11 May 2019
Given fabulous scenery, perfect weather and ideal company, what else could contribute to the enjoyment of a week spent exploring the Hebrides? The answer for our group is Rob Barlow and his crew aboard the Elizabeth G. Now an annual fixture in our calendar, Rob’s cruises seem to get better every year and 2019 has surpassed them all. As well as incomparable scenery, our interests include wildlife, geology, history and archaeology and we see it all, in abundance. This year we visited, or re-visited, ten islands and we get particular pleasure when we are landed on an island which is only rarely seen by others. Between islands the dolphins gave delightful impromptu displays of bow-riding and impressive bird lists were compiled, both ashore and at sea. Having sailed these waters for many years, Rob knows them well and his advice regarding likely destinations is invaluable. Choices can vary according to weather reports and expected sea states but he never seems to fail finding a calm, sheltered anchorage for the night. This is important both for a good night’s sleep and for the splendid meal which precedes it. This year Mags performed miracles in her small galley and the meals she produced are listed among the highlights of the trip. Craig, the bosun, was kept busy, manoeuvring the anchor, launching the tender, helping us ashore and back on board, serving in the saloon and many other tasks. In spite of the pressure he kept cheerful and friendly and, most impressively, he could address us all by name within minutes of our arrival. The cabin layout is a great improvement, there is better storage space for personal belongings and each cabin now having an en suite toilet and shower is real luxury. Our group’s booking for next year has been made already! Chris Knowles
Chris Knowles
Morning Emma - Just wanted to say thank you for a lovely trip out to St Kilda at the beginning of the month. Charlie (Skipper) was brilliant at keeping us informed of weather changes and getting us out to St Kilda safely. I was a little apprehensive because we have never been that far out into the Atlantic before. But I felt very safe and thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the sun even shone for us whilst we were on St Kilda. Will was his usual smiley self. Will cheered me up no end with his offer of “Would you like a crunchie Debbie”. This has now become a standard phase in our house to make everything all right. Brilliant. Jasmin was a delight and looked after us all brilliantly and her decoration of the boat with balloons for my birthday was really lovely along with the card. Thank you. Charlie (Chef) fed us all very well and my birthday cake was lovely. Thanks Emma, I hope the rest of the season goes well for you all.
D Ledgard: 1 July 2024St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides