Join Sessions and Sail aboard the brigantine Lady of Avenel on an unforgettable musical journey out of Oban, exploring Jura and Iona - and aiming to reach destinations such as the Corryvreckan Race, Crinan, Colonsay and more.

This trip offers a unique blend of music, sailing, and scenic anchorages. All levels of musicians are welcome, with sail-along tutors offering workshops and guidance throughout. In the evenings, gather around the saloon table for tunes, songs, and stories with the crew.

A perfect adventure for those looking to combine musical creativity with the joy of sailing in one of Scotland’s most beautiful coastal regions.

The trip will be a combination of music workshops, collaborative sessions, and sailing adventures. Each day, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique blend of maritime life and musical inspiration, all while surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Firth of Lorn, the Isle of Mull and the waters of the Inner Hebrides.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, this trip is designed for all skill levels. No sailing experience is required, but if you wish, you can get involved in the ship’s operation. Help the crew set the sails, steer the ship, or engage in a chat about navigation with the skipper over a coffee.  

Alternatively, you can simply relax and enjoy the surroundings, watching the stunning Scottish coastline glide by or spotting wildlife such as whales, dolphins, and eagles from the foredeck. When it’s time to rest, retreat to your comfortable twin-berth cabin on the ship, which will serve as your floating home throughout the journey.

You  will be allocated a berth aboard the brigantine 'Lady of Avenel',  in one of our six double cabins. For solo  travellers, cabins will be allocated on a same-sex basis; if two people  travelling together wish to share a cabin, we recommend booking early to  ensure availability.

There are two showers and three toilets in the accommodation; these are shared.

Meals are prepared in the modern upper deck galley; these are of a high standard and prepared by our own chef.

The upper deck saloon provides an ideal place to socialise and, with the tables cleared away, is the perfect session space for the evenings we spend aboard. When the weather is fair, we can play sessions on deck.

Oban is connected by bus from Inverness/Fort William and Glasgow – see Citylink for more information. http://www.citylink.co.uk 

There are trains daily from Glasgow www.thetrainline.com/www.scotrail.co.uk 

If you choose to drive, parking in Oban may need to be organised in advance. 

  We recommend you bring the following:

• Warm jumper/fleece

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• A warm hat that covers your ears

• Long trousers

• Boots/waterproof footwear

• Sunglasses

• A soft bag (no suitcases please!) 

• ID documents for travelling

• Thermal layers 

• A waterproof cover/case for your instrument

• Thick socks

• Sufficient cash to last the week 

You may also be glad to have:

• Binoculars 

• A reusable water bottle

• Midgie repellent (we like Smidge) 

• Sun Cream

• A RYA logbook if you have one.

If you'd like more info on what to bring, there's a handy guide from our regular tutor Tim MacDonald here.

 Please note that the Lady of Avenel is a ship built in the 1960s - getting around the ship and above and below decks requires a degree of mobility and ability to negotiate stairs. Shore excursions may involve a dinghy ride and now and then a beach landing.

If you have mobility issues it is best to check your suitability for this voyage - please send us a message and we'll be happy to advise.

 The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Nisbet Marine Services/Sessions and Sail, Member Number 5533, and in the event of their insolvency,  protection is provided for:

 -  Non-flight packages

ABTOT  cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Nisbet Marine Services/Sessions and Sail.

In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here

You can find out more about ABTOT here