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Sketch and Sail on the Lady of Avenel
Sketch and Sail on the Lady of Avenel in 2025!
There will be two Sketch and Sail voyages in 2025.
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Trip 1 - 25th May to 31st May from Oban to Barra,
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Trip 2 - 31st August to 6th September from Barra to Oban
Cost: £1650
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Perhaps you have always wanted to draw, but have never had the time…
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Perhaps you yearn to record your impressions using lines and colour, but don’t know how to start…
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Or maybe you already sketch a bit and would like to spend time sketching on a beautiful sailing boat, with no pressure and no rush…
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Or are you an experienced artist who seeks to add marine landscapes to their portfolio…
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Do you simply like the idea of spending time at sea, with time to think, doodle and reflect…
Time to draw
The rhythm of the voyage gives you time to sketch, with splendid views, like-minded companions and plenty of support and guidance if you need it.
A professional crew
All meals are provided by our chef, and the ship has an experienced crew. If you’d like to lend a hand with the sailing, or steer the ship, or climb the mast, then you’ll be welcome to do so: it’s entirely optional
Artwork from claudiamyatt.co.uk & JaneSketching.com
Highlights from Sketch and Sail
Sketching the voyage
The focus of Sketch and Sail is on creating sketches rather than producing finished paintings. We work in pen, pencil and watercolour, in sketchbooks so that you will have your own visual record of the adventure.
All are welcome: beginners, experienced artists, and people who simply want time and space to draw. Non-sketching partners are also welcome, as are people who would like to record their impressions in other ways, through writing poems or prose, creating patterns or abstracts.
There may be opportunities where we go ashore onto an island or a beach, to sketch, explore or collect items to draw later. Every evening we find a sheltered anchorage or mooring for the night, and our chef makes dinner.
We discuss the day, share our experiences and relax. There is time to play music, or maybe go for a swim
As we sail from place to place, we sketch the view from the deck, help sail the ship, relax in the saloon, or simply look at the view and breathe.
The expedition is led by two practising artists. We offer optional sketching workshops every day. The content is guided by the needs of those aboard. For example we’ve run workshops on brushes and mark making, how to begin a sketch, how to mix the Scottish landscape colours, sketching sea and sky, and speed sketching on the move.
The act of drawing the view is a way of enriching the experience of the voyage. The purpose of drawing is not always to produce a finished image, but may be to slow down, appreciate the process of observation, and enjoy using the art materials.
Every artist is different, every sketchbook is individual and there is no right or wrong way to sketch. The important thing about sketching is to do it.
“The picture is inspired by the view. It is not a copy of the view.”
What experience do I need?
None at all – either in sketching or sailing! Lady of Avenel’s professional crew welcome help with sail handling but you can do as little or as much as you like – step back from the action and draw the figures pulling on ropes if you want a challenge. Or get involved, take a turn at the helm and learn the ropes, it’s up to you.
As far as sketching is concerned, complete beginners are very welcome as well as those with more experience. This voyage is an opportunity to draw, even if you’ve never tried it before. There’s no wrong way to fill a sketch book, there’s only your way There will be plenty of practical support in the form of demonstrations or individual help, all optional.
What do I need to bring?
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Sketching materials: a small watercolour box, a sketchbook. There is limited space on the boat, and there are gusty winds in Scotland, so sizes up to A4 are best. We will send a complete kit list when you book
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Clothing for the voyage: warm and waterproof clothing, boots or trainers, two warm hats, gloves
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Bath towel, washbag, sleeping bag
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medication if you need it, including seasickness medication
Other kit suggestions:
It is best to pack into a holdall or rucksack as your kit will need to be easily moved and squashed into limited spaces.
Hard suitcases are not suitable!
We will send a detailed kit list when you book, or please ask if you’d like more information.
What is included in the price?
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All meals and snacks
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Accommodation on board for 6 nights
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All tuition and shore expeditions
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Basic bedlinen: sheet, pillow, duvet. Hand towel.
What is not included in the price?
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Travel to the start and from the end of the voyage
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Alcoholic drinks (we run an honesty bar onboard)
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Purchases made onshore
The booking instructions include a form to complete to advise us of your dietary requirements and medical conditions.
Accommodation is in shared cabins. There are bunk beds, two per cabin. For more information and pictures see this link.
About your tutors
Travel – Getting to Oban or Barra
Please arrange to join the ship between 2pm and 3pm on the first day of the voyage. On the last day, departure time is 10am.
Oban by public transport
Oban is a town on the west coast of Scotland. It is well served by rail www.scotrail.co.uk, bus www.citylink.co.uk and major roads. The Caledonian Sleeper train www.sleeper.scot stops at Fort William, which is a two hour bus ride away.
Driving to Oban
By car the A82 goes directly into Oban.
Getting to Barra
Barra is an island in the Outer Hebrides. It is reached by a 5 hour ferry from Oban www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/destinations/barra or by an hour’s direct flight from Glasgow www.loganair.co.uk
