This Season I am returning to the North West Coast of Scotland and the Hebridean Islands, the opals of the British Isles.
I’ll be sailing onboard SV Stravaigin as the First Mate/ Photographer with Skipper John Ormiston. We offer a “close to the wild” experience onboard an 8 berth 44ft Elan Impression 434.
If you’re interested in sailing with us then please follow the link below:

All Aboard Stravaigin

• RYA Yacht Mater Offshore: Sail

• RYA Yacht Master Offshore: Theory

• RYA Powerboat L2

• STCW 95

• GMDSS SRC

• ENG 1

• Human Element and Leadership Management

• Intrapersonal: Empathy, patience, understanding and communication.

• Emotional Control: Ability to remain calm.

• Hospitality: Seven years of experience.

• Fine Art: Steady hand and attention to detail.

• Media Skills.

My career at sea started in 2023.

I moved to the Western Isles in Scotland and agencied myself as “The Short Notice Sailor” to as many different companies as I could. I worked in various roles including: stewardess, deckhand and first mate. By the end of the year I had worked on six different vessels for four different companies, successfully networking with businesses and developing professional and interpersonal skills and friendships. I really valued the element of connectivity and the sense of freedom I felt during this period of my life.

At the end of the year I was offered a full time placement as First Mate with Stravaigin Sailing and excitedly accepted this before continuing to complete a Biscay crossing on Tall Ship Blue Clipper. I sailed with this vessel for a further three months before returning to the UK.

In 2025 I am in my second season onboard Stravaigin. I will further develop my skills as a sailor and a photographer this year