News - Meetings and Incentives Aboard Scotia W
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Scotia W, a former North Sea fishing trawler which has been converted into a mini cruise ship, allows event planners to organise events with a difference, as the boat can be used as a conference, events and incentives venue.
Until 2002, the well-appointed vessel sailed as part of the North Sea fishing fleet, but after undergoing the ultimate make-over she now provides individually-tailored boat holidays around Scotland. And her owners have identified her potential to be used as an unusual events venue.
Accommodating up to eight guests, Scotia W is available exclusively for private charter and will cruise predominately in the Moray Firth, along the Caledonian Canal and around Scotland’s West Coast. Operated by Scottish company Scotia Charters, the venture is the brainchild of Peterhead businessman Alex Wood – a former fisherman and a skilled joiner. He spotted the traditional wooden-hulled vessel’s potential to be transformed into a cruise boat when her successful 30-year fishing career came to an end.
Accommodation onboard the vessel includes four twin en-suite guest cabins, a large lounge and dining area, extensive outdoor deck space and a spacious wheelhouse. The dining area can be reconfigured into a boardroom set-up for 10 delegates and includes a VGA connection to a large TV screen. If there is a requirement for breakout spaces, the adjoining lounge area can be used, as can the wheelhouse. Corporate team building activities such as course plotting, navigation skills and boat handling activities can also be provided in the wheelhouse.
Sailing itineraries can be tailored around specific interests or locations and can incorporate a range of activities, from golf to adventure sports. Cruise departure points include: Inverness which has good air and rail links; Ardrossan and Troon on the Ayrshire coast, which are a short drive from Glasgow International Airport and the city’s railway stations; and Fort William, which can be reached by rail, including on an overnight sleeper from London. The vessel has a crew of four, which includes a cook and Mr Wood as skipper.
Regardless of the season, Scotland’s dramatic scenery can provide plenty of inspiration for delegates, while the slower pace on board Scotia W can allow them to relax and unwind. The dramatic scenery can also provide a stunning backdrop if Scotia W is used as a venue for a product launch or a location for photo shoots.
All meals are provided onboard the boat and are prepared using, where possible, the freshest local produce. Each night it will berth in a local harbour or mooring, allowing guests to go ashore and enjoy a real taste of Scottish hospitality in the local communities that they visit.
Scotia Charters’ Alex Wood said: “We have breathed new life into this former fishing trawler to create something innovative which allows people to discover Scotland from a different perspective. When used as a meeting venue, Scotland’s stunning scenery and wildlife will provide delegates with plenty of inspiration.
“Scotia W is furnished to a high standard and includes features that ensure she meets the needs of small meeting and incentive event organisers, whilst offering delegates a unique experience.”
Visit our gallery for images of Scotia W, email enquiries@scotiacharters.com or telephone +44 (0) 7976 897332.