Lizzie May - Moray Firth & East Coast Fishing Ports - 6 days

Voyage Number	LM1026
Voyage price	£695 for 6 days
Voyage Dates	24/09/2010 - 15:00 - 30/09/2010 - 15:00
Depart from	Inverness
Finishing Port	Leith, Edinburgh
Voyage area	Scotland , UK
Voyage type	Adventure Voyage , Wildlife Voyages
Vessel	Lizzie May
Availability	Available
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Voyage Description

Lizzie May's Last Voyage of the Season

There is no finer way to see the West Coast of Scotland than from a boat and this activity based holiday gives you a wider range of experiences and scenery than from any other way. Sailing an eye catching wooden pilot cutter will usually introduce you to some interesting characters in ports and anchorages. No sailing experience is necessary as you will be given full training so you can be an active part of the crew.

The departure from Inverness, Scotlands Highland Capital, to Edinburgh provides excellent mile building opportunities for R.Y.A. course candidates as well as guests who enjoy spectacular wild life and amazing scenery whilst also enjoying being an active crew member on a very special boat.

Scotland's mountains make a great backdrop and occasionally seals swim across, as do dolphins and whales in this major deep water routeway. The beauty of sailing in Scotland amongst the islands is that there are nearly always several deep water routes you can choose, and an infinite number of anchorages where you may be the only boat.

More a more detailed description of this great voyage please see the itinerary page.

Inverness to Leith

Day 1 - Lizzie May begins the last cruise of the season after sailing across from the West . The Inverness Firth is relatively sheltered with minimal sea swell and you willl sail in a North Eastern direction up the short 10 nautical mile passage of the Inverness Firth. At first under the Kessock bridge and then through the narrows with Fort George close to starboard (right). This is a large 18th century fortress with perhaps the mightiest artillery fortification in Europe. It was first established to subdue the Jacobite rising of 1715 and then rebuilt to its present condition to again control of further risings after the 1745 campaign which ended at the battle of Culloden.

The departure from Inverness (Scotlands Highland Capital) to Edinburgh provides excellent mile building opportunities for R.Y.A. course candidates as well as guests who enjoy spectacular wild life and amazing scenery whilst also enjoying being an active crew member on a very special boat.

Following safety briefings, you will be introduced to the traditional sailing skills needed to sail Lizzie May. Apart from her barrel windlass there are no winches on board – just blocks and tackles. She has five sails for fast light wind sailing and smaller sail plans to cope with higher wind speeds and of course an auxiliary diesel engine for use when the wind disappears. Her design is based on the tough pilot cutters that operated in the long ocean swells off the Isles of Scilly, she is a great boat to go out in the wilder weather and feels like you are on a much larger vessel.

After Fort George the Moray Firth open up and going East there are many small fishing ports on the North coast which were created during the Scottish herring fishing industry The peak of the herring fishery industry and also its main decline came between 1900 and the First World War. Steam-powered fishing boats appeared towards the end of the 19th century and it was steam drifters that would take the volume of the catch to new heights. The powered winches allowed longer nets to be deployed and their speed enabled the boats to get to market quickly and to return to sea. In those early years of the 20th century, the Scottish catch reached 2 million barrels annually. The first night could be spent in Finhorn Bay, Burghead or Lossiemouth.

Day 2 - Although you will see more yachts when in the Inverness area the South Western approach to Peterhead still has a wild offshore appeal with plenty opportunities to exercise hands on sailing skills with clear instruction for the less experienced. The dramatic Kincardineshire coastline dominates the route and provides a classic brooding backdrop to Lizzie May’s cream sails and cliff dwelling seabird colonies provides endless interest.

Sailing into the large man made harbour at Peterhead and then further to a modern yacht marina within is quite an experience and provides a completely sheltered and secure haven for the night with excellent shore side facilities like hot showers, friendly pubs and a chance to visit a very well laid out museum which maps out the history of the whaling industry. If you get there early enough there is a chance to find the freshest shellfish from the market which you can enjoy at dinner in good company in the warm characterful main cabin of Lizzie May.

Day 3 - Sailing on towards the evening destination of Stonehaven you pass the ruins of the sixteenth - century Slains Castle, which now embody the very essence of Gothic gloom as it is the place that inspired Bram Stokers Count Dracula. A beautiful five mile stretch of beach continues down the coastline with a chance to drop Lizzie Mays anchor for a lunch break.. A swim here before lunch could be in order although perhaps not for the faint hearted !

