Scottish crew welcome Old Pulteney ‘home’ ahead of Scotland Boat Show
08 October 2014
Skipper Patrick van der Zijden and race crew members past, present and future have arrived in Scotland on board Old Pulteney today as the Clipper 70 prepares to make its debut as Scotland’s largest boat show this weekend.
The delivery team on board, including 2011-12, 2013-14 and 2015-16 race crew, departed from Clipper Race HQ in Gosport last Saturday but had to divert via Falmouth briefly, due to adverse weather conditions.
Representing the ‘maritime malt’ distilled in the north of Scotland at Wick, the Old Pulteney yacht will be a star attraction at the Scotland Boat Show, taking place 10-12 October.
Skipper Patrick van der Zijden says: “We had a great crew on board for the delivery. It was really nice to have a mixture of experienced and future crew who were able to get a superb taste of what is to come.
“Early on in the trip we had weather reports of Force 10 gales approaching so we took the decision to divert to Falmouth and avoid the worst of it, which turned out to be a good decision. The rest of the trip has seen some lovely sailing, with decent winds and some rather tasty conditions at times.
“It feels great to finally be in Scotland, a place that supported myself and the Old Pulteney team so well during the race. We’re looking forward to a great few days up here with old and new friends.”
Catherine Devlin from the Isle of Skye took part in the Clipper 2011-12 Race on board Edinburgh Inspiring Capital. She will be on board Old Pulteney throughout the show to talk about her experience, and said:
“Coming from the Highlands I am thrilled the Clipper Race is taking the Scottish Old Pulteney yacht to the Scotland Boat Show.
“Taking part in the Clipper Race was life changing for me, I learnt so much about myself, about the power of nature and the total joy that yacht racing within a team can bring. I am delighted to be part of the crew sharing my experiences about the race this week and I would encourage anyone with a passion for adventure to jump at this amazing opportunity.”
Old Pulteney open boat tours are free and will run daily throughout the show from 10:00 - 18:00, (including free Old Pulteney whisky tastings from 12pm) located at B Pontoon, number 1.