#26 | Exploring Islay: Whisky, Adventures and Unexpected Friendships

Join us on an unforgettable journey as we find ourselves marooned on the captivating island of Islay due to high winds. Despite the unexpected circumstances, we seize the opportunity to uncover the hidden treasures of this remarkable island. Our mission? To visit all nine whisky distilleries that contribute to Islay's thriving whisky production, leading us to thrilling discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
Embracing the spirit of adventure, we explore Islay by various means, including buses, hiking, and even hitchhiking. Our exploration takes us to the enchanting Singing Sands Beach, where the harmony of nature fills the air, and to the ancient cemeteries of Kilnaughton, steeped in local history.
On our journey, we have the pleasure of making new friends who enhance our experience. Meet Rick, Craig, Jeff, and Craig from the USA, with whom we share more than a car ride. We also have the pleasure of connecting with the crew of the sailing vessel Babig - Aurélie, Manu, and baby Gaël - whose shared passion for exploration and love for the open seas unite us in friendship.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, the warm hospitality, and the rich culture of Islay. Join us as we embark on this extraordinary adventure, where whisky, friendship, and unexpected encounters intertwine to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Sláinte to Islay!
#Islay #whisky #friendship #nature #islandlife #scotland #distilleries
Chapters:
02:14 Laphroaig Distillery & Otters
04:18 Lagavulin Distillery & the legendary Iain McArthur
06:15 Ardbeg Distillery
08:17 Bowmore Distillery
09:23 Porthahaven
10:52 Bruichladdich Distillery
11:47 Bunnahabain Distillery
14:12 Ardnahoe Distillery
14:39 Caol Ila Distillery
15:36 Of Singing Sands and Cemeteries
19:10 Kilchoman Distillery
Music from Epidemic Sound:
Stay With Us by Sleeping Vines
Swept Off My Feet by Lindsay Abraham
The Waves by Ciaran Delaney
Choir Hymn by More Than Family
Home Made by Martin Carlberg
September Child by Vendla
Free Form by Amaranth Cove
Just In A Flicker by Lalo Brickman
Eternal Brilliance by Deskant
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/ sailingpolaris
/ sailingpolaris
www.sailingpol...
Hi and welcome to our channel! Join us on our incredible sailing adventure aboard our beloved sailing yacht, Polaris Helvetica, a Bavaria Cruiser 46. After leaving our native Switzerland and settling in the UK almost two decades ago, we made a life-changing decision in 2021. With our three boys grown and flown, we bid farewell to the rat race in London and embraced a new chapter aboard Polaris as our primary floating home.
Throughout the years, we have embarked on numerous upgrades to enhance our sailing experience on Polaris. We swapped the standard propane gas cooker for an electric cooker and oven, installed a generator, and upgraded to a lithium (LiFePo) house battery bank. Additionally, we added 1,200W of solar panels and a water maker to ensure self-sufficiency on the open seas. The inclusion of a third reefing point on the mainsail and an inner forestay for a working jib and a storm sail further enhances Polaris as a comfortable and safe live-aboard yacht. We now sail along Scotland's breathtaking coastline, enjoying year-round living on our floating oasis.
Join us as Kathrin showcases her culinary talents in the galley, preparing delicious meals and mouthwatering baked treats while we navigate the seas. We have truly fallen in love with our new lifestyle, despite the tough decisions we had to make along the way. We bid farewell to our rented house in London and let go of belongings that couldn't fit aboard Polaris. The liberating feeling of knowing that everything we own is on our small sailing boat is indescribable. Our focus is on embracing freedom, exploring new destinations, uncovering the rich histories they hold, and forging connections with fellow adventurers we meet along the way.
Subscribe to our channel and join us on this extraordinary journey as we share the beauty of life afloat on SV Polaris Helvetica. Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you won't miss any of our captivating episodes. Fair winds and smooth sailing!
#sailing #liveaboard #adventure #travel #sailboatlife #sailingcouple #sailingadventure #yachtlife #offthegrid #exploration #sealovers

[@Craig-ji7ih]

Hi Daniel and Kathrin, it's the other Craig. Great video, so much fun to see your adventures on Islay and remembering our visits to those distilleries. Enjoying a couple of drams on your boat was definitely a highlight. Safe travels.

[@sailingpolaris]

Hey Craig, great to hear from you again and thanks for watching! Our tour around Islay is unforgettable. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), our nectar levels are going down quickly and I think we might have to sail there again soon… 😎

[@robertdawe2577]

Great video , brings back some fantastic memories of sailing in Scotland, good luck to you both and stay safe

[@sailingpolaris]

Thanks for watching! It is stunning here indeed!

[@szymondworski]

Epic trail! And what a great hospitality from Lagavulin! That is my favourite as well :) Sands on polish beaches also make that squeaky sound when you walk on them. Fair winds! :)

[@sailingpolaris]

Thanks Szymon! Happy sailing!!

[@maurizioferrario1949]

Wonderful Video Daniel. I can't wait to be there

[@sailingpolaris]

It‘s definitely worth a visit. 😎 🥃

[@rollingpuck]

Well done, Daniel. I shared it with the other guys. We can't wait to get back to Islay. We're talking September of 2024. Cheers!

[@sailingpolaris]

We will make the jump to the Faroe Islands tomorrow… no whisky there so, guess how our bilges look like… 😇😎

[@rollingpuck]

@@sailingpolaris Fair winds and a Following Sea...keep an eye on that precious bilge cargo. Slainte!

[@AdventureNow]

It feels strange to post this comment when we are moored alongside you!!! What a great episode. Funny, informative and poetic. The only problem was that with so much whisky talk I had to pause it half way through to pour myself a dram 🥃😀 Loved it! ❤

[@sailingpolaris]

Lol! Eagerly waiting for yours then!! 🤙🏻

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

Just subscribed. Planning to sail to Scotland next year from Ireland so starting our research. Thanks for the fantastic videos

[@sailingpolaris]

Welcome aboard and thanks for subscribing. PM me if you wish more information on anything. Happy to share our experiences.

[@agentdouble-osoul158]

Brilliant video. Massive thanks for the mini documentary :) Bravo!

[@sailingpolaris]

Thank you! (As you can imagine we had loads of fun on Islay… ). Thanks for sticking with us, most appreciated!

[@agentdouble-osoul158]

@@sailingpolaris I’m trying to pluck up the courage to purchase a live-aboard sailboat. It’s been almost twenty years since I sold my last boat. I just retired and I’m dreaming of sailing again! I’m watching copious amounts of sailing videos on KZbin..

[@sailingpolaris]

@agentdouble-osoul158 just do it! It may look scary at the beginning and it is a massive change in lifestyle. But for us it is so totally worth it!

[@agentdouble-osoul158]

@@sailingpolaris Thanks for the encouragement. I sailed around Mexico, Cuba and Belize, etc, singlehanded for 4 years back in 2000-04 and I promised myself I wouldn’t do it alone again! I had a grand time and met so many wonderful people. I’m constantly looking for the “perfect rig”, if there is such a thing! It’s safe to say I’ll be going it alone again, even though I have a good friend who lives in NY who said she’ll join me when I get to a port/anchorage :)

[@antonmanuel4772]

Another great video, I do wonder if are now working for the Scottish Whisky Board??!!

[@sailingpolaris]

I am still waiting for their invitation, Anton… 😂 thanks for watching!

[@finding_mojo]

I'm guessing Polaris' drinks locker was well stocked after this trip!

[@sailingpolaris]

Yes, indeed - was needed for the trip ahead… 😎