Whimbrel is a luxurious ‘Bluewater 50′ catamaran built in 2017 by Discovery in Southampton, and now available for private yacht charters.
Designed with comfort in mind, yet with fast passage making ability, she is very stable, and her shallow draft (1.4m) makes her an ideal fast cruising yacht to explore quiet anchorages in style.
Fully compliant with current MCA regulations she can carry up to eight people up to 60 miles from a safe haven.
After spending he inaugural season in the Caribbean, she is now perfectly located for West Coast of Scotland exploration and guests can be met at agreed locations between Troon and Oban.
Sailing from Troon (for example) visits to Holy Island, Brodick Castle and Lamlash on Arran – Mount Stuart House or Rothesay on Bute – the pretty harbour of Tarbert, or perhaps and the almost Scandinavian landscape of Loch Long are all in easy reach.
If you have time to venture further afield, and past the Mull of Kintyre, there are thousands of miles of largely unspoiled coastline to explore and with it countless quiet anchorages, but you are never too far from a fully serviced marina – if that’s your desire. It really is up to you.
From seals and dolphins, porpoises, whales and basking shark, to otters, red deer, majestic soaring eagles, puffins, guillemots and graceful gannets. There is an extraordinarily rich marine environment to observe.
A voyage on board Whimbrel is an ideal of seeing this wonderful coast, watching for passing wildlife, or just relaxing. It is often possible to access dramatic walks ashore using the sturdy dinghy, perhaps across an island with Whimbrel waiting for you on the other side.
On Board
For time spent below, there is a TV with DVD, a Bluetooth enabled stereo and seating for all around the dining table, and almost 360º visibility through the tinted windows. There is also sheltered outdoor seating and dining in the vast cockpit.
She has a fully-equipped galley with a double oven, four burner gas hob and combination microwave oven, two fridges, a deep freeze and a gas BBQ on the aft deck.
Whimbrel carries a 3.4 metre aluminium hulled RIB, with a 15 hp Yamaha outboard motor – perfect for getting ashore safely. Electric davits make launching and recovery simple and efficient, and the transom steps make boarding both safe and civilised. There is an extending stainless steel swimming ladder, and a hot and cold fresh water shower on the aft deck.
For the last few years he has been based in Scotland, and has come to know and love the West Coast. Since completing a degree in history at St Andrews University, he has found a real passion for the country.
He holds an RYA Yachtmaster Certificate with a commercial endorsement, as well as the industry standard STCW95 and current First-Aid certificate. He is also a RYA Powerboat Instructor.
A very keen amateur cook, Ben will endeavour to keep guests well fed on board, using local seafood whenever possible.
Horseshoe buoys and drogues, with lights
EPIRB 406MHz
VHF DSC Radio with cockpit repeat
7 x Fire Extinguishers, automatic engine room firefighting system
Smoke Detector
Echomax Radar Reflector
Eight man ISO Liferaft, Solas B pack
Jack stays and deck eyes
Dan Buoy to RORC spec
Full set of flares
4G & WiFi booster antennae
Ocean Safety Danbuoy and MOB Recovery
Handheld VHF
Gas alarm and isolation
Extensive Medical Kit
Mast mounted Fog Horn
For 2024 Whimbrel can be met at any suitable location between Troon and Oban to suit your itinerary. Weekly charters are fully-catered (at cost) and run from Saturday to Saturday, though other times and durations are available by negotiation.
Charters are managed by Whimbrel’s agents Marchmont Farms Limited who own the magnificent ‘Grade A’ listed Marchmont House near Greenlaw in the Scottish Borders.
Longer durations are avaialble by arrangement, please contact the skipper Ben Merritt using the email form, or by telephone, to discuss your requirements and availability.
c/o Marchmont Farms Limited
The Courtyard
Holt Lodge Farm
Horton Heath
Dorset
BH21 7JN
Tel: +44 (0)7775 881334