Reviews

We had a great skippered week on Fidelio in late September 2024. Neil both supported and led a broadly inexperienced crew in a week that included both sailing adventure and Scottish Islands sights and stops. Confidence in the well maintained and capable boat was high at all times, matched by similar confidence in Neil’s close knowledge of the boat and the waters. This not-so-young, mixed nationality crew of English, French, German, Irish and Scots gained an opportunity to be the practical crew in a range of weathers, visit tucked away anchorages, and sight-see at Staffa and Iona, whilst also being comfortable below in the spacious boat. The electric powered dinghy at the rear of the boat was also a plus on this trip.

In general, route planning evolved with the weather and Neil had the flexibility to work along a mixed itinerary that worked for the participants, providing a strong sailing experience combined with, in the event, an overall trip of beauty around the Isle of Mull.

Whilst our own crew’s sailing was not perhaps as ambitious as might be sought by some, it is patently clear that Neil’s experience is there both for more challenging sailing and for those keen to discover both sailing and the area.

Alistair Ware, Sept., 2024

Our charter of Fidelio was a delight from start to finish. Communications with Neil (her owner) were efficient and helpful. The handover process was efficient and informative, with the marina ferry delivering us to the yacht on her mooring buoy and Neil giving us a thorough briefing. Fidelio herself was a pleasure to spend time aboard. She is well equipped, warm and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and a light, airy saloon. We found her very easy to handle and she performed well on all points of sail and sailing on only her Genoa, or main sail. On one day we found ourselves sailing through broken seas, then a good swell in winds up to force 7 and she was a pleasant, stable platform throughout. We will be back to take her out again.