Our classic vessel, the St Hilda, is a traditional, beamy, 54ft wooden (larch on oak) ketch, converted to provide roomy accommodation for up to 6 guests.  She is ideal for a family sailing holiday on the West Coast of Scotland but is perfect for single travellers and couples too. The St Hilda is ideal for learning how to sail and navigate, exploring sea lochs and coastlines and for simply messing about on the water. She was built in 1973 in the St Monans family boatyard in Fife, specifically for sail training with a crew of 14, which is why she is spacious for a yacht. She is one of the smallest of the “Tall Ships” and has competed in several Tall Ship races. She has a powerful, six cylinder Kelvin diesel engine and is sturdy and stable

A sailing holiday on board the St Hilda is fun and informal.  The roomy deck saloon is where everyone dines and socialises and the outdoor decks are perfect for relaxing when the boat is at anchor. Cabins are cosy and comfortable and the shower and toilet offer a high standard for a yacht. A favourite place is the wheelhouse where skipper Michael is happy to provide instruction on steering the boat and navigation. The St Hilda provides a perfect family sailing holiday in one of the most beautiful areas of the West Coast of Scotland. Youngsters love having a shot at hauling up the sails, setting the jib, main and mizzen and raising the anchor, and adults do too!  Cook Colette provides wonderful meals from the galley which is well kitted out. The boat carries two tenders to take you ashore or explore shallow waters. There is plenty of room on deck to carry canoes, windsurfers or cycles, if you wish to bring your own.

Your skipper Michael, and owner of the St Hilda, is a scientist, author and publisher (and of course a professional skipper) but more importantly he is passionate about boats, sailing, the environment and the sea lochs of Argyll. He is happy to pass on knowledge to those on board while ensuring his shipmates have as much fun as possible.