Orkney, Fair Isle & Shetland sailing holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We cover as much of each sailing voyage as possible under sail, using wind and tides as our primary source of propulsion. We minimise engine use whenever conditions allow. When motoring is necessary, our modern, fuel-efficient engine meets CCR2 emissions requirements, helping to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Solar panels and a wind generator provide renewable electricity on board, helping to charge the batteries and power our refrigeration. LED lighting further reduces electricity consumption.

We also consider the environmental impact of our food choices. At least 50% of our meals are vegetarian, and we buy organic provisions wherever possible. By combining wind-powered travel with efficient onboard energy use and more plant-based meals, we aim to reduce the environmental footprint of our sailing holidays.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Our sailing holidays take us through remote islands, coastal landscapes and waters rich in marine wildlife. We believe that observing wildlife should be done with as little disturbance as possible.

When approaching marine mammals, we maintain a distance of at least 50 metres. We never steer directly towards them, allowing them to decide whether to approach or move away. If we find ourselves closer to wildlife, we switch off the engine and echo sounder to minimise underwater noise and disturbance.

We use biodegradable soaps and laundry detergents on board and separate waste for recycling whenever local facilities allow. We also try to minimise unnecessary packaging when provisioning the yacht.

We encourage our guests to respect wildlife and the natural environments we visit. Our flexible itineraries allow us to adapt to weather and sea conditions, helping us travel in harmony with nature rather than following a rigid schedule.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

As a small, family-run Dutch sailing business, we believe that supporting local communities starts at home and continues throughout our voyages.

We deliberately work with Dutch specialists for the equipment, maintenance and upkeep of our sailing yacht, Cherokee. Our sails are made by Van Vliet in Middelharnis, and we work with Neutmast, our mast and rigging specialist in the same town, where much of our rigging is custom-made for the yacht. By choosing these local specialists rather than having our sails and rigging manufactured in distant production centres, we support skilled craftsmanship and specialist businesses in the Netherlands.

In Rotterdam, we also rely on small local businesses. Niko Hoogstad advises us on maintenance and provides carpentry work, while Mr Autoparts, a small local automotive business, supplies engine oil and filters. We prioritise Dutch suppliers and local expertise, and we do not directly purchase products from China.

Our commitment to local businesses continues when we travel. As our guests stay aboard the yacht, we do not use hotels or other accommodation providers. Instead, we buy provisions from local supermarkets, village shops, bakeries and markets. We traditionally finish each voyage with a meal together in a local restaurant, and we encourage our guests to explore local cafés, shops, museums and attractions.

By working with local specialists in the Netherlands and spending money with small businesses in the destinations we visit, we aim to support local livelihoods and give our guests a more personal connection with the places they discover.