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Sailing in the Outer Hebrides

Soundly equipped boats with competent crew will be able to make the most of the range of adventure sailing opportunities in the Outer Hebrides.

If you have explored other coastal areas around the North Sea, the Baltic, the English Channel, the Atlantic coast of France or the Irish Sea and are looking for new places to sail in Europe you should have few problems on the west coast of Scotland and sailing the Western Isles.

In contrast to most other sailing areas in Britain the sea around the Outer Hebrides is open and uncrowded. The long summer days mean that night passages are not often needed, while most Western Isles marinas are based in ferry ports with clear lights and buoyage.

OUTER HEBRIDES CHARTS & SAILING DIRECTION

The Clyde Cruising Club’s Outer Hebrides is the only sailing directions describing yacht anchorages and inshore passages in the Western Isles and is essential reading.

Charts can be selected from the Admiralty Chart Catalogy (NP109) Corrections for both Imray and Admiralty charts are published on the internet.

NB: Not all charts in the Outer Hebrides have been converted to the GS84 datum especially the larger scale charts. Check the datum source on the chart and be aware the OSGB36 datum may differ by as much as 100 m from current charts. GPS may in some cases be more accurate. Antares digital charts are available for some areas of the Outer Hebrides.

PASSAGE PLANNING TO THE OUTER HEBRIDES

The main centres of Stornoway, Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale and Castlebay (all Outer Hebrides ferry ports) make good first landing points in the Westen Isles. From the south, across the Sea of the Hebrides, a short passage can be made via Canna, while a weather window is awaited. The uneven sea bed causes steeper seas for any given wind than in the Minch, so Canna is a good place to wait for a calmer crossing and is suitable for passage to the area between Barra and Lochmaddy. A night passage is also manageable as all the hazards are marked and lit. Crossing to the Hebrides from Dunvegan or Uig avoids the group of islets between Skye and Harris.

However crossing to the Western Isles from the North of Skye to Harris or Lewis across the Little Minch needs particular care as the combination of hazards, tides and uneven sea bottom can make it a dangerous area of sea in bad weather. The North Minch is a longer distance and is exposed to the swell and northerly weather however the tidal streams are less of a problem.

WESTERN ISLES TIDES INFORMATION

Outer Hebrides tidal streams can be strong around exposed headlands and in the sounds between the larger islands. Time your passage to use them to your advantage. Admiralty Stream Atlas (NP209) should be carried.

SAILING WEATHER IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES

Rapid changes of conditions are more frequent in the Outer Hebrides squalls can pass through fast and benign weather return. As a result unexpected adverse conditions may arise which may test your boat and your crew. However the rainfall is less in the Outer Hebrides than in many parts of the West of Scotland and the Gulf stream passing the islands means a higher water temperature than might be expected otherwise.

WESTERN ISLES WIND CONDITIONS

South Westerly winds prevail except when a high pressure becomes established to the north of Scotland when more northerly and easterly winds predominate. In the summer, gales occur on average less than half a day per month at Castlebay and one day a month at Stornoway.

VISIBILITY AROUND THE ISLANDS OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES

Good visibility is the norm and fog rare. Visibility of more than 1/2 a mile occurs on average on all but three days a month in midsummer. Visibility of less than two miles only occurs on average three days a month in the worst weather. However heavy rain or drizzle may reduce visibility while a front goes over.

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this material is for guidance only and should not be used for navigation.

Highlights

Stornoway Port Authority

Stornoway Harbour is it is the main seaport of the Outer Hebrides and provides a vital link to mainland Britain. The idyllic harbour town provides ample opportunity to explore the culture and…

Castlebay Marina

Castlebay Marina, an excellent resting point on your journey through the Hebrides. Situated in the heart of Castlebay, Isle of Barra next to the facilities in the town.

Lochboisdale Harbour

Lochboisdale Harbour is a great base from which to explore the unspoilt beauty of the Outer Hebrides. Facilities available include: 52 sheltered berths, with lit walkways, access to power and water,…

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Castlebay Marina

Address

Castlebay, Isle Of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5XD

Telephone
07932 748077

info@castlebaymarina.com

Isle Of Barra
Awards
- Other Awards Outer Hebrides Tourism Member 2020
Castlebay Marina, an excellent resting point on your journey through the Hebrides. Situated in the heart of Castlebay, Isle of Barra next to the facilities in the town.
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Stornoway Port Authority

Address

Amity House, Esplanade Quay, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS1 2XS

