Zuza

Zuza is an expedition yacht based on the West Coast of Scotland. Offering wildlife watching sailing holidays exploring the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Skye, Mull, the Small Isles and St Kilda. She has an interesting history in marine research and was purpose-built for live-aboard use, so guests can travel in comfort whilst being served delicious food in the spacious living areas; perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views.

Accommodation

Guest berths: 8
Cabin configuration: 2x twin cabins with shared bathroom, 2x double ensuite cabins
Number of bathrooms: 3
Smoking on board?: On deck, downwind.

Particulars

Port of Registration: Cape Town
Year built: 1998
Length overall: 22m/72'
Draft: 1.95m/6'4"
Beam: 5m/16'4"
Number of sails: 3
Rig: Bermudan Cutter
Crew: 3

View sailing schedule & book

Description

Zuza is a modern yacht with a simple rig and double hull, making her very smooth and steady on the water. With an undercover wheelhouse, she is perfect for those who want to learn more about sailing and exploring the more remote areas of the Hebrides. You don’t need any experience to join Zuza, and guest participation is optional.

With an experienced crew, she spends her summer season sailing the Inner and Outer Hebrides in Scotland, with voyages to the far-flung archipelago of St Kilda, to the sweet islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa. She explores the Small Isles to the Isle of Skye and everything in between. From taster sailing weekends, week-long voyages to longer expedition adventures, she has something to suit everyone.

Zuza can sail to places inaccessible to larger cruise boats, making her perfect for sailing holidays in Scotland. Her quiet approach also stands her in good stead as not to scare off wildlife, which means she can get as close as is fair to the marine and wildlife that call Scotland home.

Sleeping eight guests with versatile living spaces both above and below decks, she’s a comfortable boat. She has two private double-ensuite cabins and two private twin-berth cabins with bunk-bed-style accommodation that share a bathroom.

Zuza’s versatile accommodation makes her a great fit for all party sizes, whether you are a smaller group, a couple, a solo traveller, or looking for a private charter. She has a comfortable saloon that is perfect for getting to know each other, trading sea-faring stories and enjoying some of the delicious food prepared by the chef.

Life onboard

One of comfort, with spacious communal areas, private cabins and a covered wheelhouse with 360-degree windows. Unlike most modern yachts, Zuza has sturdy handrails around the entire deck, providing safe walking and lots of places to sit comfortably while wildlife-spotting.

Getting involved

A modern expedition yacht, Zuza is an excellent boat for those looking to improve and learn new skills at sea. The perfect boat for beginners, her crew are well-versed in showing guests the ropes. That being said, with her simple winch and navigation system, the crew can sail her alone, so guests can just sit back, relax and enjoy the views if they prefer.

Sleeping and relaxation

If you fancy a swim, there’s a diving platform which is also used for boarding the tender for daily shore excursions. Three steps downstairs bring you to the large saloon where breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served. The saloon also has wrap-around windows, so if the weather takes a turn, you can still enjoy the view in pure comfort. Here you can also help yourself to fruit, biscuits and drinks throughout your trip.

On the saloon level, Zuza has two double ensuite cabins, where you can lie with the hatch open to watch the stars at night. Down another three steps is a corridor to two twin cabins that share a toilet with a shower.

Zuza has an entirely enclosed wheelhouse with 360-degree windows, a large table, and a comfortable sofa, so no matter what the weather, you’re right in the hot seat, warm and dry. This is where the helm is, so you are welcome to steer Zuza and learn about all the navigation or simply sit back with tea and cake and watch the world go by.

Dining aboard

Breakfast is usually served with cereals, toast, porridge, fresh fruit, and yoghurt, followed by a cooked option. This is also where the plan for the day is discussed, along with the latest weather forecast. You’ll have lunch whilst sailing; the menu varies, but you can guarantee there’s always lots of it! Soup and homemade bread, cold meats, salad, quiche and baked potatoes are just some of the options. Some days may be a packed lunch if you’re ashore walking, and always followed by afternoon tea or cake.

Dinner is usually at anchor, having returned from a shore excursion to a hearty meal of local produce perfectly cooked by Zuza’s onboard chef. A dessert or deluxe cheeseboard with drinks and coffee while you share your travelling stories.

