“Hold tight, we ‘re going around again,” beamed Raymond McIntosh, our skipper, as the wind filled the sails and the epic trio of Forth Bridges loomed high above. Welcome to the Chinwag. the swish yacht that sweeps you off for an unforgettable Scottish sail, a sail that can be accompanied by a lavish fresh Scottish seafood feast and a wee glass of bubbly.
Warm Welcome
We met Raymond (it’s very much first name terms with McIntosh Tours) and his wife Laura down at Port Edgar Marina on the fringes of Edinburgh in South Queensferry. As it’s our hometown we were intrigued to find out what it would be like sailing around waters we see every day. We were not disappointed.
First things first we were reassured straight away by how safety-conscious their operation was. They asked us to use antibacterial hand gel before we boarded and gel was available throughout the cruise, masks to be used too when doing down below to the galley. We were all equipped with lifejackets too – myself, Jenny and our two wee girls, Tara and Emma.
Outstanding Hospitality
Before we even slipped our lines we were already charmed. Charmed by a welcoming glass of proper champagne. This accompanied a gorgeous charcuterie platter from Edinburgh’s superb East Coast Cured. The chorizo was sublime. More remarkable local produce followed in the shape of a heaving seafood platter from Edinburgh’s Welch Fishmongers. We tucked into crab, langoustine, prawns, hot smoked salmon oysters and lobster. Sitting on the yacht in the sun-drenched marina it felt like were in the South of France not South Queensferry.
Hands-on Experience
Shipshape and refuelled it was time to slip those lines and putter out of the marina past the array of boats of all shapes and sizes. I really appreciated that Raymond wanted to get us involved in the sailing. Even the girls. We heaved on lines to hoist the sails up and, as the breeze stiffened, we were soon off under sail. There is nothing quite like the moment on a yacht when you cut the diesel engine and it’s just you gliding across the water with the sound of the wind in the sails. Not too much sound mind as Raymond made sure we kept trim to the wind adjusting our course when needed. I had a go at the helm at a good time as we were up to seven knots and fair whooshing along. I felt like a cross between Simon le Bon in the Rio video and a scene from Titanic.
If you normally find boat trips boring, you need to get out on a yacht with these guys. There is always something happening. I liked that you could just sunbathe, sightsee or get involved. The choice is yours. The glorious cakes that hailed from local business The Little Bakery, washed down by tea or coffee, were appreciated too.
World-class Views
As well as a yachting adventure this is most definitely a sightseeing cruise. They kit you out with binoculars, but you don’t need them to be bowled over by the epic scale and beauty of the trio of Forth Bridges – the Unesco World Heritage listed Victorian Forth Bridge, the 20th-century Forth Road Bridge and the otherworldly 21st-century marvel that is the slick Queensferry Crossing. Cruising under them was quite an experience, as well as spotting seals and looking out for porpoises and dolphins. You sometimes get whales in these waters too.
Other highlights include peering out towards Hopetoun House, Blackness Castle, the historic village of Culross and the ‘Iona of the East’, Inchcolm Abbey. Raymond revealed they are looking at plans to land on the largest island in the inner Forth, Inchkeith, to explore its World War Two fortifications. Now that would be a trip worth coming back for!
Treasured Memories
Reluctantly we pulled back into Port Edgar Marina and secured our lines. We’d only been out on the water for a few hours, but we’d hoarded a treasure trove of views, photos and memories. We had people around for dinner afterwards and went on about the sailing so much I reckon they’ll be booking soon. You should too, slainte!
Book Now
You can book a trip on the Chinwag with McIntosh Tours through their website at www.mcintoshtours.co.uk and by phone on 07812-076 302. The ‘standard’ – and they are not by any means standard – tours are two hours long and include binoculars, refreshments and cakes from the Little Bakery, from only £98. Note that McIntosh Tours are very much a ‘land and sea’ operation and they offer superb sightseeing tours on land too.