Although it may seem from our cruising calendar that we only work seven months of the year, the winter months are very busy indeed! At the end of the 2019 season, both vessels transferred along the coast to their wintering mooring at Dunstaffnage Marina. Apart from a break for Christmas and New Year, the annual maintenance is ongoing throughout the winter months, where all boat systems are checked for upgrades and repairs, and the fittings and finishes are refreshed and refurbished for a new season. This winter, Emma Jane is getting a complete new central heating system for the comfort of guests. Last year saw the major conversion of Elizabeth G to ensuite cabins, which has met the full approval of her many admirers. This winter we took on another major upgrade for Elizabeth G by extending the top deck to provide a new aft deck space. This will provide a new comfortable deck seating area which will have a detachable cover which can be used whatever the weather, perfect for alfresco drinks and snacks while soaking in the scenery during the day. It will also be the popular place in the evening for that after-dinner dram and a bit of stargazing. Images of the completed new deck will be coming soon!
Once all upgrades and maintenance are complete, both vessels go on the slip for a complete exterior paint so they will look spic and span for the arrival at the pontoons in Oban to greet the crews for the new season. The last, but very important task is to carry out the week-long annual training and induction for the crew, followed by a great feeling of expectancy and pleasure as they welcome onboard the first guests of 2020.
An expedition cruise searching for giants, what a fabulous idea for a trip and it delivered! Over eleven days with some early mornings and late evenings we sailed to the edge of the Continental Shelf, around the Butt of Lewis, zig zagged across the Northern Minch then down to the east of Skye under the bridge around Ardnamurchan and back to Oban via Tobermory and the Sound of Mull. It was an absolute privilege to watch, in their environment, the frenzied feeding of minkes, dolphins, gannets and various other sea birds on a variety of differing sea states. All made possible by the excellent and dedicated skippering of James and the ever vigilant spotting of Connor assisted by the equally sharp eyed Lindsay. The reason for OUR frenzied feeding was the delicious top quality food prepared by Charlie and served by Lindsay. A fabulous crew who tended to our every need. We did spend a little time on land, with fascinating walks around islands and headlands led by the hugely knowledgeable Conor who would suddenly dive off into the woods and reappear with a rare fungi or stop at a tree trunk or stone wall and introduce us to a whole new world of lichens and mosses. This was our tenth year with Hebrides Cruises on Elizabeth G and each one has been superb in it’s own way. We have already booked for 2026 and are now looking at 2027.
Jill and Dave Jones: 22 August 2025In Search of Giants: Expedition Cruise