En-Yi joined us as a Bursary sponsored participant on the Hebrides voyage from Barra to Oban in August 2026. Here's her blog:
“I’m About to Sail on THAT?!”
The first time I saw the Lady of Avenel, I was on a ferry entering Castlebay alongside five S&S participants. She stood out, being the only tall ship in the dock!
I was kindly invited to stay aboard the night before setting off, and helped prepare for everyone else’s arrival. As I hoovered and set up berths, I felt the friendly dynamic of the crew and was confident we were in safe hands. I went to bed after a delicious monkfish curry, excited for everything to begin (with no doubts that catering would be fantastic as this was described as a “non-fancy meal”).
“I Feel Like a Pirate!”
Having just met new people and given a safety briefing for if things went wrong, I started the trip quite anxious. This was fortunately short-lived as when we departed Barra, Charles (skipper), asked if I wanted to try helming! Excitingly turning the ship starboard and port, my overwhelm faded, and I was at peace sailing on the water. We anchored in Pabbay day one, and I fell asleep nauseous, hoping I would have sea legs when I awoke – spoiler: it took six days…
“DOLPHINS!” And a Wet Walk
Throughout the voyage, we saw lots of marine life including jellyfish, porpoises, and guillemots, but the highlight of the trip was dolphins riding the bow. It was the closest I have ever been to a pod, and it was just magical!
The weather (as expected in the western isles) was not great at points, with rainfall and wind. This meant we didn’t get many opportunities for onshore exploration. However, I did go on a sandal’ed walk through a Hebridean bog on Mull, and went swimming off a pier in Crinnon, both of which were lots of fun! Each place we anchored was new to me, and I felt lucky to take in the views. Passing through Staffa and the Corryvreckan Whirlpool was especially cool.
“I Have Never Done This Before”
Each day was different, so I got to try many things for the first time. People could do as much or little sailing as they wished, so I threw myself in. I climbed the rigging, dropped the anchor, fished, folded sails, learnt knots and more. Crew was always happy to answer questions, making me feel safe enough to do things I would otherwise be too scared of!
Musical Confidence
Having only started playing traditional music seriously at university, I feel daunted starting tunes at sessions. I was incredibly touched by the support of everyone on the boat to share my own music and harmonies; I improvised for the first time too! I began with imposter syndrome, knowing everyone was better than me, but by the end, I realised we were all learning from each other!
Expecting two tutors (Harry and Hannah), I was shocked to find that everyone in the crew was musical. Nessie (mate) even led a workshop of Swedish tunes, and we had the surprise stay of Hannah’s partner Sorren. I wrote a song for the first time in ages, and have returned home with a new spark of inspiration after much writer’s block.
“I Must do This Again”
Being disabled, there were things I was worried could dampen my experience, but I was looked after completely and had the best time. Without the bursary scheme, Sessions and Sail would simply be a dream, and the girl with boat memorabilia all over her room is ecstatic it became a reality. I can only say thank you. I have a wonderful new group of friends who I hope to cross paths with again as they really made the trip brilliant.
I was devastated for the week to end, and I look forward to the days I am back on the Lady of Avenel, whether I’m helping with refit or another S+S adventure. I will close off by saying that “this was the coolest week of my life!”