Exploring under sail. a Hebridean islands odyssey…

Provident is very much a sailing vessel.  In fact, when she was first launched, and during her fishing years, there was no engine so sailing was the only option.  This being so, you can probably imagine that a Brixham trawler like Provident sails rather well.

We welcome everyone on board whether you are an old tar or a complete novice.  Prior knowledge or experience is not required. Just being on board a vessel like this, as she powers through the waves, is a great experience.  There’s absolutely no pressure on anyone to do any rope pulling. You might rather hone your navigation skills or spot the seabirds as they cruise past us.

We think that sailing should be accessible to everyone.  There is really no need for athletics and we will always find a role that suits you.  If you have any doubts about your physical ability give us a ring and we’ll see if we can find a way to make it work.

The ethos on Provident is for everyone to work together and soon we will be operating as a team.  Changing direction on a sailing boat is called a tack - a well executed tack is one of life’s great pleasures and pleasure is what it’s all about. 

Provident may have a traditional rig, but she has all the latest safety and navigational equipment maintained to the highest standards. 

Heading down from the shelter of the deck house, a companionway leads to the main saloon and galley.  Originally built to hold a giant haul of fresh fish, there’s plenty of room down below.  The saloon has seating for everyone around a beautifully varnished wooden table.  This is where we share meals and while away the evenings with stories.  

There are four guest cabins, three have twin bunks. The forecabin is a little different. This is larger and accessible to anyone who may have limited mobility or other special needs. It has one large bunk which could be a friendly double, and two single bunks. All the bunks have varnished wooden front panels to keep you safely tucked in, even when the boat is moving. 

On our regular trips we drop anchor or tie up in a harbour over night. Guests who have previously sailed on fibreglass yachts may be surprised to find that life below deck on a sturdy wooden boat is much quieter.

For her new life in Scotland, central heating has been installed. At any time while you’re on board you’ll be able to find somewhere comfortable to relax.  There’s always something to be done on a sailing boat but there’s rarely anything particularity urgent. 

One of the best things about sailing on the west of Scotland is that every day is different and we never know exactly what we’ll get.

But….. The day pretty much always begins with breakfast at eight. This will be tea, coffee, orange juice, muesli, yoghurt, and toast. Or if you want something hot we can cook up eggs or porridge.

Over breakfast we’ll have a chat about the weather and refine our plans.

Next we pull the anchor up and get some sails hoisted and get going.

Everyone is welcome to join in with the sailing fun. This might be taking a turn at the helm, hoisting and trimming the sails or getting involved with navigation.

The skipper and crew will be delighted to walk you through all of this so whether your a seasoned sailor or particularly if it’s all new to you we’ll be there to help and to show you the way.

There’s always something to do but never any pressure. You’re going to be on holiday after all and we very much encourage complete relaxation.

It’s very easy to while away the hours watching the waves and coastline glide by or scanning the horizon for wildlife.

Around eleven we’ll have tea or coffee then after more sailing we’ll grab a bit of lunch. We normally eat on the go, often on deck. Lunch is usually a light pasta dish, soup or perhaps a home baked sausage roll.

Some days are spent sailing, other times we’ll drop the anchor and go wandering. This might be exploring the upper reaches of Loch Tarbert on Jura, a visit to a tiny distillery on the Morvan peninsula, a walk to a thousand year old monastery or a visit to a viking shipyard on Skye.

One of our favourite things is to drop a walking group off in one place and pick them up at another spot.

On Provident we are pretty keen on tea. So we have more tea in the afternoon. Most days this comes with delicious freshly baked cake.

And we bake bread on board most days too.

By late afternoon we’ve normally found a good anchorage and furled the sails away in time for early evening drinks and dinner around the saloon table at about half past seven.

Some days we sail all day, sometimes we walk all day, sometimes its windy and we go far and fast, sometimes its calm and we drift serenely in the sunshine. Sometimes the wind is just where we want it, sometimes we have to be canny and use a bit of skill and cunning to get to where we want to. Some nights we’ll pull into a harbour, maybe we’ll go to the pub and listen to music, other nights we’ll anchor in the remotest places, calm and silent.

We’ll often see the most amazing wildlife… dolphins, whales and an incredible variety of seabirds.

Sometimes its wet and windy. On these days we’ll take turns on the helm, then dry off in the cozyi deck house. These days can be fantastic, the coastline shrouded in clouds can be breathtaking and there’s an almost indescribable pleasure to getting warm and dry then sitting down to a great meal while it’s howling outside.

Some days the sky is blue from dawn till dusk. In mid summer this can be twenty hours of sunshine with crystal blue waters and sandy beaches to explore.

It’s always different, always amazing and even after years of exploring this amazing place there’s always something new to discover.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

• All safety equipment

• Bedding

• All food.  (Beer, wine and whisky is available on board for an extra charge)

• CLOTHES

• Casual

• WATERPROOF STUFF

  The sort of gear you would wear for a good walk will be fine.

