Cruise the Western Isles of Scotland, Visit IOM & Maybe Ireland
I am an older sailor with a Westerly Riviera 33 foot sailing yacht lying Inverness area. I would like to find a like minded individual to explore the Western Isles – initially passaging along the Caledonian Canal, then onward to Oban and beyond. Later in June the Isle of Man TT races are on (starts 18th). As an old biker, I am considering a visit as part of this trip. I am easy going, sociable, with a good sense of humour and I like a beer in the evening. I would expect to eat ashore quite often when in port. It is important that my crew can fund their own expenses and afford to have a beer or two and eat out. Other expenses such as marina day rates, and some fuel will be split between us. This cruise will be an open cruise, the sailing and destinations will depend on the weather and conditions. You will need a full in date passport as we may visit Ireland or may need to seek shelter there. You should have a full set of waterproofs, I do have spare lifejackets but ideally you need a lifejacket with a harness (there are Jack stays fitted on deck). Any crew needs to be full flexible in the respect of open timescales, this probably means a retired person or someone who does not need a day job and does not have any committed family or other arrangements. We may well get holed up in some port or other for a while if the weather is inclement. I do not wish to be left alone on some distant Isle when my crew decides that they are needed elsewhere. I would expect us to have few video calls on whatsapp before we arrange anything serious.
This is a gentle cruise. I will not be rushing anywhere, or have a demanding program. I am looking for people who are practical and able bodied. I would expect the crew to be under 6ft and less than 17 stone due to height and space requirements. Some experience is necessary - I do not want to find that my crew gets sea sick or is unable to do normal stuff aboard like cooking, cleaning or basic seamanship duties like helming on longer or overnight passages. They should have basic skills such as ropes, knots and alighting on to a pontoon and taking a turn on the correct cleat when coming into port. For dietary and general living procedures, the crew needs to be flexible and have no physical limitations.
My Riviera is a well founded yacht with up to date equipment and facilities. Unusually, she has a full large internal helm in the main cabin as well as the normal Westerly external helm and seating. The internal helm allows a much nicer view when at anchor or in port and in inclement weather she can be helmed from the internal wheel while relaxing and indulging in a cup of tea. The hulls is wide providing significant space for a 33 footer. There are two main double cabins forward and aft, each with their own heads and massive storage. There is another central bunk within the main cabin also. Full facilities such as gas cooker, hot water, and a decent size fridge. The main cabin has extensive storage. For navigation there are two main plotters, AIS plus an auto-helm which are very useful on longer passages. The anchor and powered windless are very effective allowing stays in remote areas.
She draws just 1.4m (fin keel) but the Westerly hull is the same as on many other later Westerly’s such as the Storm and Oceanquest. These designs are known for their stability and safety. These heavy weight hulls provides better sea going stability and comfort than lighter Mediterranean yachts.
All lines come back to the cockpit. This makes it easy to sail. Visits to the open deck are often not required when on a passage. Both the head and main sails furl. There is a ladder on the stern for swimming or diving.
Now with a new engine, gearbox and transmission, she is in very good shape for an adventure or two. I do have a website with many pictures of the Riviera and all the practical details of the vessel.
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