New Yachting Experience

Yesterday I was kindly invited to view a new business venture on the west coast- described as a luxury yachting experience I was intriguedand interested to have the opportunity of seeing the concept first hand. I had briefly looked at the website but had not really taken it all in and therefore arrived at Dunstaffanage Marina not fully prepared. My memories fell back to the 80's when I used to offer a yachting experience form the shores of Eriska in our own 33 foot Bermudan Sloop- Shuna of Melfort- now sadly gone (due to the cost of building swimming pools!)

In those days the day out began with a paddle out in a dinghy and then a bracing sail up the loch with all involved in handling the sails and boat and whilst much fun was enjoyed it was far from the luxurious experience I was to witness on board this new nventure. Firstly it was a sedate arrival stepping off the pontoon to be welcomed on board by the two well dressed crew members. The boat was spotless with all kinds of gadgets, where we would have checked the shipping forecast in themorning to check for weather warnings they now have 24 hour satellite surveillance to keep the weather at bay, where we offered good wholesome sandwiches and a beer they offer a wonderful lunchtime spread across a large table, where we would have offered the opportunity of following the latest Grand prix results on a crackley radio they offer satellite television- Oh how times have changed.

Seriously the boat looks more suited to the pontoons of Monaco and the service is akin to a hotel but as an interesting venture and one I certainly would wish them well with it certainly is. They plan to offer overnight or even longer cruises in the three cabins each ensuite but they also wish to offer up to 10 guests the chance of crossing to Iona for the day or even tripping down to Jura for a tasting at the distillery and whilst Iam certain it will be suitablyy expensive it does seem to  planning  a memorable day. I did however opt to get home before asking the price for fear I topple overboard with shock but as Ikeep reemphasizing to everyone providing it offers value for money then it will succeed and I for one would have no hesitation in recommending it to our guests and wish them well in their endeavors.