The London Literary Salon study Moby Dick onboard Eda Frandsen
The voyage will begin in Oban on Monday, the 13th of September 2027 at 1500hrs
The voyage will end in Oban on Sunday, the 19th of September 2027 at 0900hrs
A not-to-be-missed opportunity to complete reading one of the greatest books ever written in English – an extraordinary story of obsession and maritime adventure – over the course of a six-day voyage onboard Eda Frandsen. Four online meetings will introduce Moby Dick, followed by six study sessions at sea. This unique study will allow readers to complement their appreciation of Herman Melville’s text with a practical understanding and experience of the reality of seafaring life under sail.
First published in 1851, Moby Dick ranks on almost any list as one of the greatest works in the English language. Its three famous opening words ‘Call me Ishmael . . .’ together with the image of the one-legged Captain Ahab in mad pursuit of the great white whale, have become cultural icons. This grand—and occasionally grandiose—adventure tale unites the many voices of Herman Melville in a mongrel mix of epic poetry, Shakespearean tragedy, encyclopaedic cataloguing, biblical oratory, and not a small dose of comedy. Melville presents an insightful study of obsession, madness and charismatic leadership that anticipates many of our contemporary conversations about democracy, cosmopolitanism, capitalism and environmentalism.
Cruising from Oban offers up a myriad of different options, including Islay, famed for its many whisky distilleries and less well known for its stunning coastline. Jura, the neighbouring isle to Islay, whose white sand beaches are kept just for those who venture there under sail.
Nestled amongst mountains, the historic town of Oban, with its tweed shops and famous distillery, is positioned at the intersection of the Sound of Mull, Loch Linnhe, and the Sound of Jura, making it the perfect base for exploring many of the hidden gems of the West Highland Coastline.
Enjoy this unique perspective whilst sampling fantastic local produce and learning about the fascinating maritime and natural history of this historic coastline. Get involved with hauling up sails and taking the wheel, under the guidance of our experienced and knowledgeable crew.
As with all true sailing adventures, our exact route is shaped by the weather and sea conditions. This flexibility allows us to make the most of each voyage, choosing the safest and most rewarding passages on the day. While specific destinations cannot be guaranteed, our experienced crew use their local knowledge to ensure every journey is rich in sailing, scenery and memorable anchorages.
We provide a fully inclusive experience where all meals onboard are included in the price of your voyage. Our experienced and adaptable chef is happy to cater to the needs of you and your party, whilst you learn the ropes or sit back and relax with a book and take in some of the most beautiful and remote locations in Scotland.
