Brian Kynoch, Chairman, Orkney Marinas Ltd Kirkwall

Brian Kynoch, Chairman of Orkney Marinas Ltd., operates his charter company Sail Orkney from Kirkwall Marina. The Catherine J, an Elan Impression 434, has proved very popular since its launch in 2008. As well as clients from the UK & Northern Ireland, international clients from Norway, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Brazil, Canada and the United States have travelled to Orkney to experience cruising around the islands of Orkney & Shetland including Fair Isle.

Although there is plenty to see in and around Orkney during a week or even a two week charter, many groups choose to gain valuable experience through clocking up sea miles. Crews often venture north around the top of Shetland, passing Muckle Flugga, the most northern point of the UK. One group even travelled south to the Western Isles to join up with their most northerly destination on previous charters.

“I’ve been blessed with highly experienced clients who have looked after the Catherine J and have appreciated her high standard of accommodation and sailing ability. My most memorable group to date has to be the Phat Buoys. This group came from all over the globe to meet in Orkney, a challenge in itself!”