6–11 September 2026
Oban to Belfast
South from Oban via Crinan, Gigha and Islay, followed by the North Channel crossing to Belfast.
Your action list
Before you join
A fair few words follow. These are the things you need to do before arriving.
- Send your next-of-kin details
- Tell Paul about relevant medical issues, allergies, injuries or phobias
- Confirm dietary requirements and favourite snacks or drinks
- Pack using the crew kit list. Soft bags only, please
- Bring any seasickness medication you may need
- Check your waterproofs before arrival
- Download Settle Up for iPhone or Android. You’ll pay for trip costs along the way and it keeps everything simple
- Save the PredictWind tracker
- Bring chargers and a power bank if needed
- Label anything expensive that you don’t want mysteriously migrating around the boat
Passage plan
Upcoming trips
Plans are weather dependent. Final joining point, time and route will be confirmed directly with crew.
13–15 September 2026
Belfast to Dublin
Two legs down the Irish coast via Ardglass, with flexible time aboard in Dublin afterwards.
17/18–27/28 September 2026
Dublin to Solent via Lundy
An offshore passage to Lundy, time for climbing, then east along the south coast to the Solent.
Important: Dates and ports are an outline, not a promise. Sailing itineraries change with weather, tides and crew wellbeing.
Before you travel
Joining instructions
Paul will send the exact berth, meeting time and last-minute passage update in the crew WhatsApp group.
01 · Confirm
Reply to the final messageConfirm your arrival time and travel plan. Tell Paul promptly about delays.
02 · Arrive ready
Eat before joiningCome rested and fed where possible. Bring any personal medication and seasickness treatment.
03 · Stow small
Use soft bags onlyNo rigid suitcases. Space is limited and everything must be secured for sea.
Pack light
Crew kit list
Layers work better than one heavy item. Even in summer, the west coast can be cold and wet.
Essential
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm mid-layer and spare base layers
- Non-marking deck shoes or clean trainers
- Warm hat, sun hat and gloves
- Sleeping bag and pillowcase
- Head torch with red-light mode
- Personal medication and seasickness tablets
- Small wash kit and quick-dry towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Soft holdall or dry bag
Useful extras
- Sunglasses with retaining strap
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Phone charging cable and power bank
- Ear plugs and eye mask
- One compact set of clothes for ashore
- Waterproof phone case
- Book or cards for quiet periods
Please leave ashore
- Hard suitcases
- Excess clothing or bulky bedding
- Anything you would be heartbroken to get wet
Crew notes
Life on board
Nimrod is comfortable for her size, but this is shared living in a moving space. Tidiness and consideration make a big difference.
A full briefing covers lifejackets, harnesses, MOB procedure, fire, gas and abandoning ship. Clip on whenever the skipper directs.
Everyone helps with helming, lookout, lines, cooking and washing up according to experience and conditions.
Both are finite. Charge devices when asked, keep showers brief ashore and use fresh water thoughtfully.
Tell Paul well in advance about allergies or dietary needs. Snacks you particularly like are always worth bringing.
Only human waste and the supplied toilet paper go into the marine toilet. Ask if you are unsure.
Speak up early if you are cold, tired, hungry, worried or feeling sick. Small problems are easiest to fix early.
From the logbook
Nimrod in pictures
Big scenery, good sailing and the moments in between.
Good to know
Common questions
Do I need sailing experience?
No. A willing attitude matters most. Tasks will be explained and matched to your confidence and ability.
Are lifejackets provided?
Yes. Nimrod carries lifejackets and normal safety equipment. Bring your own only if Paul has agreed it is suitable.
Can I rely on the published arrival time?
No. Do not book tight onward connections. Weather, tides and mechanical issues can delay a yacht.
What if I get seasick?
Tell Paul. Take your preferred remedy before sailing according to its instructions, keep warm, look at the horizon and stay involved if you can.