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About the school
Gordonstoun offers RYA recognised sail training as part of its broader educational programme, based out of Hopeman Harbour in Moray. Our students have the opportunity to gain qualifications such as Competent Crew, learning practical seamanship skills in the challenging and rewarding waters of the Moray Firth. It's an integral part of our approach to character building and outdoor education.
The location
Hopeman Harbour on the Moray Firth provides a robust environment for young people to learn sailing and seamanship. The area is exposed to the North Sea, offering genuine coastal sailing experience which is excellent for developing resilience and practical skills under qualified RYA instruction.
How to get there
The closest airport to Hopeman and Gordonstoun School is Inverness Airport (INV), which is approximately an hour's drive away. Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is another option, though it's further, typically a 1.5 to 2 hour drive. For those travelling to the school, transport is often arranged directly with Gordonstoun.
Best time to go
Sailing activities on the Moray Firth are primarily undertaken during the spring and summer terms, roughly from April to June, and then again in the early autumn term around September. These periods offer the best balance of daylight hours and manageable weather conditions for sail training in this northern latitude, though conditions can remain challenging and highly character building.
