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It's Shearwater, but not as we knew it! 9/9/10

Shearwater cruising around St. Tudwal's Islands
Slideshow of photos...

We've followed the progress of the new Shearwater luxury charter boat here on Llyn.info, and finally in May this year, it started from where the first Shearwater left off in taking passengers around the stunning coast of the Llyn Peninsula.

Talking to skipper Alan Gray, who has been running trips from Hafan Pwllheli for 10 years, it is clear just how much he enjoys taking people out to sea and showing them the fantastic wildlife and scenery on offer around the coast of Llyn. Having dived the waters he sails on, Alan knows very well where all the rocks and other potential dangers are, impressively allowing him to get up close to the cliffs and the wildlife which reside there.

The 50 foot catermaran offers plenty of space and comfort for up to 30 passengers, and is equipped with the latest technologies. In the lounge there is a large screen TV which allows passengers to monitor where they are in relation to the coastline, or which can show the view from an underwater camera (something Alan is looking to enhance by installing more underwater cameras in the future).

Alan Gray navigating the coast of the Llyn Peninsula

Passengers can also stand on the bow of the new boat, allowing uninterupted views of the scenery and wildlife, including, if you're lucky enough to see them, dolphins which often swim alongside. Upstairs there is an additional seating area for passengers, offering an elevated view of the surrounding waters. Creating plenty of space for everyone on board is Alan's own favourite achievement with the new boat, for which he has been closely involved in the design.

Both Alan, and his right hand man Roy, told of how much they enjoy meeting different people (although there are many who have returned again and again) and guiding them around the local coastline. Running trips on Shearwater is a hobby for Alan, and any money made through running passenger trips goes back in to the long term maintenance of keeping such a vessel in top condition and out on the water. When the weather is good and there is sufficient demand, Shearwater will undertake two trips per day, with a slightly longer run in the afternoon than in the morning.

Taking in the view from the bow of Shearwater

Can there be any set backs to this hobby? Well, the weather! Which Alan said can be very fustrating at times. Not being able to go out for over a fortnight in July is sure to be!

We were lucky with the weather on my trip out, and although the big tides caused a large swell out by St. Tudwal's Islands we did manage to get around into Porth Ceiriad, where everyone enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits, before heading back along the coast via Abersoch.

If you would like to take a trip on Shearwater, please book through the Pwllheli Tourist Information Centre on 01758 613 000.

Slideshow of photos from my trip on Shearwater (9/9/10):