Last month saw the launch of West Coast luxury yacht charter business, Scottish Yacht Charter. Already booked out for their first month in business, Web Wise Business caught up with owner and yacht skipper, Edward Derrick, to find out more about the business and it's aims.

 

With a variety of trip types ranging from private charters to corporate charters and whisky cruises, all aboard a luxury 46 foot Fairline Phantom motor yacht, Scottish Yacht Charter are somewhat unique when compared to the West Coast of Scotland's typical charter offerings. But what motivated owner operators Edward and Helen to start the business?

 

"Upon visiting Vancouver Island, Canada, some years back I spent some time out on RIBs (Ridged hull Inflatable Boats) exploring the islands between the mainland and Vancouver Island. The coast line and scenery immediately reminded me of back home. After spending 6 weeks discovering the coastline I was immediately hooked!" Edward told us of his initial experiences on the water. A long way from becoming owner and skipper of his own luxury yacht charter company, Edward went on to explain the motivation for starting his own yachting business.

 

"On returning home to Scotland, I realised that I wanted to explore my home country in the same way. Eventually purchasing our first boat 5 years ago, Helen and I set to taking in the beautiful coastline and picturesque bays Scotland has to offer. Over the coming years we explored Scotland’s west coast, hoping one day to eventually start our own charter business and bring the coastline closer to everyday people who wanted to visit their own country’s beautiful locations."

With the deepening recession impacting heavily upon the construction industry, and predicting the impact upon his own Joinery firm, Edward tells of how the decision to move forward with this plan was finally made. "As you know, the current recession has had a big impact on many businesses, mine, which is Joinery within the construction industry, is no exception. With this in mind I decided to push forward with my vision of the charter company. Over the last 5 years I gradually built up the necessary skippering qualifications, firstly qualifying as Helmsman, then Day Skipper then onto Coastal Skipper/Yacht master." Upon purchasing their new 46 foot Fairline Phantom, Shingleback, and spending the time to have the boat fully kitted out, including flat panel televisions, satellite, wireless broadband and central heating throughout, Scottish Yacht Charter were finally ready to take to the waters.

Off to a busy start already, the company clearly show modesty when discussing their expectations for their first full year in business. "Our plans for this year are to get our business noticed within the leisure Industry, advertising down south with visit Scotland and through the new website. Getting people on the West Coast rather than heading abroad is our objective."

 

"I am positive there is a market for this service, its just convincing people Scotland has more to offer than shortbread and haggis!"

 

If your planning on taking a break in Scotland this year and want to enjoy beautiful scenery while relaxing in luxurious style, contact Scottish Yacht Charter and plan your ideal holiday in the West Coast of Scotland today.