Whimbrel was 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.
There are two twin cabins, and one double available to guests. Each of the cabins has its own well appointed bathroom, all with electric flushing toilet, powerful shower, basin and heated towel rail, with beautiful Corian surfaces, a full mirror, and shaver power point.
Whimbrel benefits from both full air conditioning and central heating, a fully equipped galley with double oven, four burner gas hob and combination microwave oven, two fridges, a deep freeze and a gas BBQ on the aft deck. For time spent below, there is a Bluetooth enabled stereo, a TV with DVD, seating for all around the dining table, and almost 360º visibility through the tinted windows. There is also sheltered seating in the vast cockpit around the teak table.
Plenty of cushions outside, either on the open deck or in the sheltered cockpit, mean that there is plenty of room to spread out and relax in all conditions. The helm position gives good all round visibility, and allows the helmsman to control all the sails with the electric winches, whilst keeping an eye on engine controls and the Brookes and Gatehouse navigation system.
The centre of navigation is at the chart table in the saloon, with a pair of B&G colour plotters, VHF radio, Navtex receiver and autopilot control. Whimbrel carries a comprehensive set of local Admiralty charts, together with pilot books, local reference books.
Whimbrel carries a 3.4 metre aluminium hulled RIB, with a 15 hp Yamaha outboard motor. Electric davits make launching and recovery of the dinghy simple and efficient, and the transom steps make boarding the dinghy safe and easy. There is an extending stainless steel swimming ladder, and a hot and cold fresh water shower on the aft deck. As well as the gas BBQ, there is a portable charcoal BBQ for adventures ashore, and comprehensive fishing gear.
Equipment and Safety
Whimbrel is fully compliant with current MCA regulations, and is certified Category 2. She can carry up to eight people up to 60 miles from a safe haven. She carries all the necessary safety and firefighting equipment, which includes the following:
MCA Cat II coding (eight people)
Life jackets and harnesses for ten passengers
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
Skipper biography
Skipper Ben Merritt has been at sea for 30 years, running yachts both power and sail up to 100ft. 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 Andrew’s 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, current first aid certificate, and is an RYA Powerboat Instructor. A very keen amateur cook, he will endeavour to keep guests well fed on board, using local seafood whenever possible