• SOME WARM CLOTHES

  Even in summer the sea can keep the air cool as we head off shore. Layers are good as Provident is warm below deck but can be chilly on deck.

• HATS AND GLOVES

  A woolly hat is a good idea as it can be cold in the wind. If you have sailing or other gloves that you can use while working the ropes or to keep your hands warm at the helm then bring them. We have some spare sailing gloves on board so no need to buy them specially.

• SENSIBLE SHOES

  Something non slip. Walking boots are ideal but you might want to make sure you waterproof them before you come. Wellies are sometimes handy too.

• SUN PROTECTION

  In summer time the sun bounces off the water so you can get a double hit.

• MEDICINE

  Bring your regular medicines you need plus paracetamol and sea sickness tablets. We can give advice on this. (See terms and conditions)

• SOFT BAG

  Bring your stuff in a soft bag or holdall. Rigid suitcases take up too much room.

• TECH

  Bring your phones etc. All the cabins have USB charging points. It may be a good idea to bring a decent cover for your phone. We do our best to go places where there isn’t any phone signal but we can’t guarantee this. By all means bring other tech (cameras etc.) but be aware that the environment on board isn’t entirely sympathetic to sensitive electronics. Think about how you will protect your gear from the elements. We can’t be responsible for any damage to your kit.

• A TOWEL

  As Douglas Adams taught us, Every one should know where their towel is.

SAMPLE DINNER MENU ONE

STARTER

Smoked mackerel on an apple slices with paprika and dill,

MAIN

Local Haddock with tomato and olive salsa and pureed potatoes

PUDDING

Scottish Strawberries with Cream

SAMPLE DINNER MENU TWO

SKIPPERS CURRY NIGHT

Popadoms with pickles, Onion bhajis, Black lentil Dahl, Aubergine and Coconut curry, Raita, Pilau Rice, Cumin Paneer.

PUDDING

Rum and pineapple salad with almonds and coconut yogurt.

SAMPLE DINNER MENU THREE

STARTER

Smoked mussels

MAIN

Haggis neeps and tatties

PUDDING

Cranachan

SAMPLE DINNER MENU FOUR

STARTER

Beetroot and ricotta salad

MAIN

Scottish Lamb marinated and roasted in ablend of sun dried tomatoes, bags of herbs, lots of booze and loads of other yummy things with roast potatoes.

PUDDING

Mango cheesecake

All our voyages start at 14:00 and end at 10:00

We encourage our guests to use public transport when possible.

Voyages starting at Craobh Haven.

Craobh is around twenty miles south of Oban. The post code is PA31 8UA.

Getting to Oban on the train is straight forward.  You could get a train the day before or take the train from Glasgow Queen Street at 08:22 on the departure day.  This gets to Oban at 11:27.  

Train times may vary so it would be worth double checking this when you book.

We will be in touch with you before the trip to confirm your travel plans.  When needed we will provide a free transfer from Oban Station to Craobh Haven.  The pick up point will be Oban Station.  The pick up time will be 13:00.

By car.   Pop the postcode into your satnav.  PA31 8UA.  Be aware that your satnav may suggest the A83 via Inveraray.  This is a beautiful route but is sometimes closed because of land slides.  The A85 via Taynuilt may be a better bet. There is free parking at the marina

Voyages ending at Craobh Haven.

We will arrive back at the marina before 10:00 on the last day of the trip.  The Glasgow train departs form Oban at 12:11.  Where needed we will provide a free transfer to the station.

Voyages starting at Mallaig.

By rail, You could travel the day before and stay in Mallaig or the 08:22 from Glasgow Queen Street arrives at 13:40.  

By road it’s through Fort William then up the A830 to Mallaig.  There is free parking on East Bay.

Provident will be moored at the end of the Fish Pier. It’s right at the centre of the harbour, a two minute walk from the station.

Voyages ending at Mallaig.

We will arrive back in harbour in time for guests to catch the 10:10 train to Glasgow.

FAQ Provident Sailing

How do I book a voyage?

You can send an enquiry using this form. We’ll double check availability and get back to you with a link to our guest crew information form and details of how to pay a deposit.

If you have special requests or need help, contact us directly.

Do I need sailing experience?

No experience is required. We welcome everyone. 

What happens if the weather is bad or plans change?

Our itineraries are flexible. The weather, winds, tides, and sea conditions may mean we adjust plans for safety and enjoyment. 

Where do voyages depart from / join?

Voyages join from Craobh Haven or Mallaig. The marina at Craobh is about 22 miles South of the Oban. PA31 8UA. https://www.craobhmarina.co.uk/contact/ (approximately a 30 minute drive)

In Mallaig we are usually moored at the end of the Fish Pier in the middle of the harbour.

