETD, dist: 18 Nm - ETE - 6 hours
15:30 - docking in Portavadie
16:00 - SPA time (last entry)
20:00 - dinner
Restaurants
Portavadie is comprised of a marina, a restaurant, a lounge area, one SPA and one gift shop. We’re all having dinner at the restaurant and whatever we didn’t do on this day we can do tomorrow morning.
Reservations for 6 people or more should be done by direct contact of the restaurant. For smaller gatherings you can use this site.
Day 7: PORTAVADIE - LARGS
All the good things in life must come to an end. Friday head back to Largs with a surprise whisky tasting along the way.
09:30 - ETD, dist: 22 Nm - ETE - 4 hours
13:30 - lunch on board
14:45 - set sail for Largs
17:00 - Largs
Important note!
This stop at Arran has been always our objective, but with the weather conditions and also time constraints, we have never reached it, let’s how fortunate you are!
Restaurants
Friday will be an exciting day, going from Portavafie to Arran Distillery (2 hours stop). Time to do a whisky tasting and to have lunch at Casks Cafe.
Distilleries
The last distillery on this trip will be Arran. Some say they use the purest water for their whisky.
Day 8: LARGS
09:00 - check out
Once arrived at the Largs marina the boats will be refilled with diesel, there will be some financial housekeeping by splitting all the marina fees and anchorage fees and fuel costs between all the crew members (we’re leaving the skipper out for this one).
This adventure has to reach an end but we’re confident it’s just the beginning of a long line of memories, whisky tastings and storytelling that is soon to come.
Do tag us on Instagram with @sailingxperience @adriela.laura @the_romanian_skipper
02. Sailing Safety
We believe that every sailor should have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle any situation that may arise while out on the water. Our experienced skippers will provide you with comprehensive safety training, including the proper use of safety equipment, navigation rules, and emergency procedures.
Before setting sail, we will conduct a thorough safety briefing, covering topics such as weather conditions, potential hazards, and the location of safety equipment. We require all participants to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times while on the water.
In addition, we maintain our vessels to the highest standards of safety and maintenance. We conduct regular safety checks and ensure that all equipment is in good working order. Our goal is to provide you with a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, so that you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the sea with peace of mind.
03. Weather
Weather conditions can have a significant impact on our sailing adventure. We always keep a close eye on the forecast and make sure to plan our itinerary accordingly. This trip falls perfectly in the middle of the summer so we can expect mostly sunny and warm weather (well, for Scotland anyway), but there may be occasional storms or high winds that we need to prepare for.
In case of adverse weather conditions, we will make sure to adjust our route or delay our departure to ensure safety. Our crew will also provide safety instructions and procedures to follow in case of emergency.
To maximize safety and fun, we recommend bringing appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, such as rain gear, warm layers, and sun protection. We also advise bringing non-slip shoes and securing all loose items on board. By being prepared and taking necessary precautions, we can enjoy a safe and unforgettable sailing adventure regardless of the weather conditions.
04. Accommodations
We will be staying on board our comfortable and somewhat spacious sailing boats. Each boat is fully equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable week on board. The boats feature cozy heated cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom facilities, and a comfortable lounge area for relaxing and socializing (also known as drinking the “catch of the day”).
Please note that the accommodations on board are cozy, but not luxurious. Please bring your own towels. Please keep in mind that space is limited on board, so we recommend packing lightly and not in hard cases.
We strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible, and our team is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have during your stay on board.
05. What to Pack
We do not have any commercial interest in the links provided, they are pure informative, as a guideline!!
Also the ski gear can be used, or any mountain gear, if you choose decathlon the minimum range is 300, any smaller series is useless.
Sugestion links:
It's important to pack light and bring only the essentials. We recommend packing clothes that are comfortable, quick-drying, and suitable for both warm and cool weather. Here are some suggested items to pack:
A windproof and waterproof jacket
A warm fleece or sweater
Shorts and/or lightweight pants
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sturdy and comfortable shoes with non-slip soles
Toiletries, including sunscreen and any necessary medication
Towel
Light Sleeping bag/light blanket
A light backpack / daypack for carrying essentials ashore
When packing, remember to prioritize functionality over fashion. Choose clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched, and opt for items that can serve multiple purposes. Packing light will not only make it easier to navigate the boat and pack and unpack, but it will also reduce the overall weight of the boat, making it more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.
