Reviewed 17 Sep 2012 by Gordon Garrett
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
What can one say about this holiday it has to be one of the best holidays I have ever been on with two of the best hosts you could ever wish to meet in Michael and Colette who make your trip so wonderful and informative and the fellow passengers John, Julie, Peter and Mike who it was a pleasure to sail with. The meals on board from breakfast through to dinner are all superbly prepared by Colette. You can either relax or take it easy or you can learn various things on board and help sail the boat which is quite an experience in itself .All in all a thoroughly wonderfully holiday and adventure. And one I would willingly take again.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I travelled up by train from the midlands and stayed overnight in the Anchorage bed and breakfast both before and after the trip which is just a 15 minute walk along the loch. Make sure you take waterproofs and Wellingtons, you will need them. Sleeping in bunk beds is an experience in itself but slept like a log every night.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes very much so everything used was put aside for recycling upon return to the marina at the trips end. When going ashore in the rubber dinghy which was quite an experience we pulled into the shore.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Without a doubt 5 stars and one I would definitely take again Michael and Colette look after you from start to finish and nothing is too much for them.
Reviewed 20 Aug 2012 by Sophie Hood
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The magic of this holiday can be summed up by our first morning afloat. Having learnt how to lay an anchor the night before, we woke to the gently lapping waters of a secluded loch. After a delicious breakfast we had a hilarious hour learning basic knot knowledge, followed by fishing for fresh mackerel for dinner - and all this before elevenses on the aft deck, surveying the scenery over tea and biscuits. Many more adventures awaited over the next four days..
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring waterproofs! We had five solid days of sunshine, but even in these conditions, a waterproof coat and trousers come in very handy for dingy launching and riding, lobster pot launching and retrieval etc where splashing at the very least is inevitable.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our holiday brought income to the locality, where the St Hilda is based. The mindfulness that water use and waste disposal required certainly kept our environmental impact to a minimum and we hope that this type of holiday will encourage the preservation of wildlife.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful holiday, quite unlike any other we've ever experienced, made possible by Michael and Colette's hospitality, expertise and hard work.
Reviewed 18 Jun 2012 by Sue Fletcher
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
How do I choose? It was all wonderful. But I suppose it would have to be watching what must have been over 100 gannets dive bombing again and again like WW2 fighter pilots circling round for yet another attack. Spectacular. Also gathering wild mussels as big as the palm of your hand, spending an hour or two scraping barnacles off them, then seeing them reappear as moules marinieres a couple of hours later. Landing mackerel by the dozen and enjoying them as fresh as it's possible to be. Waitrose will never be able to compete.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't take much with you, especially books! Our massive supply stayed firmly put in the bags. There's too much to see and do and there are books on board if you want to read. Definitely take swimming gear and possibly a wetsuit. The swimming is terrific.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Michael and Colette are extremely careful to have as low an impact on the environment as is possible. Food is locally sourced, waste kept to an absolute minimum, fishing only for those that are large enough to eat and only the amount needed for that night's meal are kept. They care passionately about conservation and keep an eye out for local species and how they are doing. Guests can contribute to a log of what they have seen.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful. All our conversations now begin "When we were on the boat ...". Michael and Colette are superb hosts - interesting, kind, great company. Colette's cooking is delicious and they are both so patient with the idiots who couldn't get their heads round a round turn and two half hitches. Great mucking in and helping, meeting like-minded people and having the most brilliant time.
Reviewed 02 Jun 2012 by Doreen Jones
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was memorable for so many reasons! Colette and Michael are wonderful hosts and they certainly know their "stuff". We fished, threw lobster pots, put up the sails, collected plankton and looked at all these amazing colourful creatures
under the microscope. We relaxed and sunbathed on deck... The weather was perfect. The meals that Colette produced were magnifique! The mussels collected in Loch Striven were soon moules marinier ... Absolutely delicious!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with an open heart and mind and enjoy everything. Don't forget your camera!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The food for the trip was sourced locally. Local businesses eg B&B, pubs, attractions were recommended. Wildlife was respected and safe distances kept. Rubbish carefully collected, recycled or disposed of in correct way.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic, I met some wonderful people and haven't laughed so much for ages. A real tonic!
Reviewed 02 Jun 2012 by Ann Redburn
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being part of an amazing team (crew and guests). I experienced so much, learned
so much and did things I never thought I would - or even could; I received so
much encouragement.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a small bottle of handwash gel or handwipes - it's a long way up and down the gangway to keep washing your hands!!!!!! They don't get dirty, but you are
handling equipment which has been in the sea. Oh yes, layers of light clothing
better than thick sweaters and fleeces etc. Lighter to pack and easier to stow.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly did - Colette and Michael kept it local, shopped locally and took us to
local places of great interest. They taught us how to care for the environment
and wildlife. Wonderful.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderfully different and definitely for those who wish to be part of what is
going on. I will go again; even now thinking of next year.
