Limekilns, The kingdom of Fife

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Sailing in Scotland

Scotland is overflowing with wild, watery expanses. If you have always dreamed of navigating your way around distant isles and canals, being a sea captain, gliding gracefully across a misty loch, or sailing around Scotland's west coast, a sailing holiday in Scotland is for you. Scotland has a boating holiday for everyone, from novice sailors to experienced skippers.

Boat hire in Scotland couldn't be easier; and with spacious harbours and anchorages set against dramatic coastlines, Scotland is an unbeatable place to charter your boat or learn to sail.

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Sailing holidays in Scotland

Practical sailing information

Some of the finest sailing waters in Europe can be found here in Scotland. Plan a longer boating holiday, where you can discover more of our coastline and islands, relax ashore in restaurants and pubs and go at your own pace.

Yacht charters

Scotland's many yacht charter companies offer visiting sailors a wide selection of craft and cruise locations to choose from. Whether your preference is for power or sail, self-sail or skippered, classic or modern, there's a charter for you. You can choose between:

Il porto degli Yacht di Troon, Ayrshire

© Yacht Haven in Troon, Ayrshire

BAREBOAT CHARTERS

Most - but not all - charter companies are based on the west coast and offer a wide variety of boats. Bareboat charters do not provide a crew or a skipper, so you can sail away on your own terms and follow your own itinerary.

SKIPPERED CHARTERS

If you're new to sailing or even if you're an experienced sailor but new to Scottish waters, why not charter a skippered vessel and let an experienced hand take over and do the organising, navigating and sailing?

YACHT CHARTERS

Browse the SailScotland yacht charter listings for more information or visit Welcome Anchorages, for a comprehensive guide to shore facilities around Scotland and the north Irish coast.

Best sailing locations

The Yacht Harbour at Kip Marina, Inverkip

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Places to drop anchor

The number and quality of marinas and pontoon facilities up and down the country has kept pace with Scotland’s growing popularity as a cruising destination.

These docking points cater for all classes of boat and many are superbly equipped. They are ideal for refuelling, stocking up on provisions for the rest of your trip or simply enjoying some time on dry land.

Sailing for beginners

Kinghorn Harbour Beach

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Learn to sail

Don't know your port from your starboard? Scotland has many Royal Yachting Association (RYA) approved sailing schools, located on coasts, inland lochs and islands around the country. They offer tuition in all types of vessels and use a variety of tuition styles. All levels of RYA qualifications are available for those interested in dinghy sailing, cruiser racing, cruising and power boating.