You will be sailing in the beautiful Mediterranean, exploring islands, discovering beaches and swimming in warm seas. As part of this unique adventure, you will immerse yourself in the local culture, go sightseeing and eat at local restaurants in secluded harbours.
We will be living and sleeping on board six 15-metre yachts. Each yacht will have a qualified skipper, an experienced leader and a crew of six. You will learn how to sail and everyone will have an opportunity to take the helm (steer the boat), haul in the sheets (adjust the sails) and prepare for berthing.
Where will we be sailing?
We will be going to the Mediterranean. Our preferred destinations at this stage are Croatia or the Greek Islands. We will make a final decision on our destination when flights and yachts become available in September 2022. Take a look at some of the options here.
When are we going?
We’ll be going during the October half-term holiday, which is Saturday 21-28 October 2023.
We’ll also have four training weekends before we go, when you’ll learn to work with the rest of your crew, prepare for living together on the yacht and practice some sailing skills. We hope that one of those training days will be on a yacht. We’ll let you know the dates when we confirm your place.
Who can go?
Explorers and Network members between 14 and 25 years old on the date of departure can apply.
We will charter a maximum of six boats which means that we are able to take a maximum of 36 participants. If more than 36 people apply there will be a selection day on Sunday 10th July 2022. Please put this date in your diary now.
What will it be like?
We will sail between islands in the beautiful Mediterranean. You will take part in every aspect of the yachting experience from steering the yacht and hoisting the sails, to preparing meals and cleaning the galley. It might take you a bit of time to get used to the movement of the yacht and to settle in to life afloat, but most people soon adjust and have a fantastic experience.
There will be time to go swimming and snorkeling when we discover secluded beaches and hidden harbours. When we arrive in the marina at the end of each day there will be time to explore or simply relax. You will be involved in planning our route and deciding on a few land-based activities, such as cycling and walking.
You will sleep in a double cabin with another member of the crew. Whilst cabins are compact there is plenty of room if you keep things ship-shape (tidy). We will have everything we need on board including a galley (kitchen), saloon (lounge) and the heads (toilets).
What will we eat?
Your crew will decide what to cook and eat whilst on board the yacht, including meals, snacks and drinks. We will also eat in local restaurants where you can enjoy local delicacies and international fare. We will take account of any dietary requirements.
What equipment and clothing do I need?
You’ll be able to enjoy this yachting expedition with clothing and equipment that you already have. You’ll need warm and waterproof clothing, but the kit you already have for camping and walking will be fine. The only specialist equipment that you’ll need is a life jacket, which you can purchase (from £70) or hire (approx. £35). Oh, and a large foldable bag for all your kit. Bed linen and towels are provided on the yacht.
Don’t buy anything yet, we’ll talk about all your equipment needs during one of the training weekends and give you advice on what to ask for, for Christmas 😉
Scouting for All
This adventure is open to all and it is important that everyone has the opportunity to participate. If you want to join this expedition but experience challenges that make it more difficult for you to participate, please contact Neil or Hugh to discuss your particular circumstances.
Various options for financial support are available and we will help participants organise fundraising events to help cover costs.
What will it cost?
The cost of the trip will be no more than £1,400
This includes:
- Yacht charter
- Flights and transfers
- All meals on the boat and in restaurants
- Onshore activities and sightseeing
- Scout Insurance
- 4 Weekend training events
- Expedition polo shirt, neckerchief and badge
You’ll also need to pay for:
- Life jacket (purchase or hire)
- Optional branded merchandise (T-shirt, sweatshirt, etc.)
- A little spending money.
When do we need to pay?
We require a deposit of £200 in July 2022 and recommend that this is followed by twelve monthly payments of £100.
Alternative payment plans can be agreed to suit your circumstances but to ensure we can book your flights and secure our yachts, we’ll need:
- Deposit (non-refundable) – £200 by July 2022
- Payment 1 – £300 by September 2022
- Payment 2 – £300 by December 2022
- Payment 3 – £300 by March 2023
- Payment 4 – £300 by June 2023
Payments are refundable (other than the deposit) assuming we can find a person to take your place, otherwise we can only return any money that we haven’t already spent or committed.
Who will be our leaders?
Hugh Miller – Expedition Leader
Hugh has been involved in Scouting since joining Cubs in the week of his 8th birthday. Having grown up as a Sea Scout he’s always enjoyed water activities as well as overseas travel. Over the past 25 years he’s been involved with overseas trips to Australia, Thailand and most recently yachting in Croatia. Hugh is a member of the Major Events Group for the County as well as being a Cub Leader and Deputy District Commissioner in Ormskirk. Outside of Scouting Hugh is a financial controller for a company who turn used cooking oil into biodiesel and food waste into electricity. 
Neil Ralph – Deputy Expedition Leader
Neil is a keen yachtsman and has been sailing for more than 30 years. He was a skipper for Croatia2020, the county’s first yachting expedition. Neil also instructs dinghy sailing and powerboating. As well as being deputy expedition leader, Neil is a member of the County water activities team, SplAShU. When he’s not Scouting, Neil is a university lecturer.
Want to apply?
If you will be aged 14-25 when we set sail and would like to join our crew for an amazing experience, fill in the application form by 24th June 2022.
Further Information
If you require any further information or have any questions, please contact Hugh or Neil.
Email – yachting2023@westlancsscouts.org.uk
Hugh – 07818420359
Neil – 07914640329
Find us on Facebook @WLSYachting2023