Helm, She Said

A week to take the helm and find your feet in the Hebrides, Scotland’s wild west-coast islands – with a cook on board, time for wellbeing, and island stories along the way.

Helm, She Said

Six nights aboard Selkie in the spring light of the Hebrides, with one simple idea at its heart: you take the helm. Whether you’ve never sailed before or you’ve crewed for others and want to build your own confidence, this is a week to get hands-on, try every job on board and find your feet at sea.

Your hands on the wheel
We share the sailing from the start – steering, trimming sails, raising and lowering the anchor, picking up moorings, keeping a lookout and helping plan each day’s passage around the weather and tides. There’s no pressure and no exams, just plenty of time at the helm in a small, supportive crew, at your own pace.

Where we go
We start and finish in Mallaig. In between, the wind and weather decide our route through the Small Isles and the Inner Hebrides – Eigg, Rum, Canna, Muck and the coast of Skye – anchoring in sheltered bays each night and going ashore to walk and explore when we can. Expect seabirds, seals and, with luck, dolphins riding the bow wave.

A little more comfort
This voyage is a step up in comfort. We’ll have a cook on board, so after a day at the helm you can come below to good food, made with care and local produce. The food is taken care of, but you’ll still help keep Selkie shipshape – and that includes taking your turn clearing up in the galley after meals. It’s all part of being crew.

Wellbeing and island stories
Alongside the sailing, there’s time to slow down and breathe: gentle wellbeing sessions on deck or ashore, and the history, myth and stories of the islands we visit – the people who lived here, the places they left behind, and the tales still told about them.

What’s included

• Six nights aboard Selkie
• All meals prepared by our onboard cook, with some wine and drinks at the skipper’s discretion
• Wellbeing sessions and island history and storytelling
• Lifejackets and safety equipment
• Bedding

Not included: travel to and from Mallaig, and your personal kit.

What to bring
Waterproof jacket and trousers; warm layers including a fleece and insulated jacket; warm hat and gloves; soft-soled shoes for on board, and wellies or sea boots if you have them; walking boots for going ashore; a soft bag or rucksack rather than a hard suitcase; towel and wash kit; any personal medication.

Your Skipper
Skippered by Celia Bull, who has been sailing these waters from her home on the Isle of Eigg for many years.

Helm, She Said 2027

Seven places: three single berths and two double berths. Final balance due 9th February 2027.

Bookings & Enquiries

Ready to book your place? Please go to our How to book page. For any questions, email Celia at info@selkie-explorers.co.uk or get in touch using the methods on our Contact page.