Noonmark VI

Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the renowned Swan 56 Noonmark VI as she cruises Scotland’s beautiful west coast, offering superb sailing, delicious food, and breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 4-6
Number of bathrooms: 2 x shared heads with shower
Cabin configuration: 1 x twin berth cabin, 1x four berth aft cabin
Smoking policy: On deck only, downwind.

Particulars

Port of Registration: London, UK
Year built: 1998
Length overall: 17.5m
Draft: 3m
Sail Area: 160 SQM
Number of Sails: 4 (Main sail, Genoa, Staysail, Asymmetric Spinaker)
Rig: Masthead Sloop
Crew: 2

View sailing schedule & book

Description

Spending her summer season sailing the West Coast of Scotland, the renowned Swan 56 yacht Noonmark VI explores the Hebrides, Orkneys and the Shetland Islands. Choose from week-long voyages or longer expeditions to the more remote outer islands. Wherever you explore, think remote anchorages and dramatic Scottish landscapes while enjoying smooth sailing and comfort aboard.

Noonmark VI is a comfortable offshore cruiser racer that has literally travelled the world. She has competed in many prestigious events with great success. Until her current owner bought her in 2024, she had the same full-time captain maintaining her to an excellent standard, regardless of costs, for over 25 years.

Noonmark VI is now owned and skippered by Iain Forsyth, a true Scotsman hailing from the West Coast of Scotland. Sailing has been an inherent part of his life from an early age. Noonmark VI is the perfect all-rounder, from confident beginners to sailing adventurers; she offers a great mix of comfortable cruising and hands-on sailing under the watchful eye of her experienced skipper.

Guests are actively encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing. With a spacious deck and 13 winches (four of which are electric), there are ample opportunities to help with setting sails, helming, and passage planning. Alternatively, you can sit back and enjoy the view as she cuts through the water at a good, and sometimes exhilarating, cruising speed.

Offering premium berth accommodation to suit all guests, from private charters to solo travellers. She features a comfortable interior with both heating (essential for Scotland!) and air conditioning. She is also equipped with a Quooker tap for an instant supply of hot water, ensuring a constant supply of hot drinks on the water!

Life onboard

Life aboard Noonmark VI is centred around good food, great sailing, and the beauty of the Scottish islands.

A Typical Day

After a substantial breakfast, you typically set sail mid-morning, with the aim of arriving at your destination late afternoon. This timing is deliberate; it gives everyone the chance to stretch their legs and explore ashore before settling down for a well-earned social evening meal. This is a great time to recap the day’s sailing and discuss the plans for the following day.

Eating aboard

Food is an essential part of the experience aboard Noonmark VI. Iain prides himself on providing a variety of meals that utilise the abundance of superb local produce available on the West Coast. From continental breakfasts, wholesome lunches and hearty dinners, all food is freshly cooked aboard and included in the ticket price.

Noonmark VI yacht anchored off the isle of Gigha, Mull of Kintyre, Hebrides, Scotland

Getting Involved

Guests are welcome to get as involved as they like, from simply relaxing and enjoying the views to participating in all sailing activities. Skipper Iain is happy to involve guests in everything from passage planning to setting the sails and taking a spell on the helm. Depending on the weather, mix up your overnight stops between secluded, beautiful anchorages and lively marinas, ensuring you experience the full spectrum of what Scotland has to offer.

Noonmark VI was built for racing and speed while maintaining ultimate crew comfort aboard. With only the owner before Iain, she has been beautifully kept. She makes a great boat for learning the ropes while simultaneously offering a more exhilarating experience for those with previous sailing experience.

Below decks

Noonmark VI is a beautifully appointed boat, both above and below decks. She boasts a double cockpit and a wide, uncluttered deck space perfect for socialising or getting involved with sailing.

With three private cabins (2x twin bunk cabins and 1x two bunk cabin), expect warm interiors and a communal atmosphere. A large saloon with sofa seating makes the perfect space for socialising, eating and entertaining after an exhilarating day on the water.

Meet the crew of NOONMARK VI

Noonmark VI is owned and skippered by Iain Forsyth. Having grown up on an island off the West Coast of Scotland, sailing was part of his life from an early age. After a successful career in the world of sport, which involved extensive world travel, he decided to return to his passion.

Iain spent two years searching for the perfect vessel to offer skippered charter in Scotland, and eventually couldn’t resist the exceptional pedigree and renowned build quality of a Swan 56 . He is a commercially endorsed Yacht Master Offshore in both sail and power, having logged many thousands of coastal and offshore miles. His personal knowledge of the Scottish coastline ensures guests benefit from his local insights into the best anchorages and hidden gems.

The history

Built in 1998 by the legendary Finnish yard Nautor’s Swan, Noonmark VI is one of just 46 Swan 56s ever produced—a model revered for its blend of strength, performance, and elegance. Designed by Germán Frers, the Swan 56 is a true cruiser-racer: a fast, seaworthy yacht capable of offshore passages and top-tier racing. Constructed with Kevlar-reinforced fibreglass, Noonmark VI exemplifies the over-engineered, ocean-ready build quality for which Swan is world-renowned.

After her launch in 1998, Noonmark VI quickly made a name for herself on the international racing circuit. In the 2002 Swan Cup, she famously won the opening Bvlgari Race Day after rescuing a man overboard from a rival yacht, earning redress and widespread respect for seamanship under pressure.

Her competitive record includes podium finishes in major offshore races. She placed 3rd overall in the 2012 Round Ireland Race and claimed victory in the 2010 Newport–Bermuda Race, winning the Gibbs Hill Division and earning the Swan East American Challenge Trophy. Even against larger or newer yachts, Noonmark VI remained a consistent contender. Her strong hull, efficient rig, and balanced helm keep her competitive across all sea conditions.

Maintained to an exceptional standard, with updated new teak decks, rod rigging, electronics, and a modified Hugh Welbourne-designed keel, Noonmark VI today stands as both a legacy racer and a comfortable long-distance cruiser.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, water, hot drinks and fruit juice are all included.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Noonmark VI can cater for vegetarians but no vegans or gluten free.
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for alcohol stocked with all the favourites. Tabs can be paid at the end of the voyage.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are two twin bunk cabins and one 4-berth aft cabin
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
There is a porthole in the aft cabin, but not the twin cabin.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
There are 2 toilets and showers shared by guests and crew.
Is bedding included?
All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
Yes there is!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, there is not a laundry service available onboard.
Is there air con/heating on board?
Yes, there is full heating and air-conditioning running throughout the boat.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
What language is spoken onboard?
The common language is English.
Is there WIFI?
When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data. Noonmark also has Starlink. There is no extra charge but guests are asked to be mindful of their usage.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes - there are UK 3pin power sockets in all cabins.
What is the currency on board?
GBP in cash
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes, there are adult life jackets aboard.
How do I get on and off the boat?
There is a boarding ladder at the beam of the boat.
Are Waterproofs provided?
Yes - there are average sized Musto Performance sailing jackets and salopettes for guests. There must be ordered with Skipper Iain before arrival.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not - just a love for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
No she does not.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but if you're worried, we recommend taking tablets 24 hours before you travel.
Is there an age limit?
Minimum age of 16 and maximum age in 70 years depends on physical fitness. For private charter the minimum age is 12 years.