Telephone
01851 702688

sypa@stornowayport.com

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Awards
- Other Awards Outer Hebrides Tourism Member 2020
Stornoway Harbour is it is the main seaport of the Outer Hebrides and provides a vital link to mainland Britain. The idyllic harbour town provides ample opportunity to explore the culture and tradition of Lewis that makes it so unique today.
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Lochboisdale Harbour

Address

Lochboisdale, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5TH

info@lochboisdaleharbour.co.uk

Isle Of South Uist
Awards
- Other Awards Outer Hebrides Tourism Member 2020
Lochboisdale Harbour is a great base from which to explore the unspoilt beauty of the Outer Hebrides. Facilities available include: 52 sheltered berths, with lit walkways, access to power and water, shower block, disabled hoist, slipway
Facilities

Transport

On Public Transport Route
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Vatersay Causeway Slipway

Address

Vatersay, Isle Of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5YW

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of Barra

Diesel is available at the slipway however a council key card is needed to purchase fuel here. Facilities include water, power, trailer launching and waste oil disposal.

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SPA Splipway

Address

Esplanade Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS1 2XS

sypa@stornowayport.com

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Slipway owned by the Stornoway Port Authority.

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Tarbert Ferry Port

Address

Pier Road, Tarbert, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3DG

Telephone
01859 502 444

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of Harris

The ferry service connects Tarbert with Uig in Skye.
The ferry berth is only available if there is no conflict with timetabled operations, permission should be obtained from the Pier Master (Channel 12) Chart 2841

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Huisinis Slipway

Address

Hushinish, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AY

Telephone
01859 502222

ranger@north-harris.org

Isle Of Harris

Huisinish is a stunning white sand shell beach.

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Brevig Pier (Breibhig)

Address

Back, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 0LQ

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of Lewis

Mariners are advised to exercise caution when entering or leaving as visibility from or to the entrance channel is restricted by the outer sea wall. The approaches and the entrance channel can be affected by swell after prolonged North erly winds.

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Scalpay North Harbour

Address

Scalpay, Isle Of Scalpay, Outer Hebrides, HS4 3XU

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of Scalpay

This harbour can handle medium to large vessels, the pier is 54 meters long.

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Stornoway Harbour

Address

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS1 2XS

Telephone
01851 702688

harbourmaster@stornowayport.com

Isle of Lewis

The main port for the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway's safe natural harbour allows vessels of up to 6.5m draft in all weather conditions and deeper drafted vessels under certain tidal conditions.
Facilities

Transport

On Public Transport Route
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Acarsaid Mhor (Eriskay) Harbour

Address

Eriskay, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5JH

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of South Uist

This is a working commercial facility so consideration towards fishing vessels is appreciated.

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Vatersay Pontoon

Address

Vatersay, Isle Of Barra, O, HS9 5YN

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of Barra

Pontoon for local fishing boats

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Carloway Pier

Address

Upper Carloway, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9AG

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of Lewis

Good shelter at the pier in most weather conditions. Part of pier dries out at low spring tides. There is local fishing and leisure use.

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Berneray Harbour

Address

Berneray, Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5BD

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of North Uist

Berneray is in the Sound of Harris and has shallow approaches. It needs good visibility and good weather to be entered.

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Lochboisdale Ferry Port

Address

Lochboisdale, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5TH

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of South Uist

The ferry berth is only available if no conflict with timetabled operations, permission should be obtained from the Pier Master (Channel 12)/CALMAC ticket office.

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Stornoway Harbour - Approaches

Address

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS1 2XS

Telephone
01851 702688

harbourmaster@stornowayport.com

Isle of Lewis

Stornoway is the largest harbour within the Outer Hebrides. It is well sheltered and easy to enter at all states of the tide. A listening watch is maintained on channel 12 VHF, by the port, and all vessels must request permission first.

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Kirkibost Pier

Address

Loch Roag, Bernera, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9LT

Telephone
0845 6007090

harbourmaster@cne-siar.gov.uk

Isle Of Lewis

Very good shelter at inside face of pier, 1.8m depth alongside pier. No berthing, anchorage in the Dubh Thob SE of Kirkibost pier. Mainly used by fish farms and local leisure use. Stornoway MRCC, Leverburgh Lifeboat.

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Stornoway Quayside Fuel

Address

Esplanade Court, Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS1 2XA

Telephone
01851 702688

sypa@stornowayport.com

Isle Of Lewis

Diesel is available on the pier. Contact the Harbour office.

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