An Article that appeared in Yachting Life by Paul Jeffes

Closer to home, in fact right here in Largs, we have news of another Mr. Thomson with a new boat. I was recently invited for a spin on Brian Thomson’s magnificent brand new cruising catamaran “DUALIST”.  His company, aptly named 7 Degrees West, based in Largs Yacht Haven, will bring a new dimension to luxurious cruising on the Clyde.

The corporate charter business has been popular here for years largely due to the outstanding sailing area all within easy reach, but Brian is setting out to raise the game to a whole new level.

This is no ordinary corporate sailing.  Not only does the boat have more than double the deck space of your average 50 footer, but she also has a huge cockpit, which can be quickly enclosed for those ‘occasional’ driech days that can occur particularly in the West of Scotland.

The interior is cavernous and with an engine in each hull manoeuvring, even in the confined space of the marina, is a breeze, in spite of her vast deck area.

The company has also put together a very attractive package of optional activities, which includes travel to and from the centre of the city to remote locations anywhere with flat water, by float plane. Alternatively a distillery tour, quad bikes (ashore!), clay pigeon shooting, and for the seriously business minded can take your whole party via the stunning Kyles of Bute to Portavadie marina where there is now an impressive modern conference facility.

This is so clearly the ideal boat for the job, it’s a wonder no one thought of it before.

Whilst the present climate may not be ideal for launching such a new venture, I predict it will become a very popular venue for business entertaining or simply for a great day out. 

Paul Jeffes (Yachting Lifes Sailing Correspondent)

Just a quick note to thank you and Nick for a great experience yesterday afternoon, thoroughly enjoyable, interesting and educational. The catamaran is indeed a thing of beauty and felt so safe and secure steering her, if that is the right phrase, albeit a bit scary particularly leaving the Marina at the start of journey…

Again please accept my thanks and gratitude for yesterday and also pass on my thanks to Nick.

 Ian Harvey ( Stewarton ) 

 

 Sailing is Good for you and your Clients

Over the years I have always believed in the value of client entertaining as a means of fostering strong relationships with my customers. 

For my company events included the obvious ones including golf, rugby, football and horse racing. These events can become repetitive and do not necessarily provide the best opportunity to develop a business relationship.

As a keen sailor I asked myself how my clients would react to a days sailing as a corporate outing. Grasping the nettle I asked a number of customers to join me for a days sail on the Firth of Clyde. The response was immediate and positive.  For many it was a unique experience and one that they enjoyed and appreciated. Many remarked on how they had loved the ‘all in the same boat’ aspect and how much that had contributed to their enjoyment.

 From my own perspective I was confident that the my company benefitted from improved client relationships as a result of increased time spent ‘one to one’ with guests.

Gordon Rennie
MD, Singer and Friedlander Commercial Finance Ltd. (Edinburgh)

 

      A fantastic day’s sailing , on surely one of the most well appointed sailing craft on the West Coast of Scotland . My wife, two teenage sons and I had  the opportunity not only to view  the beauty of the Clyde coastline and its islands from the water, but also to learn the rudiments of sailing from a skilled  and knowledgeable skipper  and with a splendid lunch thrown in !

 The Hayton family (Houston)

I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend, to anyone who likes to appreciate the beauty which the West of Scotland has to offer, to take a sail on Dualist .

 This stylish catamaran was a luxurious way to view the stunning West Coast scenery and the most dramatic coast line. Seeing the towering peaks of Goat Fell on Arran, to the  rolling hills and  white sandy beaches round Bute and Cumbrae,

 It could not have looked more beautiful, hidden away, only accessible from the sea, the views were second to none.

 The hospitality on board was refreshingly original, with locally sourced produce to savour with the scenery.

 The most memorable birthday treat to date (and I have had a few !),

 Many thanks to all, especially to Moira, Brian and crew, whose hospitality will soon be as legendary as the experience.

 Jane and Hugh Whiteford with friends (Dunlop)