What routes / areas do you sail?

We explore Scotland’s west coast — the Hebrides, islands, peninsulas, and remote anchorages.

Is the itinerary fixed?

No. While we may propose a route, the exact plan is adjusted day by day depending on weather conditions and guest interests.

What are the cabin arrangements?

Provident has four separate twin cabins.  They are quite cosy but with enough space for a good night’s sleep and enough room for your stuff.  All the cabins have USB charging points and LED lighting.  All the cabins have heating and there is a separate place for drying wet gear so you won’t need this in your cabin. 

I’m a solo traveller do I have to share?

We will give you your own cabin by default but if the boat is full and you don’t mind sharing we may ask you to share with another solo traveller of the same sex.

How many bathrooms / shower facilities?

There are two bathrooms, one of which includes a shower.

What are the facilities like (heating, deckhouse, etc.)?

The vessel includes a cosy deckhouse, central heating, and warm shower.

Can guests help with sailing / tasks onboard?

Yes — we love you to get involved in sailing duties (hoisting sails, steering, etc.), though it’s entirely optional.

Are there rules about smoking?

Yes — smoking is allowed on deck only (never below decks).

What should I pack or bring?

You don’t need specialist gear, but you should bring sensible clothing for wet, wind and changeable weather, non-slip shoes, waterproofs, etc. We publish a kit list in advance.

Are meals provided?

Yes — delicious home-cooked meals are prepared on board using local produce where possible. Really good food is very much at the heart of our voyages. Although we’re not into five courses of deconstructed cheesecake with micro-herbs assembled with tweezers. The food on board is hearty, healthy(ish) and wherever possible, local. Our contacts with local providers could well see us pulling lobster or langoustine straight out of the sea or calling in at South Rona for some of Bill’s island reared venison. Typically we’ll offer a good breakfast with porridge and some form of cooked indulgence. Hot drinks and snacks mid-morning. A simple lunch of home-made soup or sausage rolls or a delicious seafood sandwich. More tea and cakes in the afternoon and a delicious evening meal followed by a proper pudding.

Is the boat dry? Are alcoholic drinks available?

We have a stock of beer and wine on board which will be available at modest prices to enjoy with food. We also carry a stock of the finest whisky sourced from the areas we sail in so we will be happy to share a dram and give you some waffle…. I mean tasting notes.

Do you cater for dietary restrictions?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Am I too old, young, middle aged, wobbly, etc...?

As her name suggests, Provident has a proud tradition of providing sailing experiences to all sorts of people. We aim to continue with this and will always do whatever we can to welcome you on board. Being on a boat can be quite physical. Probably the biggest limiting factor will be the steps leading from the deck down to the saloon. The companionway has plenty of hand holds which can be a big help. If you feel ok about tackling this then there’s no problem. If you’re not sure, give us a ring and we can have a chat. We have quite a bit of experience sailing with people with physical challenges and with a bit of imagination we hope we can find a way to make this work.

Is Provident safe / suited to those with limited mobility?

The vessel is partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility, but note that going ashore or moving between decks may require agility.

Will I get seasick? …Maybe… But read on...

Even some of the competitors in the Volvo Ocean Race get seasick sometimes. Although they tend to be charging about the Southern Ocean for weeks at a time. If you are unlucky enough to be feeling a little off-colour we’ll do our best to keep you comfortable. But better still… we’ll do all that we can to keep you feeling sunny side up in the first place. For one thing Provident is a big, heavy and stable ship. Better than a modern plastic-fantastic at absorbing the waves. The way a boat is sailed and where we go makes a big difference too. One of the best things about the West of Scotland is the choice. If things are looking a bit bouncy on the open water we can head up any number of amazing sea lochs. If the waves are sideways-on while we head for a particular island? No problem, we’ll go somewhere else. The choices are endless. We also have lots of experience with various sea sickness remedies and the ultimate secret weapon is to get you steering the boat. As if by magic, the process of taking the wheel allows the brain to reassemble the world and this can have you feeling good again in no time.

Are lifejackets / safety equipment provided?

Yes — all necessary safety gear is aboard, and you’ll be briefed and guided in its use.

When and where was Provident built?

Provident was built in 1924 by Saunders & Co in Galmpton, Devon. 

What type of rig does she have?

She is rigged as a gaff ketch (historically also described as a gaff cutter for aspects of her sail plan).

What is her registration / heritage status?

Provident is listed on the National Historic Fleet, with registration number 616.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot drinks)

• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)

• Full crew plus tuition

• Marina and fuel fees

• All tender trips to and from the boat

• Lifejacket

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Alcohol and soft drinks (payable at the end of your voyage)

• Waterproofs

• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving

• Travel Insurance

• Crew tips

• Personal expenses