Swan will return to the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival at Portsoy in 2027, leaving from Lerwick to include a cruise down the north east coast of Scotland.

Boarding in Lerwick will be at 10:00 on Tuesday 15th June, when you will receive a full safety briefing and introduction to the boat, including how to work the lines and hoist the sails before we set sail for Portsoy.

You will be at the heart of the event as we berth alongside other regular attendees such as the well-known traditional Scottish Fifie vessels; Reaper and Isabella Fortuna. (attendance TBC) Swan will be your convenient home, right in the centre of the action for the duration of the festival.

With a weekend pass included in your trip, you can enjoy all the festival has to offer. There is plenty going on, music stages and stalls with local crafts and food. Also, as you are part of our crew, you will have access to the ‘crew only’ areas and events. You will also have the chance to look at/visit other traditional Scottish vessels and socialise with their crews.

We will leave on Sunday as part of the festival’s parade of sail and head back to Lerwick to disembark around 10:00 on Wednesday 23rd June.

A voyage on Swan is very much a hands-on experience - you are part of her crew, and work as a team to make your voyage happen. Our experienced crew are always on hand to guide you in the safe operation of the ship. All tasks are shared and everyone joins in, from the most to the least experienced. For more details of what to expect on board please refer to our Welcome Aboard leaflet.

Image Credits
Main image - Anne Smith

Boarding in Lerwick on Tuesday 15 June at 10:00

Disembark in Lerwick on Wednesday 23 June at 10:00

Please ensure you wear sensible footwear, with good grips, and warm clothing.

There are basic waterproofs onboard, however you may feel more comfortable in your own wet weather gear. 

A range of merchandise available to purchase with all proceeds reinvested in the boat.

Please contact us as soon as you become aware that you may have to cancel your trip.  We will try to accommodate your request but please be mindful of our cancellation policy below.

Unless the trip is fully booked before departure, in which case your berth has been resold and you receive a 90% refund, the following refund amounts will apply:

·        Cancellation over 90 days before departure: 75%

·        Cancellation 61 - 90 days before departure: 50%

·        Cancellation 31 - 60 days before departure: 25%

·        Cancellation 30 days or less before departure: 0%

For information, these are the conditions you agreed to when completing your booking form for the trip:

1. In this agreement, the Swan Trust shall be known as “the trust” and the person or body in whose name the voyage is booked shall be called “the client”.

2. Any individuals aged under 18, must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who is responsible for their supervision at all times. 

3. The voyage fee covers berth, food (as specified in the trip descriptor), sailing instruction and travel while on board but not travel to or from the vessel.

4. The trust agrees that if unforeseen circumstances arise, other than stress of weather, to prevent the voyage taking place, a full refund will be made.

5. The trust reserves the right to make alteration to the published Sailing Programme where necessary but will inform the client of any relevant changes.

6. The trust reserves the right to exclude any client considered unsuitable without explanation.

7. The client agrees to sail under the command of the vessel’s Skipper and abide by his or her decisions and carry out duties assigned.

8. Swan is insured for legal liabilities whilst the client is onboard. However, this does not cover travel to and from the boat and the trust cannot take responsibility for personal valuables or for any illness, injury or accident sustained through no fault of the trust, or while the client is ashore. The client is advised to take out their own travel insurance for the trip, ensuring their policy covers sailing, cruising and yachting and cancellation insurance.

9. The client must ensure they hold an up to date passport if travelling to/in another country.

10. No livestock or pets may be brought aboard the vessel.

11. No illegal drugs may be brought or consumed on board the vessel.