Sessions and Sail

Any further info on what I should bring on a Sessions and Sail trip?

Yes! Here's a great packing list based on experience of the voyages; kindly provided by our regular tutor Tim MacDonald. /files/1306008/Unofficial Packing List - Tim MacDonald

What insurance should I get - and do I have to?

It's a condition of our own Public Liability insurance policy that every participant has travel insurance. However, a simple policy is fine - you don't need to add any ‘adventure activity’ clauses or such. Some travel insurers will specify ‘cruise’ - but most in my experience (Barry) just issue a general travel insurance cover for Europe, or for the UK; and this is fine. Do make sure the correct geographical area is covered.

What tunes might we play?

Here's a pdf - which will be updated as soon as possible - with several tunes that have been popular on past Sessions and Sail trips: /files/1232052/A pdf with multiple tunes popular on S+S voyages

In the meantime, here's some suggestions for our Scottish trips in 2026:

Hebrides: 

• Rowing from Islay to Uist Em/G4
• Coinneach Odhar (Lauren MacColl)  Gm

Orkney: 

• The Auld Bow (Hazel Wrigley) G
• Dingieshowe Dancers (Hazel Wrigley) D
• Maggie Watson’s Farewell to Blackhammer (Jim Craigie) D and G
• Flett from Flotta A
• Gairsay D
• The Stronsay Waltz A
• The Westray Love Song G

Shetland: 

• The Lounge Bar D
• Shetland Night in London (Jenna Reid) D (Or A mixolydian)
• Swan LK243 (Catriona MacKay) F
• Da Gloup Lasses D
• Da Heids o Vigon D
• Da Crab an da Capstan D
• Sleep Soond ida Mornin A mix
• Uyea Isle (Steven Spence) Bb
• Da Boanie Isle o Whalsa A mix
• Da Unst Boat Sang (sung)
• Delting Bridal March G
• Unst Bridal March D
• Quendale Bay A

W Scotland: 

• Leaving Lismore D
• Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban A
• The Lochaber Badger Em
• Sailing into Inverie (Jane Shears) D

Where will I sleep? 

See our ‘Scotland’, ‘Australia’ or ‘Mediterranean’ sections for more information on the accommodation aboard the three ships we use. Or feel free to email us for more info!

What will I eat? 

There is a full-time chef on board who will prepare meals making use of the finest ingredients available to us. We can cater for most diet requirements; just fill out your needs on the booking form, or email if you have any questions (see the ‘Contact us’ form below).

I have mobility issues - is that a problem?

It may be - the ships we use are all historic, and access to below-decks or quarterdecks are often by stairways. It's also a requirement of the marine environment that we can get you safely on deck in case of an emergency. 

Some of the harbours we use have ladders or steps to get onto the quay; and often we'll use a dinghy for shore runs, which can involve two or three steps from the ship's side.

 If you are concerned you might not manage these, it's best you drop us an email to discuss those.

Will I get seasick?

On music trips, we aim to be anchored in a sheltered spot every night. Some of the longer passage voyages may include one or two night passages - contact us for more info.

On all of our trips, we aim to prioritise music over making any heroic sea crossings. This means that crossings or time spent in open water is limited - if you do feel queasy, it will not be for long!

What footwear should I bring?

If you're on Lady of Avenel, we'd recommend either hiking boots or work boots (waterproof) to wear on deck. Yacht-style boots or wellies aren't necessary on our deck and yacht boots can actually be very slippery.

We'd then recommend a pair of trainers or smarter functional shoes for going ashore (your hiking boots may be better for the wilder places we visit). 

On Søren Larsen or Florette, you're more likely to wear sandals on deck, and a pair of trail trainers can be fine for any hikes ashore.

Sometimes we land on beaches from the dinghy - then, we recommend stepping ashore barefoot (or a pair of sandals that can get wet), and putting your shoes on once you're ashore.

Is there a bar on board?

All the ships we use have a bar, which runs on an honesty system - simply put a mark next to your name if you take a drink; and pay at the end of the trip. 

Aboard the Lady of Avenel, on our Scottish trips, the bar is not run for profit and we only aim to make enough to replenish stock. at present, prices of £4.50 for any alcoholic drink, or £3.00 for a soft drink, allow us to do this. Søren Larsen, for our Australian voyages, runs a similar set up.

On Florette, the ship we use on our Italian trips, the bar prices will be higher - it's one of the ways this ship manages to keep their voyage prices a bit lower, so you can expect to pay more like 6 euro for a beer, or 16 for a bottle of wine.

Can I bring my own drinks aboard?

If you're joining one of our Scottish voyages then yes, that's fine.

On Søren Larsen or Florette, please don't bring any drinks aboard - it's the ship's bar only.

I'd feel happier if I could chat with someone who can tell me more about the trip

No problem! Just drop us an email at sessionsandsail@gmail.com and we'll happily set up a meeting by phone or by the platform of your choice.