Orkney, Fair Isle & Shetland sailing holiday

Planet

We sail primarily on wind and tidal power, moving to a new destination each day while your luggage simply comes along with you. The rhythm of our journeys is set by nature: the wind decides our course, and the tide keeps time. This means we avoid rigid schedules and can make the most of the weather and opportunities that arise. It’s active, adventurous travel — living in and with nature.

Sustainability is at the heart of life on board. We minimize engine use, source as much organic food as possible, and always cook vegetarian (with occasional meat options for those who prefer). We use only biodegradable soaps and engine coolants, and separate waste if possible.

Our solar panels and wind generator provide renewable power for the fridge, freezer, and batteries, while LED lighting keeps consumption low. Hot water is heated efficiently by engine coolant, so showers are always available without unnecessary energy use.

Join us for a sailing holiday that’s not only adventurous, but also gentle on the planet.

People

We are a small, family-run business with deep roots in Dutch sailing. My father was one of the pioneers of the Dutch sailing fleet, and through him, the knowledge of the old sailing freighters still lives on today.

We strive to operate responsibly and support local businesses wherever possible. Our sails and equipment are purchased in the Netherlands, where we benefit from the expertise of local craftsmen. For larger projects we also choose the most sustainable solutions available — for example, we once trialled eco-friendly Accoya wood for our deck to avoid illegal teak logging, and later replaced it with FSC-certified teak from plantations in Indonesia.

At sea, we rely on the knowledge of local fishermen for currents and tides, and ashore we support communities by using local harbours, hiring local guides, and shopping at village bakeries, markets, and supermarkets. Meals on board are freshly prepared, mostly organic and often vegetarian, and on the final evening of each voyage we always dine together in a local restaurant.

Travelling with a small sailing vessel allows us to visit authentic harbours and less-visited places, far away from mass tourism. This way, our guests can truly experience the natural and cultural beauty of each destination, while ensuring that the benefits flow back to the communities we visit.