By John Dollemore-Hunt
I don’t know what it is about the sea, but it has an irresistible magnetism. I love boats of all sizes, row boats, yachts, ferries, they all give me so much pleasure. So, you can imagine my delight when Willie Munro started Caithness Seacoast Sea Tours with his brand new twin engined 10m (33ft) long Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) ‘Geo Explorer’.
Every time I go to Wick, I always pay a visit to the harbour, the new arrival came to my notice quickly. Willie saw my interest and made his acquaintance. Before I go on, I must tell you a little about Willie. He is a very experienced sea Captain, commanding deep sea tankers, visiting every corner of the world. He applies the same degree of professionalism and attention to detail to his operation on the Geo Explorer as he does on the big ships. Willie invited me on board Geo Explorer, for a typical tour that he operates out of Wick harbour. I did of course accept his kind invitation.
Before boarding, they really do take good care of you at Caithness Seacoast, making sure you are fully kitted out with water proof suits and necessary safety equipment. You don’t need to bring anything special, but I recommend a nice woolly pulley. Even in summer time, the sea air of the North Sea can be chilly. Then it’s off to the boat. Access and boarding couldn’t be easier with the new Wick Marina and Geo Explorer moored conveniently near the entrance. Once on board and safely seated, its time for the engines to start. Geo Explorer boasts not one, but two powerful engines and its design is similar to the new inshore RNLI lifeboats. So, filled with confidence and a sense of adventure, we set off. Slowly at first as we leave harbour, and then speed builds up as we enter the open sea. Willie explains that Geo Explorer cruises at speeds of up to 26 knots (30mph), sea/weather conditions permitting, but he and his Skippers are always mindful of passengers who prefer something a little more sedate.
We head to the south, following the coast line to take in the fantastic views of the towering cliffs that are a feature of the Caithness coastline. Geo Explorer has two crew members so there is time for lots of commentary on where you are, the features and wildlife that can be seen. Even some history thrown in about activities of the herring fleet in days gone by. I really had no idea how abundant the wildlife actually was, or indeed how spectacular the coast looks until I went along on board Geo Explorer. We had plenty of time to visit some of the many rocky inlets, some often used by the herring fleet to land their catch and to admire the wildlife. Simply unforgettable.
Many thanks to Willie and his team, I had a terrific time and I can heartily recommend these sea tours to anyone, young and old. It’s even possible to take a tour from Lybster harbour, check first on the availability. Oh, and make sure you take your camera.
You can find Caithness Seacoast at their web site:
www.caithness-seacoast.co.uk or phone: 01955 609200
