PROVIDENT – A CENTURY OF HERITAGE UNDER SAIL
Provident is a magnificent 101-year-old Brixham sailing trawler, one of the last of her kind and a proud icon of Britain’s rich maritime heritage. Built in 1924 to work the demanding waters of the English Channel, she has since been lovingly restored and maintained, now offering unforgettable sailing holidays with the perfect blend of tradition, comfort and adventure.
Originally designed for strength and practicality, Brixham trawlers were the workhorses of the fishing fleets – powerful, gaff-rigged vessels built to withstand the toughest of seas. Provident embodies all the character and charm of these hardy boats, yet she has been thoughtfully adapted for modern cruising. Her wide decks, solid oak construction and generous beam offer unrivalled stability and safety, making her an ideal vessel for seasoned sailors and curious beginners alike.
Today, Provident sails Scotland’s wild and breathtaking west coast, including the Hebrides, Skye, and rarely reached remote anchorages. She offers a hands-on sailing experience, inviting guests to hoist sails, take the helm, or simply sit back and enjoy the timeless rhythm of life at sea. Whether you're navigating between islands, spotting dolphins off the bow, or sharing stories in the glow of the galley lantern, every voyage aboard Provident is a journey into the heart of maritime tradition.
ACCOMMODATION
Step below and you’ll find a warm, welcoming saloon with ample seating, a large communal table, and a well-equipped galley where delicious home-cooked meals are prepared by the onboard chef. Meals are made using local ingredients whenever possible and shared family-style after a day in the salt air.
Our four small but perfectly formed and comfortable cabins accommodate 8 to 10 guests. Two toilets and a hot shower provide essential comforts, while the oak frames and varnished woodwork retain all the charm of a classic vessel.
Provident is usually crewed by a skipper, mate and cook – all highly experienced sailors with a passion for sharing their knowledge and love of the sea. Guests are encouraged to join in with sailing duties, whether it’s raising the sails, learning to read the wind, or helping with navigation.
ACCOMMODATION
Number of guest berths: 8
Number of bathrooms: 2 (with one shower)
Cabin configuration: 4 twin cabins
Smoking policy: On deck only
PARTICULARS
Port of Registration: Brixham
Year built: 1924
Length overall: 90’ / 27m
Draft: 9’ / 2.7m
Sail Area: 4000 sq ft
Number of Sails: up to 8 at a time
Rig: Gaff ketch (Note: some sources describe Provident as a gaff cutter, but she's traditionally rigged as a gaff ketch with main and mizzen masts)
Crew: 3–4 (Skipper, Mate, Cook, plus additional crew for longer passages)
SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION
ON PROVIDENT
Provident has four twin cabins. We welcome groups of any size up to a maximum of ten. We want to welcome solo travellers. If you are travelling alone we will discuss who you might share with. If you would like a cabin to yourself, please let us know as there will be a 50% surcharge.
The forepeak is our biggest cabin. It could be suitable for guests with extra physical needs. It has a small double, a standard single and an additional single going cross-wise. This cabin could be booked by a group of three or even a family of four. The additional bunk can only be booked by a group along with the two other bunks. The price for a group of three; is three for the price of two and a half. I.e. the third place is half price. For a family of four please contact us to discuss your booking.
Our narrowest bunk is 60cm in width. Please consider if this will be ok for you. If you are concerned about this, please let us know as we have wider bunks available (subject to availability).
You may want to book the whole boat for a group of friends who have a plan. For example we could take a group of walkers, wild swimmers, divers or bird watchers. Call us if you would like to discuss this.
A TRUE SAILOR’S ADVENTURE
With her heavy canvas sails, sturdy rig and broad decks, Provident is more than a boat – she’s a living piece of history. She offers the chance to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature, the sea, and a slower, more meaningful way of travelling.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or simply a peaceful escape, Provident offers an unforgettable journey where nature takes centre stage. No sailing experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure and a love for the great outdoors.
There’s nothing quite like the sense of freedom and wellbeing that comes from setting sail, leaving the stresses of modern life behind, and immersing yourself in the beauty of the open sea. On board Provident, you’ll sail through clear blue waters, discover hidden anchorages, explore remote islands and enjoy the simple pleasures of life at sea.
A Provident holiday will appeal to those of you who want to tread lightly on our planet. Our adventures under sail offer the perfect holiday for the eco-tourists amongst you who want to travel under sail and explore some of Scotland’s unspoiled beauty.
Sailing whenever we can we will aim for the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. You’ll have the chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Hebridean islands, venture ashore to explore places rarely visited by others, walk along deserted beaches, wander far from the beaten path and discover the traces of long lost island communities. We can spot incredible wildlife, from soaring sea eagles to inquisitive seals and watch the amazing sea birds as they fly into their breeding grounds for the spring and summer months.
In midsummer it hardly gets dark. A sunset in a west facing bay at 11 o’clock at night with a dram in hand is a mystical experience. When night finally falls, far from artificial lights, you’ll be treated to a breath-taking display of stars, with the dark night sky stretching endlessly overhead.
After a day of adventure, retreat to our cosy deckhouse, where you can relax with your crew mates and try one of the local beers, gins inspired by the botanicals of the seashore and whisky (of course!) All our meals are cooked from scratch and our talented chefs will amaze you with what they can magic up from the tiny galley. Evenings are spent round the big saloon table where you can swap stories of the day and plot the next adventure. Need some time to yourself? Our four small but perfectly formed and comfortable cabins accommodate 8 to 10 guests. Book your own, share with a friend or make a new one.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard
- Provident.