Introducing our Crew members - the people who make our cruises so special

We have now started our ninth season and thought it would be good to highlight our crew members for 2013 - the Majestic Line employs three Crews to operate our two mini-cruise vessels “the Glen Massan” and “the Glen Tarsan” working from April to October each year.  It takes a very special type of person to be a Crew member for our company.  Our Skippers, Engineers, Chefs and Bosuns each use their extensive knowledge of the area and individual expertise to ensure that a Majestic Line cruise is an unforgettable and unique experience for our onboard guests.   

 They all come from very different walks in life with CV’s ranging from environmental biologists to award-winning chefs and experienced skippers and sailors, but a common thread unites each team - a love of the sea and in particular the magical coastal waters and scenery of Argyll and the Hebrides.

Introducing Skipper Martin McWhirr and his team

The Glen Massan is Skippered by Martin McWhirr, ably assisted by Alastair Lamont, Engineer and Michael Grahl, Chef 

Skipper Martin joined The Majestic Line in 2007. Martin returns every season to Skipper with us after spending the winter as a ski-instructor in Switzerland – which he thinks is the perfect job combination!  Martin knows the stunning coastline of Argyll and the Hebrides like the back of his hand after many years experience in sailing this area and is a fount of knowledge on the top spots to see wildlife.  He knows the most tranquil and beautiful stopovers, dropping anchor to catch a stunning sunset or to go ashore to visit a castle or enjoy a shore walk.  He is keen to source local produce, visiting mussel farms, dropping the lobster pots or encouraging guests to try their hand at fishing for mackerel en route.  Guests enjoy gathering in the wheel house with Martin, swapping sea-faring stories and poring over local maps .  While he navigates the sounds and sea lochs, Martin points out all the local landmarks while keeping an eye out for wildlife and recounts stories about the local history and environment.

Engineer Alastair is an environmental biologist, and the company ‘Bush- Tucker Man’. He is a keen and qualified forager for wild plants and is often seen on shore when the boat is at anchor searching for wild mushrooms, thyme and garlic for the onboard menu. Originally from Glasgow, Alistair has seawater running through his veins; after years sailing on a yacht built by his father and grandfather, he just couldn’t stay away from life on the West Coast.  Alistair is well-loved among guests for his enthusiastic cheese pronouncements at dinner.  A self-confessed cheese addict, he waxes lyrical on cheese origins, bouquets and reputations.  When he’s not busy with food or the engine-room, he loves to be out in the tender with guests, perhaps to investigate a deserted island in the half-light before dinner or navigate the rocks around a rugged ancient castle to get a better sense of the history.

Chef Michael Grahl is of German and Canadian descent, and has lived locally in Lochgilphead for many years.  After a very successful first season last year we are delighted that Michael and his 40 years experience as a Chef has returned to us for a second season.  Like all our Chefs, Michael has to conjure up gourmet breakfasts, lunches, snacks, canapés and dinners from a galley kitchen. Preparing and making high quality meals is no mean feat in a kitchen of this size, with not much in the way of surface area or elbow room and Michael is now adept at making the most of the space.  Our menus are all created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients which makes it even harder for our Majestic Line Chefs, but Michael really rose to the challenge and got rave reviews in our guest feedback last season.