Ocean Breeze RiB Tours

Back to Sanda!

2011-08-10T13:57:00.000+01:00

We had one of those "out of the blue" phone calls on Monday - a family from Arran would like to visit Sanda as they had always seen it and wondered what was out there.

One or two flies in the ointment though; they were leaving Arran on Thursday for a while, and the weather forecast for Tuesday morning and all day Wednesday was decidedly iffy...

However, when we studied the charts and data closely we saw a gap around Tuesday evening that looked interesting - a small ridge of high pressure should start to calm things down from late lunch until 10pm. We advised the clients that we would keep an eye on this, and phone them Tuesday morning if it was going to stay that way.

First thing Tuesday and the view from the window wasn't encouraging - but the forecasts all seemed consistent. We called the passengers - be at Lamlash 15.30-16.00, and wrap up warm!

The wind was still F4-5, NW as we left, but dropping steadily all the time. The seas were good fun - especially once we'd passed Pladda. Our concerns about passenger comfort were allayed by the wide grins we saw...

We'd set off at 15.58 and arrived at Sanda at 17.10 - despite the bouncy ride we'd kept to our estimate of 70 or 80 minutes.

We were met at the slip by Andreas, chef/manager of Sanda Island Hotel & Restaurant - a warm and friendly greeting, followed by delicious coffee and cakes in the restaurant.

We then took our guests for a guided walk across the island, before Andreas showed off the beautifully decorated and furnished accommodation - WOW! Not what you'd expect on a remote island; very simple, luxurious and comfortable; modern but not minimalist. Expect to see them in an appropriate magazine sometime soon!

Here are a few snaps from our all too brief visit; we hope to return soon and let Sanda work its magic on more of our clients...

In the churchyard of St. Ninian's Chapel

The Cross with the Hotel behind

The Ship

Glunimore, Sanda & Sheep Island

Sanda Lighthouse (on "The Ship")

The Ocean Breeze crew - "Bennan" at the slip

To Ailsa Craig with @Snoweider

2011-07-13T17:48:00.000+01:00

Elspeth skippered "Cowal"; @snoweider crewed on "Bennan"

What a day! So many people wanted to come with us that we had to use both boats; which meant that we needed a crew member for "Bennan". Elspeth tweeted @snoweider from Wild on Arran who was not going to pass up this opportunity...

Hundreds of gannets at the Water Cave

Cowal, Bennan and Orca

Arran from Ailsa Craig

The weather was perfect - light breeze, calm sea and warm(ish)...

There were thousands of gannets as well as huge numbers of guillemots and razorbills; kittiwakes a-plenty; and many, many puffins!

The long march!

Cowal heading for home

Heading to Pladda

Tall Ships and Small Birds...

2011-07-06T22:56:00.001+01:00

Several participants in the 2011 Tall Ships Race have arrived in Lamlash Bay, and what a wonderful sight they make! We grabbed a few snaps while getting ready to head to Ailsa Craig, so here's a taster...

Europa

Europa: Figurehead detail

Pelican of London

Pelican of London: Figurehead detail

Happy snappers!

Puffins on Ailsa Craig

Lots of puffins nesting on Ailsa Craig: nice ride out there, GREAT ride back! Many squeals and giggles - Woosh!

HitchHop came to Arran!

2011-07-02T19:50:00.000+01:00

On Hamilton Isle, off Clauchlands Pt.

Brian Ferguson & Jim Campbell are travelling around the islands of west Scotland to raise funds for the RNLI who do invaluable work saving lives at sea around Britain's coasts. You can follow the guys on Facebook (search for HitchHop) or on Twitter (@HitchHop) as they stagger their way from the Clyde to the Butt of Lewis, landing on as many islands as is possible. If you wish to make a donation you can use their page at Virgin Money Giving. Good Luck lads!

We want to go there!

OK! Pladda to...

...Holy Isle (the Inner Light)...

...now back to Arran please!