If the wind is from the North West you could have a cracking sail on a beam reach and with careful manoevering through supply ships anchored off Aberdeen, the oil capital of Europe, Lizzie May will be able to set an unrestricted course to South West. Stonehaven could be your port of call tonight with perhaps an onshore opportunity to explore the cliff top ruins of Dunnotter Castle if the arrival time is early.

Day 4 - The small town of Inverbervie is significant to all seafarers keen on maritime history as it is the birthplace of Hercules Linton who designed The Cutty Sark. This is the first coastal town that you will pass after departing from Stonehaven. By this time the crew should be sail handling and helming with confidence which comes surprisingly quickly on a voyage like this one. The use of the barrel windlass (anchor winch) will also come as second nature after practising with it over the last few days. The Lizzie May skipper will make the final decision regarding daily ports of destination after group discussion with the crew and weather/safety considerations.

Montrose harbour could be a good place to put into for the night and over a great dinner you could wax lyrical about the previous days on board Lizzie May.

Day 5 - A short sail down the coast to Arbroath harbour could provide further opportunities to hone your sail handling and helming skills on the spacious and stable decks of Lizzie May. The sea keeping qualities of a traditional pilot cutter are excellent thus ensuring a comfortable ride.  Arbroath was where The Scottish Declaration of Independance was established in 1320 and in 1875 it became known for sailcloth production . There was 450,000 yards of sailcloth produced in this year and it is believed that Arbroath was the source of the sails used on the Cutty Sark.

Day 6 - Today's passage could continue around Fife Ness where Lizzie May could again spread her wings under full sail including the lofty top sail. If weather permits you could be anchoring at the Isle of May for lunch. The Firth of Forth provides an open stretch of water and as you continue round the enchanting Neuk of Fife with its charming coastal towns Anstruther could be a good option for the night. There might be a chance here to visit the famous Scottish Maritime Museum.

Day 7 - If time permits a visit to the Bass Rock, which is the world’s largest single rock gannet colony with 150,000 birds, would be well worth doing before heading to the port of Leith for disembarkation at 1500hrs.  Whatever you do it will always feel like a longer holiday because you have fitted so many experiences into 7 days, from the first apprehension about joining the boat, to a return to port feeling like a true sailor.
 

Inverness

This is the last city as you head north in Scotland.

It is ideally placed for access down the Caledonian Canal to the West Coast of Scotland and into the glens out towards Torridon. Further north you will find Wick and eventualy John O'Groats.

It has good rail, coach and air connections and the A9 will take you all the way back to Edinburgh.

It has good restaurants and local accommodation.

Leith, Edinburgh

Leith is the historic port of Edinburgh. In the photo above you can see the old town surrounding the river before it enters the modern docks. The Tall Ships Races have started from this port.

Bus to Leith

To Leith from Edinburgh is about a 20 minute bus ride and there are frequent buses.

Getting to Leith By Road
 

From the South and East head up the A1 into Scotland and as you get close to Edinburgh follow signs for the A199 to Leith.

From the South and West head up into Scotland on the M6 and A74(M) and when you get to Junction 13 take the A73 to Edinburgh. Once near Edinburgh follow the ring road eastward until you see signs for Leith on the A199 as above.

By Coach

National Express

By Train

Raileasy

By Plane

Accommodation
There are lots of places to stay in Edinburgh Visit Scotland has a good local directory.
 

Lizzie May sailing in Scotland 

See below for all 2012 voyages on Lizzie May

Specifications

Lizzie May was built new in 1999 by Luke Powell of Working Sail using traditional construction techniques to create a wooden pilot cutter with real character. Her frames are oak with larch planking and hardwood deck. Lizzie is 42ft on deck with a long 13ft bowsprit and lofty topmast. Her beam of 12ft gives her plenty of flat deck space and her low profile coach house is barely visible so all onlookers see is a traditional boat with lovely sheer lines.

The coach house also provides outward facing seating so you wont miss the scenery. All the rigging is ash blocks and tackles so you wont be sitting down for long.

There are no winches on board so everybody keeps warm and active pulling together. Sailing in Scotland requires a good anchor and true to her working boat origins Lizzie May has a barrel windlass to raise the anchor.

The vessel weighs 18 ton with a long deep keel—ideal for open sea sailing. The large mainsail can be slab reefed and even the staysail can be reefed in strong winds, so with a storm jib too she can make the most of the wilder days.. On light wind days she can glide up the lochs and narrows with a large flying jib and gaff topsail. 

