From day one our charter was dogged by cold rain, dark skies and unfavorable winds that reduced our options. My husband had limited mobility and had never sailed, and I... read more had never sailed outside the tropics. Yet none of that mattered as we explored Skye and the small isles on Selkie because the Hebrides are spell-binding under any circumstance, and our company — Captain Celia Bull, her son Dylan and friend Jackie Johnson — are some of the finest people you’ll ever meet. Selkie is the perfect expedition yacht for reaching out of the way anchorages in these islands, and Celia is the best captain I’ve ever sailed with: calm, charismatic, passionate and deeply knowledgeable about her home waters, always glad to share the helm and sensitive to the wishes and needs of her crew, assuring each member has his or her best day. Dylan turned out some amazing meals for us, including a feast of hand-rolled sushi meant for a picnic, which we devoured in a downpour in the shelter of Celia’s car on Eigg. So we didn’t get to St. Kilda, and spotted a nuclear sub instead of a Minke whale. We hiked to some glorious beaches, had fabulous runs in 20+ knot winds, sailed with golden eagles, harbor porpoises and puffin colonies, and danced at a Ceilidh. I took a traditional guitar class with a master on Eigg, my husband took the wheel of a boat for the first time, and when asked how he liked sailing, he replied, “This is the life.” If Selkie can work this kind of magic when it rains, imagine what it’s like when the sun shines!

  I had the great pleasure of spending 21 days sailing onboard SY Selkie and I can honestly say it changed my life forever. Captain Celia Bull and First Mate Dylan... read more are extremely experienced and responsible making sure that the guests are safe and secure while getting to experience remarkable locations.

From The Standing Stones of Stenness to the sheep of North Ronaldsay to the ancient seaport of Stromness to transiting the Caledonian Canal and Lochness. Any one of these places would have been a once in a lifetime memory but to couple them with traveling by sail from place to place it was truly unforgettable.

Do your self a favor and book a passage. It may be the next chapter in your life’s story.

  I had the great pleasure of spending 21 days sailing onboard SY Selkie and I can honestly say it changed my life forever. Captain Celia Bull and First Mate Dylan... read more are extremely experienced and responsible making sure that the guests are safe and secure while getting to experience remarkable locations. From The Standing Stones of Stenness to the sheep of North Ronaldsay to the ancient seaport of Stromness to transiting the Caledonian Canal and Lochness. Any one of these places would have been a once in a lifetime memory but to couple them with traveling by sail from place to place it was truly unforgettable. Do your self a favor and book a passage. It may be the next chapter in your life’s story.

  I have been sailing in these water for many years, but was on Selkie for the first time - a good boat with a hugely experienced skipper who is also... read more a great cook. The Scottish weather is unpredictable, of course, so it is important to take warm and waterproof gear. That weather means that there are few boats on the water and vast spaces to explore, on land and sea. The birds on the Treshnish Isles were spectacular. I will be back next year.

  I have been sailing in these water for many years, but was on Selkie for the first time - a good boat with a hugely experienced skipper who is also... read more a great cook. The Scottish weather is unpredictable, of course, so it is important to take warm and waterproof gear. That weather means that there are few boats on the water and vast spaces to explore, on land and sea. The birds on the Treshnish Isles were spectacular. I will be back next year. …

  Trip of a lifetime sailing to St Kilda and mooring for the night - and swimming - in Village Bay. Gannets swirling around the stacs like confetti. Dolphins... read more surfing the bow waves every day. 18 different types of bird including St Kilda wren. Going back...More