5 Reasons to Round IRL with Wild West Sailing
1. The Sailing
I suppose it might seem obvious as number one on the list but what is it about the sailing that’s so good? Our vessel “Lynx” (Reflex 38) is a fast and very capable yacht, designed and equipped to handle all offshore sailing conditions.
Our extensive wardrobe of sails and the very nature of a Round IRL Voyage means you will sail on all points of the wind. You will learn how to rig the boat properly and trim the sails for optimal performance upwind and downwind.
Helming “Lynx” is an absolute joy! You will learn, practice, and love it beating, reaching, and running while working in unison with your crew, executing seamless maneuvers with controlled sail handling.
It’s often been said that sailing is the easy part but how do you know where to go? What do you need to consider? What happens when it’s dark? These voyages will hone your navigation and passage planning skills and you will gain experience in both day and nighttime situations. You will learn invaluable practical techniques and develop new skills under the tutelage of our skippers who are only too keen to coach and answer your questions.
2. The Experience… and sense of achievement!
There is nothing like setting a goal and getting there. Wild West Sailing will do this and more! The crews on our Round Irl Voyages can vary in experience from novice to expert but ALL come home with a newfound confidence in their ability on the water, on the helm, and in navigation. Some crew signs up looking for an adventure with a difference; after all, how many of your friends have sailed right around Ireland?
However, everyone has a goal they wish to achieve and we are there to facilitate that in every way we can. Build QUALITY miles towards Yachtmaster qualification. Learn practical sailing tips while troubleshooting as you go. Learn from skippers and crew with thousands of miles and years of experience. Learn as much about yourself as you will about sailing and have the craic while you’re doing it!
Discuss your goals and expectations with the Wild West Sailing team and we will support you every step of the way.
3. The Irish wildlife and iconic sights
Whether you’re in it to hone your sailing skills or for the challenge, this unique experience is the ultimate staycation adventure. See the entirety of the Irish coastline in one epic voyage.
Visit the remote islands of Ireland such as Tory, Rathlin, Cape Clear, Inisbofin, and wherever else the wind blows us. Witness the breathtaking headlands and lighthouses you’ve probably heard of but possibly never seen such as Fair Head, Skellig Michael, Fastnet, and Tuskar Rock.
A Round IRL Voyage will open your eyes to the abundance of wildlife we have on our shores and allow you to reconnect with nature. You’re guaranteed to experience dolphins playfully approaching as we sail by on a daily basis and depending on the month, humpback or pilot whales and basking sharks.
We have had puffins land on deck and close-ups of sea birds such as oystercatchers, gannets, terns, and herons are commonplace and mesmerising as they dive for fish and glide through the air, seemingly without a care in the world.
4. Crew, Craic, and Comradery
We love to bring a new group of people together and see the camaraderie develop almost instantly! Everyone is on-board to share the same experience and help each other under the guidance of our amazing skippers. Off the boat, we eat in fantastic restaurants, (the island’s hidden gems) and we toast to the adventures just past and of course, the ones to come.
You will forget the world’s chaos and connect with people and nature. Lost in the simplicity of the natural beauty, your friendships on board are made to last. You will always be the crew that circumnavigated the island of Ireland as one… plus your Instagram will be the envy of many :)
5. Because with Wild West Sailing you can!
One of our core values at WWS is to make sailing as accessible as possible for those who wish to give it a try. Our Social Sailing and various weekend improvers courses are designed to introduce you to sailing, get you comfortable onboard and, then build your experience further.
WWS Round IRL Voyages are the perfect platform to enhance your experience. You automatically qualify for an Irish Sailing Competent Crew certificate having completed a Round IRL Voyage.
For our more experienced sailors, we build in your Coastal Skipper Certificate and you will gain valuable mileage, the required passages and the necessary night-time hours for your Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Exam.
Wherever you are in your sailing journey Wild West Sailing will bring you to the next level.