As a general rule, try to limit your packing to one small bag or backpack per person. This will help keep the boat uncluttered and ensure that everyone has enough storage space for their personal items.
06. Food and Beverages
We provide the coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the trip. However, for meals, guests are responsible for contributing to the provisions on board, which will cover some lunches and dinners during the trip. We recommend planning for around 70 GBP per person for the week for alcoholic drinks and food but don’t let us stop you if all you want is caviar and salted butter and baguettes for the whole week! Jokes aside, we feel that every boat / crew should communicate their dietary restrictions if applicable and then elaborate on a shopping list for the whole week.
Also you’ve probably noticed that we have outlined recommended restaurants and pubs for each day in the itinerary part of this page. These are suggestions based on our experience in the area and we encourage guests to explore and discover new places to eat and drink along the way. We believe that trying the local cuisine and meeting new people is part of the adventure and we hope that you'll have a great time discovering new flavors and experiences during your trip.
07. Distillery Tours
As part of the Whisky Sailing Xperience program, we are thrilled to offer our guests one distillery tour included in the price: Lagavulin, Laphroaig or Ardbeg and Ardshiel Whisky Bar. These tours are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the fascinating process of making whisky and to taste some of the finest single malts Islay and Campbeltown have to offer.
We want to ensure our guests have the flexibility to choose which distilleries they want to visit, which is why we've left some of the other tours as optional extras. If you're interested in visiting any of the distilleries that are not included in the program, we recommend making reservations in advance to guarantee availability. Additionally, please note that some of these tours may have an extra cost.
No matter which distilleries you choose to visit, we're confident you'll have a memorable experience and leave with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and passion that goes into making Scotland's beloved whisky.
08. Additional Expenses
We’re not counting all the bottles you want to bring back home.
In terms of distillery tours other distilleries require a reservation in advance and may cost an additional 20-30 GBP per person per entry. We believe this allows our guests to choose which distilleries they are interested in visiting and tailor their experience accordingly.
Finally, diesel will need to be purchased for the boat at the end of the trip, and the cost will be split between the crew, typically around 30 GBP per person. We want to be transparent about all additional expenses so that our guests can enjoy their sailing experience with peace of mind.
09. Sum up
At check-in the skipper will collect, in cash, the following amounts:
70 GBP - for the provisions
30 GBP - for the diesel
100 GBP - Boat deposit (this is going to be fully refunded to you at the end of the week) if no damage is caused by the crew
10. FAQs
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The only one that comes to mind is the SPA we’re eager to go to in Portavadie. It’s on Day 6 of the trip.
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You can cancel anytime, but the advance payment it is not refundable and also the balance is not.
If you find someone to replace you then you’ll get your money back.
The only exception is if you have a very sold motiv and in that case you can join any other SXP event for in the next 12 months
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You should be insured even for going to buy a bread from the local grocery. Medical emergencies are rare but expensive so why not be insured for the price of 3 pints.
Most of the credit/debit card include travel insurance, just check if leisure sailing is included. (Revolut does)
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Well…YES! As you already know because you’ve read it, the provisions will include alcohol so make sure when we make the shopping list to make sure your favourite drink is on the list
BTW we share the provisions, so if your bottle is just for you, keep it in your cabin :)
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We recommend 1-2 nights before or after the sailing Xperience to allow for Edinburgh or Glasgow, but you’re a grown up so choose your accommodation according to your budget and level of comfort.
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Ah…the internet…yes it is available as long as your phone has a GSM connection. UK is not EU anymore so read your operators conditions for Roaming.
Maybe, an E sim with internet might be a thing.
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The music will be available via bluetooth, if your music is good we’ll be happy to listen to it, it is a holiday.
What is good music? Let’s say the one you’ll play it when tasting a fine dram.