News
S/Y Halcyon sails into the season with a new crew and new itinerary
Sunday 14th February 2010
Tom Melrose, Halcyon Captain
New Crew
Having just experienced another of her winter layups, including topsides painting and varnishing, at T.Neilson’s yard in Gloucester Docks – S/y Halcyon is emerging in even better shape than previous years thanks to the loving investment of her owner Dr Andrew Armour.
Last year she was accepted as one of the 1000 or so historic ships on the National Historic Ships Register. This acknowledges her place amongst square riggers, mine-sweepers, fishing smacks, yachts and cruise liners as one of the most significant vessels in Britain’s Maritime Heritage. This happily coincides with her placement in the latest addition to the Classic Boat Top Yachts of all time passing the intense scrutiny of one of the most revered judging panels in these matters in the world of Maritime Journalism. S/y Halcyon was also the subject of an article in the February Issue of Classic Boat by IPC Cartoonist Guy Venables who waxed lyrical about the Halcyon Experience he had last year.
S/y Halcyon has an exciting itinerary planed for 2010 including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, The Caledonian Canal and the Isles of Scilly. She is also destined to spend some time in London and Edinburgh where the crew will be hosting some special buffet lunches, cocktails and evening dinners – perfect for corporate clients who want a completely unique entertainment event.
In 2010 S/y Halcyon is joined by a NEW CREW including Skipper, Hospitality Director and 1st Mate. They replace Rob Hickman and Annette Corder who worked so happily aboard for 4 years. Rob has now gone off to be 1st Mate aboard a large Motor Yacht in the Mediterranean to be joined at the start of the season by Annette. The new crew joined Halcyon in February and are very much looking forward to entertaining our guests aboard during the coming season.
Tom Melrose ( Captain ) joins S/y Halcyon from a spell as Cruise co-ordinator for the World Cruising Club in Cowes and met up with Halcyon during the Classic Malts Cruise in Oban last year. He comes from a family of sailors and has been sailing since he was four. He has been a Professional Yachtsman since 1993 and sailed a huge variety of craft from 36ft race boats and Maxis to a 140ft super yacht. He is very enthusiastic about looking after Halcyon in the style to which she has become accustomed. With his love of sailing and his calm professional manner, Tom looks forward to sharing his knowledge and joy of sailing with you onboard Halcyon as we continue our journeys through some of the most beautiful and exhilarating cruising grounds in the world.
Amanda Drewery ( Hospitality Director / Chef ) was born into the hospitality industry, having been born into a family of hoteliers on the Isle of Wight. She has worked in Hotels, The Ivy Restaurant and Premier League Football Clubs before deciding to continue her career at sea. Amanda has recently completed an 18 month trip on a busy live aboard yacht as a chef/hostess as it completed two transatlantic passages and busy Caribbean and Mediterranean season so she certainly knows how to victual a yacht for long trips! She is really looking forward to cruising the UK where fresh provisions are more readily available and is very excited about the challenges of delivering the fine cuisine that is a mark of a Halcyon cruise. She looks forward to welcoming you aboard HALYCON and making your stay so enjoyable that the memories will last a lifetime.
Simon Smith ( 1st Mate ) grew up in the Lake District where he acquired a taste for the outdoor life and from a very young age began working at the local chandlers and boat yard, learning sailing as a trade and being inspired by those who have now become his closest friends. Simon pursued his sailing and moved to the south coast of the UK where he gained his YachtMaster Ocean qualification. He raced on yachts in the Solent with high level professionals achieving excellent results, including many podium finishes both as a skipper and crew. 2009 brought opportunities to work abroad in Germany, France and the Baltic. It was here that a dormant passion for old wooden boats was reignited as he took the reins of a 20m 98yr old wooden ketch SY Orm. Simon was thrilled to receive the call to make him 1st Mate aboard Halcyon for the 2010 season and is looking forward to working to make this season both an enjoyable and prosperous one for both the crew and charter guests.
For more information or to join us on a cruise call us on +44 (0) 7711696195 or go to: www.halcyonyachtcharter.com or email bookings@halcyonyachtcharter.com