Grand Banks 42 Motor Yacht, LAZAWAY – a Hebridean adventure

If you’re dreaming of a motor yacht adventure through Scotland’s stunning Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Grand Banks 42, LAZAWAY offers an unforgettable experience. Known for her classic craftsmanship, seaworthiness, and timeless elegance, LAZAWAY is more than a vessel — she’s a ticket to discovery, wildlife encounters, and hidden island treasures. Below, the yacht’s owner shares their remarkable two-week Hebridean cruise in May 2025.

Setting Sail from Bangor: Gateway to the Scottish Isles

“LAZAWAY, spent the second half of May 2025 cruising the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and she took us with her. What a treat! Two weeks of pockling about, guided by the weather, tides and our whims. What could be better?

Our home port is Bangor in Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Western Isles are our cruising grounds of choice. To get there involves traversing the North Channel, passing the Mull of Kintyre, our gateway to the Isles. The weather needs to be good, and it was.

Wildlife and Whisky: Anchoring at Islay and Oronsay

Our first stop was an anchorage amongst the Ardmore Islands on the SE corner of island of Islay (we’ve often stopped at the marina at Port Ellen on this whisky island – brilliant for accessing the distilleries), where Harbour Seals, Great Northern Divers and a Sea Eagle watched us as we watched them.

^ Oronsay Anchorage

Our next stop was another anchorage at Oronsay following a short early afternoon cruise, running with the tide, north through the Sound of Islay.

^ Arthur’s Head Light House – south end of Sound of Islay

Good views of 3 distilleries, including the brand new Ardnahoe distillery (a lovely dram). Our early arrival on Oronsay allowed us to go ashore and explore The Priory built in the early 1300s and now a well maintained ruin. Many waders and marshland passerines in evidence on this wonderful island.

Magical Mull: Dolphins, Whales, and Robert Louis Stevenson

Next day, morning coffee was whilst anchored in David Balfour Bay on the SW corner of Mull – an exquisite turquoise sandy bay used as a filming location for ‘Kidnapped’, a Robert Louis Stevenson book.

^ David Balfour Bay

En route to Tobermory we saw a Minke whale and then were joined by 5 Bottlenose Dolphins – we loved their exuberant exploitation of LAZAWAY’s pressure waves. Next stop Tobermory, and a BBQ on board on a fabulous calm warm evening.

^ Bottlenose Dolphin

Barra: Outer Hebrides’ Hidden Gem

After a day in colourful Tobermory we headed NW across the south end of The Minch to the island of Barra – one of the most southernly of the Outer Hebrides, and a destination we have long wanted to get to.

^ Colourful Tobermory

Harbour Porpoises and another Minke whale showed themselves along the way, before arriving at the Castlebay pontoon where waters are crystal clear the community welcoming.

^ Bagh a Deas on south end of Vatersay

Two full days on this fabulous island involved an electric bike circumnavigation (including the best ever scallop lunch at the airport – the one where planes land on the beach), a hike up Heabhal (the highest point on the island), a visit across the causeway to adjacent Vatersay Island, and walking the many white sand beaches. Wonderful.

Exploring Mallaig and Fort William: Culture and Cuisine

Barra is one of the best places we have ever visited, but with a deteriorating forecast we headed east across The Minch again, to hole up in Mallaig. Not that we minded. We really like Mallaig with its superb bakery, and excellent restaurants.

^ Glenfinnan Viaduct

While the weather was not so good we visited Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame), had a day in Fort William (great museum), explored local walks, and socialized with friends first met a couple of seasons ago.

Returning Home: Oban to Bangor

Eventually the weather eased and we headed south, first to Oban (another favourite of ours), and then a long haul south from Oban – past Kintyre in calm seas – to our home port of Bangor.

What a wonderful trip with its island destinations, marine wildlife and great company. This is why LAZAWAY has been a treasure trove of adventures.”

^ LAZAWAY docked at Tobermory Marina

LAZAWAY is currently for sale with Berthon, and ready for more cruising adventures with new owners.

You will find her full Sales Particulars here:
https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/grand-banks-42-motor-yacht-lazaway/

For more information, please do get in touch with hugh.rayner@berthon.co.uk.

About Hugh Rayner | Meet the Berthon Sales Group