Z12-24: Passage Norway to Scotland | 365 Nautical Miles

This challenging sailing passage begins in Bergen, the atmospheric gateway to the Norwegian fjords. Depending on the weather forecast, we may spend the first one or two days sailing along the Norwegian coast. This gives everyone time to settle into the yacht and life on board, while also allowing us to enjoy some of Norway’s spectacular coastal scenery.

If conditions allow, we will also aim to visit the small island of Utsira. The island is well known from Norwegian marine weather forecasts, but Utsira is much more than just a name on a weather map. We can take a walk to its characteristic lighthouse and, for those who enjoy it, visit the local sauna. It makes for a wonderful final taste of Norway before we set course across the North Sea.

Then the real mileage-making passage begins. From Norway we set course for Scotland. Depending on the wind, the crossing is approximately 280 nautical miles. In favourable conditions, we will spend more than two days and nights continuously at sea, although the actual duration will of course depend on wind, weather and currents.

We sail continuously day and night using a three-watch system: three hours on watch followed by six hours off. This allows everyone to get enough rest and remain alert when their watch begins. During the passage you will be actively involved in sailing, helming, navigation and keeping watch. A long offshore passage is an excellent opportunity to gain experience of life on board and the rhythm of spending several days and nights at sea.

It is often during these long passages that the most memorable moments happen. We watch the sun and moon rise and set over the North Sea, enjoy endless starry skies and, with a little luck, may even see bioluminescence glowing in the water. Dolphins may accompany us for a while, and there is always the possibility of spotting whales.

The voyage is deliberately planned with some flexibility. This allows us to respond to changing weather conditions and, if necessary, wait for a strong depression to pass, adjust our route or make an additional harbour stop. The aim is not to reach Scotland as quickly as possible at all costs, but to make plenty of nautical miles safely and enjoyably.

Depending on weather, wind and our schedule, we may call at Stonehaven, a charming Scottish harbour town close to the famous Dunnottar Castle. It is a great place to recover after the long passage, enjoy a proper shower, stretch our legs with a walk and, of course, find a welcoming Scottish pub.

From there, the final leg follows the Scottish east coast towards Edinburgh, probably including another night at sea. A particularly memorable part of this final passage is the Isle of May, a small island off the Scottish east coast famous for its enormous seabird colonies. If our timing allows us to pass during daylight, we can admire the island from the sea. With thousands of seabirds and a spectacular coastline, the Isle of May was also featured in the Dutch nature documentary De Wilde Noordzee.

If weather and timing allow, we will then spend a day in Edinburgh. From the harbour, the historic city centre is easy to reach. Edinburgh is a wonderful place to explore after a long North Sea crossing: the impressive Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline above the Old Town, while the green Princes Street Gardens lie below Castle Rock. From the gardens there are beautiful views of the castle and historic Old Town.

Those looking for a more active day can hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcanic peak in the heart of the city offering spectacular views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Alternatively, there is the more relaxed way to experience Edinburgh: wandering through the old streets and along the Royal Mile, browsing a great bookshop, stopping for coffee and finishing the day in a traditional Scottish pub. A perfect way to round off the passage.

This Norway to Scotland sailing voyage is aimed at sailors who enjoy longer offshore passages and the experience of spending several days and nights at sea. The combination of a long North Sea crossing, night sailing, plenty of nautical miles, the rugged Norwegian and Scottish coastline and memorable stops along the way makes this a challenging yet highly varied sailing holiday.

Daily distances vary between approximately 15 and 280 nautical miles, depending on the route, weather and tides. The exact route and intermediate stops depend on weather, wind and tidal conditions. If circumstances require it, we may adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Read more about our sailing holidays in Scotland
Read more about our Sailing holidays in Norway. 

Zeilreis Stavanger -Edinburgh route

Information about this sailing holiday

Participants of this sailing holiday

Sailing holidays Prices 

The price is the rental cost for the ship with crew, including food and drinks on board, hence full board. The price mentioned is per person.

Included in the price:

– Food and drinks on board.
– Fuel, water, shore power, harbour fees and tourist tax.
– 1 towel set and bedding incl. duvet and, of course, a life jacket.
– For after sailing there is also wine and beer on board, based on average use. Should we run out, then you can purchase more yourself.

Not included:

– Your transfer, meaning your journey to and from the ship
– Sailing clothes and boots, you can rent these from us if you would like.
– Possible shore excursions such as renting a van, or visiting a museum etc.
– Food and drinks ashore, the last evening we will go out for dinner and this will be at your own expense. ( Should you wish to treat the crew as a thank you for a lovely sailing holiday, it would of course be greatly appreciated!)
– Optional tips. These are, of course, entirely voluntary, but always appreciated. Any tips are shared between the skipper and crew, because the skipper is just as much a part of the team that makes the voyage possible. Contrary to what many guests assume, the Bosun/cook on board Cherokee is actually the highest-paid member of the crew.

Duration & Time on Board

The listed trip duration refers to full calendar days. Since you embark on the first evening and disembark on the final morning, your actual time on board is on average about 1.5 days shorter. We use this format to keep our trips comparable with other providers – but we like to be transparent about the real time you’ll spend on board.

Sailing holidays discount

Customer Discount:
If you book a second sailing holiday with us within a year, you’ll get 2.5% off the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays group discount:
If you book a sailing holiday as a group (more than 3 passengers), you will receive 2.5% discount per person on the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays youth Discount:
If you are under 29 years old, you will get 5% discount on the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays discounts can not be combined with each other.

Bonus Discount:
€25 extra discount when you choose a vegetarian menu on board.

Private charter

You can also rent the ship and crew for a privat charter. Then multiply the price with 7. For a private charter, you can choose one of the offered sailing holidays, provided there are no other bookings for that sailing journey. If you would like more information on private charter, please contact us.

Sailing holidays with your own private cabin

If you are a solo traveler and would like the comfort of a private cabin (room), you can reserve it for 1.6 times the price (for crossings, it will be 1.9x).

Extend your sailing holidays with an extra day B&B

On some of our sailing holidays, it is possible to book an extra overnight stay on board based on Bed & Breakfast (B&B, so without dinner) for € 125 per person. This automatically applies when booking multiple trips in a row.

Sailing holiday categories

Category A:
Offshore crossings, includes also sailing throughout the nights. Passengers will also be grouped in the watch system.

Category B:
Offshore sailing holidays, there will be no sailing throughout the nights, but occasionally a late arrival at the harbour (or an early departure), depending on the weather.

Category C:
Relaxed sailing holidays with shorter sailing distances, including more time for sightseeing and sometimes a nice land excursion.

Category D:
Sailing holiday specials, from ‘Sailing holidays with Yoga’ up to expedition sailing. Not every season available.

Category E:
Sailing holiday’s with extra sailtraining.