Spending half the year waiting on Spring and Summer to come around again seems like the ultimate waste of good sailing time to us. Here’s our guide to why sailing in Scotland in winter is the ultimate adventure experience:
The Weather
The weather is either going to be a charm or a challenge when sailing in Scotland in winter. If you strike it lucky, you can be handsomely rewarded with beautiful clear and crisp conditions that really highlight the already beautiful Scottish landscape and colour schemes. If the weather is less than good, then you’ll have the adrenaline charged challenge of staying one step ahead of it.
Caption: Striking it lucky with the weather on a winter sail. #FlamingoYachtCharters
Empty Waters
Since it is colder, and the weather and wind can be more intense during winter, there tend to be less people and boats around than in spring and summer. So, although winter sailing in Scotland can be an adventurous experience, it can also be a peaceful one where you will have the best anchorages all to yourself.
Caption: Colder weather means emptier waters. Just you, the boat and the sea. #FlamingoYachtCharters
The winter sun, moon and stars.
Although the days are much shorter in winter, you can often be rewarded with beautiful crisp winter sunshine. When anchored for the night in the perfect spot, there is nothing quite like viewing the stars in the winter sky – particularly when the night lasts for longer. Time your trip correctly, and you could even make use of a winter full moon during your sailing trip for a truly spectacular night sail. You may also be really lucky and experience the mysterious delights of the Northern Lights as they dance across the sky – you will never forget this magical sight.
Caption: The winter skies are very rewarding. Nowhere better to see them than from a boat. #FlamingoYachtCharters
The variety of the Scottish Coast.
Parts of the waters in and around
Scotland’s coasts – particularly the west coast - offer challenge and exhilaration to even the
most experienced sailors, thanks to the geography and the conditions. The same factors mean that there’s an
adventure to be had almost everywhere you sail to – with castles, distilleries,
mountains and rugged shore in constant proximity.
Caption: Sailing on the Scottish
west coast offers plenty to see and do. #FlamingoYachtCharters
The wildlife
Whilst out on the water, you’ll
be able to spot a huge array of wildlife both on and off the water. There are
many migratory birds from colder climates wintering here each year – like the
thousands of geese that you can spot in and around Islay. Keeping your eyes on
the skies might reward you with a sighting of the elusive native sea eagle or
golden eagle. At sea level, there’s a chance of seeing secretive otters, dolphins,
porpoises, basking sharks and whales as well as plenty of playful seals.
Caption: Just some of the winter wildlife on offer. #FlamingoYachtCharters
The reward of rest and recuperation.
After a day’s sailing in winter
in Scotland, there is nothing like rewarding yourself with a warm drink and
meal below deck or in one of the cosy local pubs to be found all along the
coast.
Would you love to set sail on the west coast of Scotland?
If this blog has given you a taste
of the wonders of the west coast waters, then perhaps we can help you set sail
with one of our yacht charters.
Flamingo Yacht Charters is based
in Largs on the west coast of Scotland. We offer a substantial range of yachts
for hire - one of the best ranges in
Scotland. If you are planning a sailing trip from the west coast of Scotland,
then please do get in touch to discuss your needs. You can find out more about us at flamingoyachts.com or on our Flamingo Yacht Charters Facebook page.