Zuza expedition yacht meal onboard lunch dining

Zuza expedition yacht dining onboard food

A typical Day

After a hearty breakfast, the skipper will discuss the plan for the day, based on the current weather forecasts. The crew will then get together to get the boat ready, preparing lines and lifting the anchors. If guests want to get involved, there is something for all ages and abilities. Usually, you’ll spend the morning sailing before exploring ashore in the afternoon. Lunch is most often served underway, while evening meals are served at anchor. For longer expedition voyages, there may be longer hours under sail, but generally the skipper aims to go ashore at least once a day.

Meet the crew of ZUZA

Helen Walker is the lead skipper on Zuza, but she works in rotation with Phil and Michelle, who have been sailing with Zuza for a few years throughout the season.

Having been a professional sailor for 20 years, Helen has gained some diverse experience on the water. She has worked as a charter skipper for several sailing schools and sail training organisations, and has gained multiple qualifications in all things sailing along the way. With untouched wildlife, dramatic coastlines and good food, skippering expedition yacht Zuza is a dream come true for Helen.

“Sailing from Oban, Scotland, just offers so many diverse options to explore this stunning corner of the planet. There are 790 islands in Scotland which vary in culture, language, music and, of course, whisky! The wildlife is spectacular and a photographer’s dream. A single day can bring otters, many species of dolphins, basking sharks, and, as for birds, there’s no place like the Shiant Islands or St. Kilda for colonies of tens of thousands of gannets, puffins, fulmars, guillemots and more. Just a short cruise from Oban takes you to the Treshnish islands, which are the place to get up close to puffins, or to Rum, where the Manx shearwaters breed. One of the greatest, almost guaranteed sightings is that of golden and white-tailed eagles – first mate Sarah is a bit of a fanatic and will be on deck spotting most of the time!”

Out of season, Helen continues to keep her hand in teaching at sailing schools in the UK, and when she’s not at sea, she spends her time around the west coast, generally up a large hill walking, running, biking, or skiing, should the climate allow!

The history

Built in 1998, Zuza has had an interesting life on the water. After being launched in South Africa, the British Royal Geographical Society chose Zuza as an offshore base for an international marine research project off the east coast of Africa, where her features and reliability facilitated groundbreaking research.

She was designed and built in 1998 in Cape Town, South Africa, by Eraco, a company specialising in the construction of aluminium craft for the commercial and defence industries. Zuza was built to sail the globe, and, with the ability to be self-sufficient for long periods at sea, she has worked in some exotic locations, coping admirably with a variety of extreme weather conditions.

Soon after she was built, the British Royal Geographical Society chose Zuza as an offshore base for international marine research projects off the east coast of Africa, where her features and reliability facilitated groundbreaking research. This interest in marine conservation and wildlife is reflected in her charters today. Unlike larger wildlife-spotting cruisers in the area, Zuza can safely get much closer to many magnificent wildlife spots around the Hebrides, Scotland. Offering her guests a unique and one-off opportunity to visit uninhabited locations and islands that are part of Seabird protection schemes.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals are included in the price unless you go ashore.(Breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft/hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Meat eaters and vegetarians only. It's a small galley!
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Zuza has 2 double ensuite bed cabins and 2 twin bunk cabins.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have at least one window and/or deck hatch.
How many toilets/showers does she have?
An ensuite with each double cabin and a shared bathroom for the twin cabins.
Are bedding and towels provided?
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?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Zuza does not have laundry on board.
Is there heating on board?
Yes, there is heating throughout the boat.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew! Most guests pass tips to the Skipper who then shares the amount between the crew.
What language is spoken on board?
English
Is there WIFI on board?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G.
Can I charge my phone and camera?
Zuza has 5v USB-A sockets, 12v car cigarette lighter type sockets and 230v UK 3 pin mains sockets.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling. Cash only on board.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
Zuza is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.
Are there waterproofs available?
Zuza does have some aboard for emergencies, but please bring your own if you can.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not - just a love for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
No, but she does have some fishing gear!
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently on a boat. Zuza has a double hull so is very steady and smooth to sail - which helps with the motion of the boat. We recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
8+ years but 8-18yrs please check with the office as it can vary from voyage to voyage.