Alternative Boat Hire

28/03/2026

28/03/2026

Some years winter work is straightforward painting and maintenance, but for 2026 season Birthe Marie has some routine but more involved work going on this year, so it will be May before she is operating

26/12/2025

Happy Christmas and a good New Year to come to all our customers, fellow operators, and friends.

30/11/2025

Brighter winter days, yesterday saw Birthe Marie belatedly stripped of all her sails and a lot of removable gear brought ashore for washing and servicing. Today I couldn't resist some sea time in my 'thin' boat. Kayaking is about as close as you get to the water without being fully in it and is a great way to get close and personal with the coast and the islands.

14/09/2025

The recently rebuilt Brixham sailing trawler Vigilance is looking ahead.

As our amazing team of volunteers work hard to get Vigilance ready to sail again, much work is also underway to enable her to earn her keep once she is sailing again. In due course our 2026 sailing programme will be published on our website but, in the meantime, we are delighted to announce that you can buy a gift voucher which can be used to buy a ticket for one of our Heritage Under Sail trips. If you would like to buy a voucher for yourself or as a gift these can be bought here: https://www.vigilanceofbrixham.co.uk/buy-a-voucher/
Every penny earned from our sailing trips goes towards maintaining this beautiful historic vessel. By buying a gift voucher you are helping to secure her future while also buying an unforgettable sailing experience.
Please share to spread the word.
Thank you.🙂

14/09/2025

From 17th September till 13th October this year Mark and Anja will be off island, during that time there will be no availability for trips unless previously already booked. There will also be no response from facebook, email or landline phone. At time of this notice there is space on a day trip on 17th September and a morning trip on 23rd September (both trips weather permitting. )To enquire about booking on either of these trips you will need to contact Stewart Jardine on 07716017612.

24/08/2025

So far this season we haven't had so many northerly winds, but on a recent day trip we got just the breeze for a trip along the South Ross of Mull coast, and ended up at Kilvickeon beach, perfect spot for a picnic, walk ashore or a swim. Photo credits, Anja Jardine.

09/08/2025

A mixed start to the month, this past week starting with an August storm; Birthe Marie managed three trips out of five booked, once conditions eased enough to make sailings feasible in the more sheltered Loch Scridain.

09/07/2025

Not every trip is wall to wall sunshine and blue seas, but often the brave are rewarded. Today's group weren't put off by the mist or drizzle, and the sailing on compass in the mist took a bit more concentration, but the mist cleared from time to time revealing the granite coast of Mull, and the mackerel were biting, so the bucket was soon full of fish for supper.

14/06/2025

Recent trips out to Iona's satellite islands, for bird surveys for NTS. Photo credit Stewart Jardine.

11/05/2025

Under way again. Birthe Marie kicked off this year's season with a multi day trip to Canna and Eigg. the hardy passengers camped ashore each night and on this trip, the weather was pretty good. More in our normal routine now back home with scheduled trips and private hires each week.
This year we are using Bull hole for the boat's overnight berth, due to the ongoing construction work of the Iona breakwater. For this reason evening ferry runs will be impractical due to the additional dinghy transits before and after, ie. four crossings of the sound to achieve one passenger carrying crossing.