Reviewed 19 Sep 2012 by Sophie Tyrrell
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Highlights included catching fish, watching seals from the dinghy, and working with Michael and Colette on the many aspects of sailing the boat.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack plenty of warm layers, including warm hats. It can get very cold and wet on deck, and it's good to have spares.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Michael and Colette are very passionate about marine conservation, and practice this actively. We were encouraged to think about where our fish comes from, and to act responsibly on the voyage.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was an excellent and challenging holiday. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship homely, and the food excellent. As complete novices to sailing we learnt so much. We have come home exhausted but inspired.
Reviewed 04 Sep 2012 by Gwen Taylor
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning to sail with Michael was the best bit in my opinion. He taught us loads of knots, and we turned off the engine and sailed for a bit. My second favourite bit was fishing. We caught lots of fish, and chose the ones we wanted to eat, before having them for dinner!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic! I really enjoyed it! It was one of the best adventury actiony holidays I've ever been on! Thank you very much Michael and Colette!
By Ashleigh aged 12 (:
Reviewed 31 Aug 2012 by Wenda Hall
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
On the first night we anchored in one of the sea lochs. It was calm and the moon was out. We could hear the fish jumping out of the water and see the phosphorescence as they were chased by either a seal or porpoise. That was a great experience. This was a really enjoyable holiday where you had to sit back and relax because there was no TV/ phone signal and you had time to take in your surroundings. We saw lots of different seabirds. We saw porpoises and a dolphin, but best of all was seeing the seals up close with their pups from a dinghy!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need to be able to get on with new people well as there is very little privacy or room in the sleeping quarters. This was not a problem as everyone gave each other the necessary space and time.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All food was bought locally and cooked freshly on board every day. All rubbish was taken ashore at the end of the cruise and either recycled or disposed of properly. Michael had a great knowledge of the area and it's wildlife and I think conservation is supported by him imparting his knowledge to the people who take the cruises.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I really enjoyed this holiday because you can slow right down and watch the world go by. The scenery was beautiful and seeing the mountains of Arran looming up in front of you as you sail towards them was brilliant. I learned a lot on this cruise that I never thought I would - how to tie knots, how to land a mackerel, how to launch a dinghy, to name but a few. You can do as much or as little work as you like. There is no pressure. Collette's cooking was superb, Michael was keen to share his knowledge and the company of the other passengers that week made it ideal.
Reviewed 16 Jun 2012 by Marie Hogan
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the holiday was sailing to Arran with all the sails out watching the wildlife.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe all the stores were bought locally.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The food and hospitality was very good. The accommodation was basic and you had to be prepared for very little privacy.
Reviewed 13 Jun 2012 by Robin Field
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The food and the company of Michael and Colette (who is also a wonderful cook) were outstanding. I usually go on sailing holidays to get fit but this time the food and wine were terrific and I put on weight. Other highlights were the freshly collected muscles (moule marinere), the wonderful scenery, wildlife, walks in the hills and of course the sailing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to immerse youself in the history of the St. Hilda and to join in with all aspects of operating and sailing an old craft. As an experienced sailor I really did get the best out of the holiday. Michael is very keen to give his clients every opportunity to learn and help but travellers will only get the complete experience if they are prepared to join in the operation of the boat.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Colette was keen to source the food for the trip locally. The boat is based in the Holy Loch Marina and it is obvious that Michael has a good working relationship with the local community. The care that Michael took not to disturb the wildlife and choose anchorages shows that both he and Colette are very aware of the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I only give the holiday 3 stars simply because I do go on a lot more exotic holidays at least once a year. At 6 days long this was more of a break. However I was very very impressed with the value for money as this was an 'all-in' package. As in all solo holidays the quality of the fellow travellers is all important, you have to be prepared for anything and the company was very amusing. This holiday was great and I would recommend it to anyone with the right attitude.
Reviewed 26 Jul 2010 by Penelope Elphinstone
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Memorable for me for wonderful wildlife we really saw ( so often we have been disappointed, even in Amazon rain forest). We saw dolphins and seals and lots of beautiful sea birds, we fished and laid lobster pots. We caught a lobster, along with crab and star fish, and netted plankton which we examined under microscope. My sons enjoyed the sailing, one son found he loved making sea knots. We swam in the sea. We all enjoyed beautifully cooked and plentiful food and the good company of our host and hostess.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Good holiday for teenagers as skipper Michael will let them sail the boat and teach them all about navigation and sailing. No hidden extras, absolutely all food provided and no opportunity to go shopping and spend extra on unwanted souvenirs. Good value for money.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The tourist industry in West Scotland has lost out to places with reliable sunshine. Holidays like this attract tourists back benefiting the local people. All food was bought locally by our hostess. The lobster and crab we netted we returned to sea. Michael and Colette were meticulous with rubbish and recycling. We travelled to Scotland by train, better for the environment than flying. Our children were set an example on how to behave responsibly with regard to the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Thanks, responsible travel!
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