More and more, superyachts are discovering Scotland. At James Watt Dock we have welcomed M/Y Big Eagle II, Hampshire II and Itasca recently, and we are aware of around a dozen superyachts each year visiting Scotland. Many of these yachts visit Scotland on transition between the Baltics and Scandinavia on route to the Mediterranean or USA.
Scotland has its own draws with the scenery, whisky, genealogy and golf playing their part with many owners opting to extend their stay to take advantage of these unique features. In many places Scotland also offers deep water, good transport links to Europe and USA and a friendly welcome – which makes it an ideal place for crew changeovers.
In 2013 Glasgow Airport opened a £4m private jet terminal allowing owners and guests to arrive and depart quickly and in privacy. Helicopter charter flights operate from Glasgow and Edinburgh which makes getting around the country just that little bit easier, whilst chauffeur drive services are readily available covering the whole of the country.
Itineraries are varied and largely dictated by the owners and guests ambitions to see Scotland. Shetland, Orkney, Mull, Oban, Skye, Jura, Islay, Campbeltown and the Clyde are typical stopping off points with days spent at anchor in one of the many sea lochs of the West Coast. Often equipped with a variety of tenders, these vessels are still able to explore many of the best destinations that Scotland has to offer.
By Craig Latimer,
James Watt Dock Marina
www.jameswattdockmarina.co.uk
