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As travelers vye for more isolated summer getaways, one private yacht might lure you to the enchanted shores of the Scottish Isles. This year, the elegant FAIR LADY—a 1928-built boat retrofitted for the modern traveler—has skipped the usual Mediterranean summer routes to charter around the United Kingdom’s northernmost nation from now until early October. “This summer, there really isn't anything like this available in the UK: a classic yacht cruising through the dramatic and stunning scenery of Scotland,” said Nicci Perides, Head of PR at Burgess Yachts.
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Up to eight guests can set sail on the 40 meter-long vintage boat, which features five stately cabins (four of which are en-suite) with polished pear wood and mahogany detail throughout the interiors and deck spaces. Original, century-old nautical features such as the ship’s wheel and standalone brass binnacle ups the nostalgic factor, as does the art nouveau lighting and plush antique sofas in the saloon, dining room, and classic card room.
The suggested eight-day Scotland itinerary takes guests along some of the most alluring sites of the Inner Hebrides, originating at the charming bay town Oban and sailing up to Isle of Skye before an exhilarating “scenic route” return. Available excursions include hikes along green-carpeted moorlands; disembarking on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave and its extraordinary basalt column formations; kayaking in the Loch Drumbuie with possible dolphin appearances; and several opportunities to explore Scotland’s coastal-fringed castles, including the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. For a literal taste of Scotland, an interactive tour of Talisker Distillery’s single malt operations on the Isle of Skye is also on the agenda.
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Meanwhile, prime viewpoints of Scotland’s fabled natural beauty and wildlife are readily available on FAIR LADY’s deck spaces. A curvaceous wooden Parisian bench on the main deck’s aft offers the most unimpeded vantage points. Just above, the sun deck features a shaded alcove (and an additional dining space) and a row of chic cobalt-striped loungers, which match the sprawled sun pad.
Getting to the FAIR LADY can be half the fun, and less risky for coronavirus exposure: the yacht owner-owned Cessna 208 seaplane (Spirit of Laudale) can whisk guests privately from/to the yacht from any airport in the UK. Additionally, yacht guests wanting an extended stay in the Scottish Highlands can check in to the Laudale Estate, a refurbished, exclusive-use 18th Century home with 10 en-suite bedrooms in an ultra-private swathe of Morven Peninsula.
Related: Touring the Picture Perfect Towns of the Scottish Highlands
The yacht charter is available through Burgess at £56,000 ($71,000) per week until early October; seaplane flights and Laudale House accommodation are an additional charge. Guests can cancel with full refund up to 21 days before the charter; if a COVID-19 related reason for a cancellation occurs in less than 21 days, a full refund is also available (with special terms).
