In this week’s Smart Talking we chat to John and Hilary Connelly, Skippers of Luxury Yacht Katherine 53.
Hi John and Hilary, welcome to Smart Talking. Please tell us about Katherine 53 and about what the company does.
John & Hilary: Katherine is a luxury sailing yacht fully equipped to accommodate 8 guests for day sails. She is based in Largs and her size and speed enable us to take guests to many beautiful locations in the Firth of Clyde.
A typical day would be to meet at 0900 at Largs Yacht Haven, then sail to an anchorage for a gourmet seafood lunch with all drinks provided. After lunch, we launch the jet rib speedboat and take guests for high-speed trips – the rib is capable of 40 knots – and for those who are willing, we can take them water ski-ing. An alternative option, for companies who would like to combine team building with meetings, is to charter Katherine for 2 days. Day 1 would be a sail to the Portavadie Marina and accommodation complex in Loch Fyne for a top class lunch followed by meetings.
After a night in the luxury accommodation at Portavadie, the following morning can be allocated to further meetings and lunch, then it’s back on Katherine for a sail back to Largs. Whatever the level of experience of our guests, we always involve them in sailing and steering Katherine. All wet weather clothes and safety equipment is provided.
Can you give us an insight into the kinds of customers interested in sailing with you? Do you have customers from overseas as well as from Scotland and the UK?
John & Hilary: Generally, the customers have been companies who want to involve their employees in team building and as a reward for a job well done. They have been located in Scotland and from other areas in the UK. We have had enquiries from Europe but in the short time we have been in commission, these have not yet borne fruit.
The current economic climate is particularly challenging for businesses, not least for the Scottish tourism industry – how is your business coping with that – any positives coming out of the experience and any advice for others?
John & Hilary: Katherine53 is a new business starting with the launch of Katherine at the end of July this year. We realise that the economic climate is harsh for many customers. However, the best companies with well-motivated staff will come through the recession. Katherine can be a part of the motivational experience. Our advice to others is that good marketing is essential. We recently featured in Yachting Life magazine, have contacts with many of the top companies in Scotland and have distributed marketing leaflets in Golf Clubs, Yacht Clubs and Chandlers.
Do social media and digital technology have a place in your business?
John & Hilary: We are active in social media using Twitter @ Katherine_53. We also have a comprehensive web site www.katherine53.com, which gives a good description of the yacht with photos.
As skippers, you have years of experience racing keelboats and cruising the West of Scotland. We’d love to hear more about your trip from La Rochelle to Orkney – sounds like an interesting one!
John & Hilary: We have both sailed extensively on our own 40 ft yacht to various locations in Scotland, UK, Ireland and France. Our longest trip was to Brittany then on to La Rochelle in the Bay of Biscay. Our most memorable trip was to Orkney to visit the many historic sites on the main island and to Scapa Flow. We have also sailed around Ireland and have had some exciting times in the remote west coast, where there is little shelter from the Atlantic Ocean.
What is Katherine 53 up to at the moment? Any news you would like to share with us?
John & Hilary: Katherine is now out of the water and decommissioned for the winter. She is laid up in Largs Yacht Haven in her dedicated cradle. She will be back in the water ready for April 2012.
Many thanks for Smart Talking with us, John and Hilary, and all the best with your new venture!
For more information on Katherine53 visit www.katherine53.com or follow on Twitter.
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