Below Decks

Below decks is very light with loads of character and varnished wood. There are two single berths in the forepeak, three berths in the saloon and a double berth in the starboard quarter with limited headroom (back of the boat). Please remember this is only a 42ft boat with an elegant raked stern so spaces are communal, there are a few low beams and limited storage.

Lizzie has a lovely oak table, a small heater in the saloon, hot and cold water and WC, galley and modern navigational equipment. She carries all safety equipment required for her commercial coding under the MCA (Marine Coastguard Agency) and licensed to sail offshore up to 60 miles from a safe haven.

Lizzie May Skipper Jerry 

Jerry Headley bought Lizzie May in 2007- with the intention of setting up his own charter company, after a rather life changing voyage to Paimpol Shanty Festival on 'Eve of St Mawes.' He was not the only Eve crew on that voyage to find themselves owning a classic wooden boat. (Classical Guitarist James Boyd bought classic yacht Concord - currently nominated for Classic Boat Magazine Restoration of the Year)
 

Jerry's enthusiasm for pilot cutters shone through and it was evident he would make a sociable and relaxed charter skipper. Classic Sailing were thrilled to work with Jerry to establish Eve's  'sister ship' on the West Coast of Scotland, near Jerry's home. 

Lizzie May Printable details and Voyage Notes Lizzie May PDF

Lizzie May 2012 Schedule 

	Lizzie May Easter Bank Holiday 3 days for only £390 LM1201	Lizzie May	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Fri, 06/04/2012 - 15:00- to Mon, 09/04/2012 - 15:00
	Lizzie May Scottish Weekend Breaks 2 days for only £260 LM1202	Lizzie May	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Fri, 20/04/2012 - 15:00- to Sun, 22/04/2012 - 15:00
	Lizzie May Weekend Sailing 2 days for only £260 LM1203	Lizzie May	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Fri, 04/05/2012 - 15:00- to Sun, 06/05/2012 - 15:00

	Lizzie May Weekend Sailing 2 days for only £260 LM1204	Lizzie May	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Fri, 18/05/2012 - 15:00- to Sun, 20/05/2012 - 15:00
	Lizzie May Weekend Sailing 2 days for only £260 LM1205	Lizzie May	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Fri, 01/06/2012 - 15:00- to Sun, 03/06/2012 - 15:00
	Lizzie May - Arran, Mull of Kintyre, Islay, Jura on the way to Oban 5 Days £650 LM1206	Lizzie May	Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland	Oban	Fri, 15/06/2012 - 15:00- to Wed, 20/06/2012 - 10:00
	Lizzie May - West Coast Adventure- North to Mull, Skye or South to Jura, Islay etc - FULL LM1207	Lizzie May	Oban	Oban	Wed, 20/06/2012 - 15:00- to Wed, 27/06/2012 - 10:00
	Lizzie May - West Coast Adventure- Oban to Falmouth - 7 days - £780 - FULL LM1208	Lizzie May	Oban	Falmouth, UK	Fri, 29/06/2012 - 15:00- to Fri, 06/07/2012 - 10:00
	Lizzie May - Brest International Festival of the Sea 2012 - 6 days - £780 LM1209	Lizzie May	Falmouth, UK	Brest, France	Thu, 12/07/2012 - 15:00- to Wed, 18/07/2012 - 10:00
	Lizzie May - Brest to Douarnenez 2012 - 3 days - £390 LM1210	Lizzie May	Brest, France	Douarnenez, France	Wed, 18/07/2012 - 15:00- to Sat, 21/07/2012 - 10:00

What to bring

Boats have very limited stowage space so please limit yourself to one soft collapsible bag or rucksack (not a suitcase).
Bring a sleeping bag (we provide pillows and pillow cases).
We can supply waterproof jackets and trousers but you may prefer to bring your own if you have them.
A hat for sun or cold weather.
Swimsuit, towel and sun cream.
Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies as the sea can wash over the deck (an alternative to boots in the summer is another pair of trainers in case the first pair get wet).
A small rucksack is useful for going ashore.
Camera, binoculars, sketchbook and a good read.
Any medication, spare spectacles, seasick tablets (check which brand with your doctor if you are on any medication)

RYA Cruising Logbook if you are keeping a record of your experience for qualification purposes.

Musical instruments are most welcome.