Friends

Chartering a yacht in the Hebrides is a great treat, owning a yacht a huge privilege. So it makes sense to share the pleasures with friends, some who sail but many who don't. These friends need to be cosseted and nurtured if they are to stay friends, so you do need to know what they would like to do as well as sail - puffins, seals, the pub, fine food? All are available but it takes a bit of planning to get their availability just right. Of course always, but always, build up expectations of storm, rain and midges because then they will be pleasantly surprised – in the summer the weather is generally pretty good and completely wiped out days are rare, and midges almost never get out to an anchorage (unless you insist on tying up to a handy pine tree).